bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ISSR and RAPD primers selection for assessing genetic diversity of Enhalusacoroides (L.f.) Royle
Authors: Pharmawati M , Wrasiati L P , Yowani S C
Published: March 2021

Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) are common PCR-based molecular markers used to study genetic diversity both between and within species. One of important steps in ISSR and RAPD analyses is primer selection to obtain bright PCR products. The aim of this study was to select ISSR and RAPD primers that produced scorable fragments of PCR product for genetic diversity evaluation of seagrass Enhalusacoroides (L.f.) Royle. The study also aimed to compare ISSR and RAPD technique in producing informative fragments. Enhalusacoroides is one seagrass species widely distributed in Indonesia. Seagrass samples were collected from Sanur Coastal Water and from Nusa Dua Coastal Water. DNA was extracted using CTAB method. Ten ISSR primers and eight RAPD primers were tested. Results showed that RAPD was more informative than ISSR. Among ten ISSR primers, only four primers resulted in scorable fragments in all samples, and only one among those primers gave polymorphic pattern. As many as 15 fragments have resulted from three ISSR primers and only 1 fragment was polymorphic. All RAPD primers produced scorable products, and three primers resulted in polymorphic fragments. A total of 42 RAPD fragments were produced and 4 from them were polymorphic fragments
Eco-Friendly Catechin’s Gambir Extraction Using an Ultrasonic Bath
Authors: Anggraini Tuty , Aini Latifa , Rini  , Neswati  , Asben Alfi , Syukri Daimon
Published: March 2021

Gambir is an extract from the gambir plant (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) which has high economic value and potential for development. In Indonesia, the largest gambier-producing region is West Sumatra where traditional methods are still used for the processes of harvesting, steaming, pressing, clumping, draining, printing, and drying. Traditionally processed gambir products generally have a variety of catechins which need to be removed to improve purity. In this study, a range of treatments was trialed to do this using readily available equipment and no dangerous chemicals so they could be easily used by local farmers. It was expected that the appropriate treatment will result in higher quality gambir that can be sold at a higher price. The highest antioxidant activity (1.8940 mg/ml) and catechin levels (933.45 µg / mg) were obtained using the ultrasonic extraction process for 90 minutes. The highest polyphenol content was found in gambir without ultrasonic treatment and was 5.0776 mg/ml
The Response of Juvenile Olive Turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea : The Inclusion of Dried Seaweed and Seagrass in Fish Based-Formulated Feed
Authors: Yusup D S , Rayi Arimurti A , Kusumayuni L P E , Proborini M W
Published: March 2021

A common efforts to improve the survivorship of sea turtle in Indonesia is cage nursery program and fed single food type i.e. fresh fish. Such effort, however, has some constrains such as availability and the sea turtle would tend to be habituated because of single-continuous feeding type. Eventually, it could have impact on to their feeding behaviour and survivorship when it is released to the nature. This study concerns on using easily found dried material suh as fish, sea grass and sea weed. Four feeds type i.e. Fish Pellet (FP); F-Syringodium sp pellet (FSp); Fish-Ulva sp pellet (FUp) and fresh fish (FF)- control, were tested. Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with three replication were applied (totally 9 units + 1 unt for control), four individuals for each experiment unit (totally 40 individuals). The feed are given twice a day (i.e. 8 am and 16 pm). The experiment was run for 8 weeks and sampling of growth response were 2 weeks interval. The results showed that the Fish pellet (FP) resulted in superior response for all criterion ( body weight, length and width of carapace) compared to by fish fresh fish (FF), F-Syringodium sp pellet (FSp) and Fish-Ulva sp pellet (FUp). Daily growth (body weight) were significantly different between diet i.e. 0.71±0.19.g/d, 0.54±0.40 g/d, 0.35±0.77g/d and 0.24±0.30g/d for fish pellet (FP), fresh fish (FF), F-Syringodium sp pellet (FSp) and Fish-Ulva sp pellet (FUp) consecutively (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, the response of carapace length and carapace wide were not significantly different between diets (P > 0.05). The food ratio were FCR > 6 classified low, the efficient feed type (lowest FCR) was shown by fish pllet (FP) feed (i.e. 6.79) and the least efficient (high FCR) was shown by pellet of fish + Ulva sp (FUp) i.e. 24,6. The analysis of body weight – carapace length relationship showed negative allometric (b < 3). The economical analysis on feed production budget indicated that pellet of fish feed (FP) was the highest price, such high cost is due to high price of binder (i.e. CMC). Overall. Overall, the study emphasised that fish pellet feed (FP) was potential feed type to substitute conventional feed i.e. fresh fish for pre released juvenile Olive sea turtle at cage nursery.
Determination of Value-Added and Contributing Organization in the Development of Coconut Water-Based Agro Industry
Authors: Mardesci Hermiza , Santosa  , Nazir Novizar , Hadiguna Rika Ampuh
Published: March 2021

Agroindustry is one of alternatives to elevate the income, both community and country. Therefore, agrarian countries strives to develop the prospective agroindustry by utilizing their own natural resources. Indonesia is one of the world’s top coconut producers and one of its national largest producers are located in Indragiri Hilir, Riau Province. Not only coconut flesh processing, coconut water-based industry is widely found in Indragiri Hilir. The coconut water can be processed into high value-added products, such as nata de coco, candy, soy sauce and syrup. To evaluate its value-added of processed coconut water-based products, analysis of value-added is required to be performed. Moreover, to support the development of coconut water-based agro industry, the presence of supporting organization is also a critical point that should be taken into account. This study was aimed to determine the value-added of coconut water-based products and the contributing institution related to the development of coconut water-based agro industry. Determination of contributing organization was conducted descriptively using the AHP method through questionnaire distribution, interview and literature study. Seven respondents, consisting of academician, extension officer and staff from the local plantation office, were used in this study. Analysis of value-added was performed using Hayami method. The results of this study revealed that the coconut water-based product contributing the highest value-added was candy with IDR 69,980.8/kg. Other products showed relatively low value-added, such as syrup (IDR 23,674.2/kg), soy sauce (IDR 5,220.2/kg) and nata de coco (IDR 960.52/kg), respectively. Type of organization contributing the highest expectation weight (47.8%) resulted from the village-owned enterprise (BumDes).
Primary Macro Nutrient Content, Root Growth, and Crop Growth Analysis of Local Rice Varieties with Intermittent and Continuous Flooding Irrigation
Authors: Isnawan Bambang Heri , Supriyono  , Supriyadi  , Samanhudi
Published: March 2021

An Intermittent irrigation method of rice cultivation aims to reduce water requirements. In Indonesia local rice varieties have the potential to produce high-yielding rice with the itermittent irrigation method to meet food needs in Indonesia. The study about Nutrient uptake, root development, and crop growth analysis of several local rice varieties with intermittent irrigation method aims to determine the suitability of intermittent and continuous flooding irrigation techniques on local rice varieties and to study the response of various local rice varieties to the Nutrient uptake, root development, and crop growth analysis. The research has been conducted on the experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. The method used was the experimental method carried out with field research with an 4 x 2 factorial design of the treatment arranged in a Randomized Completely Block Design with 3 replications. The first factor was rice varieties which consist of 4 varieties, i.e. Rojolele, Pandanwangi, Mentik Wangi, and Ciherang. The second factor was the method of irrigation consisting of 2 kinds, i.e. intermittent irrigation and continuous flooding. Data was analysed with analysis of variance and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at α=5%. The results showed that rice varieties had different responses to macro nutrient uptake. The number of productive tillers of the Cianjur, Rojolele genjah, and Ciherang varieties is greater than the Mentikwangi variety, while the total number of tillers of the Rojolele variety is even greater than the Mentikwangi variety. SRI irrigation can increase the harvest index, whereas conventional irrigation has a higher Crop Growth Rate than SRI irrigation.
Effect Fermentation of Sugarcane Shoots With Phanerochaetechrysosoporiumon the Activity of Lacase Enzymes, Lignin Peroxidase and Manganese Peroxidase
Authors: Astuti Tri , Jamarun Novirman , Arief  , Yanti Gusri
Published: March 2021

Sugarcane shoots are very potential for make feed because there are quite a lot of them. Efforts to use sugarcane shoots by products have been carried out but it is still not optimal. One strategy that can be done is to use it as fermented feed. Main constraints on use of sugarcane shoots for animal feed are nutritional value, low digestibility and high lignin. Lignin physically and chemically is a major factor in the inability of livestock to digest feed ingredients. Fungi that have the ability to degrade high lignin are fungi which are included in the white rot fungi. One of them is Phanerochaetechrysosporium which is known to produce enzyme lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and lacase. Phanerochaetechrysosporium is one of the fungi could break down the bonds and degradate lignin with the help of lignin degrading enzymes. In this study sugarcane shoots were fermented using Phanerochaetechrysosporium. This method study used Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments inoculum dose A (0%), B (5%), C (10%), D (15%) with 5 replications. Data processing by analysis of variance (ANOVA), if it was significantly different in further testing with DMRT. Results showed that treatment C (10%) was the best dose that could be used with the production of lacase enzyme activity 2.016 U / ml, Lignin Peroxidase (LiP) 1.677 U / ml and Manganese peroxidase (MnP) 0.328 U / ml.
Effectiveness of Biopelet Combination of Biochar, Chicken Manure and Fish Waste To Improvement of Chemical Properties of Sandy Soil and Soybean Plant Growth
Authors: Winarso Sugeng , Hermiyanto Bambang , Romadhona Sukron , Pandutama Martinus H. , Setiawati Tri Candra , Indasah
Published: March 2021

Most of the activities of the use of organic fertilizers and natural additions of organic matter in agricultural intensification fields in Indonesia have not been able to compensate for the rate of decline in soil organic matter by the decomposition process. Biochar has high C levels and has The mean residence time (MRT) in long period in the soils. It was proven that biochar application may increase soil Carbon but has not been able to increase the production of plant. Therefore the use of biochar combined with organic waste rich in nutrients is important to be developed. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of some biochar compositions with sugar cane, chicken manure, fish waste in the form of biopelet fertilizer on improving the chemical properties of sandy soils and the vegetative growth of soybean plants. This study used a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with 2 factors, namely: the first factor (B): the composition of Biochar consisted of 3 levels, namely: 1) 70% biochar, 15% chicken manure, 15% fish waste (B1), 2) 50 % biochar, 25% chicken manure, 25% fish waste (B2), 3) 20% biochar, 40% chicken manure, 40% fish waste and the second factor were (D): The dose of biopelet fertilizers, consists of 4 levels, namely: 1) Control (D0 ), 2) 2.5 tons.ha-1 (D1), 3) 5 tons.ha-1 (D2), 4) 10 tons.ha-1 (D3). The results showed that the addition of biopelet fertilizer can effectively improve soil chemical properties (pH, C-organic, and CEC) and the availability of NPK of the sandy soil. The effectiveness of increasing the N-total of soil varies by an average of 32.42 to 75.79%; followed by available P varies between 17.46 to 40.69%, and Kexch between 8.7 to 25.67%. Improvement of soil chemical properties and the availability of NPK by biopelet fertilizer applications could increase plant growth, but reduce the weight of root nodules.
Analysis of metals (Pb, Mn, Cd, Zn, Cu) in Purple Rice and Purple Rice Stems Cultivated Organically using Biogas Slug in Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra Province
Authors: Ketut Budaraga I , Salihat Rera Aga
Published: March 2021

The presence of heavy metals in rice plants can be a problem if the content exceeds the specified threshold. The aim of the study was to determine the content of heavy metals in purple rice stems and purple rice broken rice in Kelonpok Tani Indah Sakato I Kanagarian Kasang, Batang Anai District, Padang Pariaman Regency. Purple rice stem and ‘milled purple rice’ were analysed using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer). . Analysis of heavy metals includes lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd). The results of laboratory analysis showed that lead (Pb) in purple rice straw and milled purple rice was detected at 0.0256 mg / kg and 0.0196 mg / kg. Manganese (Mn) metal was detected at 0.1046 mg / kg and 0.3675 mg / kg, the copper (Cu) metal detected was 0.01165 mg / kg and 0.010815 mg / kg. Furthermore, Cadmium (Cd) metal was detected at 0.01465 mg / kg and 0.0141 mg / kg and zinc (Zn) metal detected at 0.083125 mg / kg and 0.2659 mg / kg. All observations of metal content do not exceed the quality standards set by ANZECC. It can be concluded that Purple rice stem and ‘milled rice’ are safe for consumption.
Determination of Chemical Components and Analysis In Silico Streptomyces drozdowiczii against Acinobacter baumanii
Authors: Kawuri R , Darmayasa I B G , Sukmaningsih AASA
Published: March 2021

Acinobacter baumanii is one of the pathogenic bacteria that has several antibiotic resistance. Streptomyces is a potential bacteria that can produce several antibiotics. Aim of this research were to determine chemical compound and analysis in silico extract of n butanol Streptomyces drozdowiczii. Streptomyces
drozdowiczii showed the presence of 10 peaks identified as Cyclohexene, 1-Methoxy-1-buten-3-yne, Butanenitrite, n-Butyronitrite, 1-Pentane-3-yne-2-methyl, 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexylamine, 9-Borabicyclo (421) nonane-dimer and 3-Methyl-2-oxo-2-pyrane-6-carboxylic acid. Analisis in silico showed an interaction occurs between 5 compounds of Streptomyces that function as antimicrobial agents. The conclusion n butanol extract of S.drozdowiczii has a potential as new antibiotic against A. baumanii
Growth Response of Maize Plant Due to Biochar Rice and Fertilizer of Soil in Kwala Bekala, North of Sumatera
Authors: Lubis Kemala Sari , Hidayat Benny , Siregar Ameilia Zuliyanti , Mayendra
Published: March 2021

Inceptisol of Soil in Kwala Bekala Deli Serdang is the dominant agricultural land cultivated corn crop. However, the results obtained currently do not meet the desired target by farmers. A greenhouse study has been conducted to evaluate the response of corn plant growth through the application of rice husk biochar and manure on Ultisol of Soil in Kwala Bekala, Deli Serdang, North of Sumatera. This research was conducted using Randomized Block Design of Factor (RBDF) with 2 treatments. Treatment I used by biochar rice husk (B) with 4 levels ie B0 (0 g / polybag), B1 (25 g/polybag), B2 (50 g/polybag) and B3 (75 g/polybag). The second treatment is cow manure (S) with 4 levels i.e. S0 (0 g/polybag), S1 (25 g / polybag), S2 (50 g/polybag) and S3 (75 g/polybag). Each combination of treatments. repeated 3 times so that there are 48 experimental units. The results showed that application of rice husk biochar of 50 g / polybag able to increase P uptake of plants by 9.96 mg / maize plant and increase plant height up to 176.17 cm. Application of cow manure of fertilizer of cow as much as 50 g/polybag can increase uptake of P, plant height, root dry weight and corn plant respectively 6.09 mg/plant, 185,78 cm, 17,06 g and 152,58 g. Meanwhile, rice husk (50 g/polybag) intrusion and cow manure (50 g/polybag) were also able to increase P uptake of corn plant up to 5.39 mg/plant.
Anthocyanin Content in Some Black Rice Cultivars
Authors: Sholikhah Ummi , Parjanto  , Handoyo Tri , Yunus Ahmad
Published: March 2021

Rice is one source of staple foods that have high health benefits, especially black rice, because of the presence of anthocyanin, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fibre, and minerals. At present, people are starting to pay attention to nutritious foods with the contents and benefits that support health for their diet pattern. This greatly provides a great opportunity for the development of black rice as one of the cultivars which has high anthocyanin content. Anthocyanin is one of the phenolic compounds that enter flavonoid compounds and function as an antioxidant that has a role for the plant itself and for humans as black rice consumers. Anthocyanin in black rice is the black pigment found in pericaps and tegmen (skin layers) of rice. Some are also found in all layers of rice. This research aimed to determine the anthocyanin content in some black rice cultivars. The analysis used to determine the anthocyanin content is the pH difference method. The results of the experiment showed that from 10 cultivars tested, the highest anthocyanin content was found in Toraja black rice cultivars of 21.12 mb/g, followed by Banjarnegara of 19.3 mg/g and melik black rice of 19.06 mg/g. The results of this research are essential for a breeder for the initial selection of the development of superior black rice varieties to choose the rice plant parent with high anthocyanin content..
Isolation of halo-tolerant bacteria with plant growth-promoting traits
Authors: Sipayung Jaliaman , Tarno Hagus , Chang Pearl
Published: March 2021

Over the last decades, world agriculture has suffered from soil salinity problems such as nutrient deficiency and salt toxicity. The use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) has been widely reported to alleviate salt stress and promote plant growth via various mechanisms including the decrease in ethylene levels and the increase of bioavailability of nutrients. We have tested 39 bacteria stains for their plant growth-promoting traits such as 1-aminocylopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, indole acetic acid (IAA) production as well as phosphate solubilization. The results showed that 33 isolates produced ACC deaminase, ranging from 0.3 to 35.0 µmol -KA/mg/h and 27 isolates produced IAA from 1.4-59.9 µg/mL. Sixteen isolates showed the ability to solubilize bio-unavailable phosphate, resulting in halo-zones in the size of 1.5 to 13.3 mm, with 7 isolates of phosphate solubilization index above 2.0. To conclude, isolates with great potential for plant growth promotion have been isolated. The application of these isolates can be an option to replace chemicals used in current agriculture practices and help the development of sustainable agriculture.
Sustainable Business Models: Challenges on potato agro-industry SMEs
Authors: Maulidah Silvana , Wahib Muhaimin A.
Published: March 2021

Potentially, agro-industrialization presents valu-able opportunities and benefits for developing countries, in terms of overall processes of industrialization and economic development, export performance, food safety and quality. Though most of potato agro-industry is worked on small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), that have multidimensional problems, however the SME sector’s motto for the next millennium is “Think global – Act local”. Potato agro-industries will be sustainable only if they are competitive in terms of costs, prices, operational efficiencies, product quality and flexibility and also integrate the social and green (ecology) issue . In facing the global market, they need to find new ways to avoid wastage through the effective design and operation activities that are efficient in organizational system. Trough the sustainable business models, potato agro-industries have three responsibilities, that are: financial, environmental and social responsibility. The main purposes of this study are analyzing the sustainability business performance and formulating the sustainable business model of the potato agro-industries SMEs. Purpossively, three potato agro-industries actors were determined, as follows: medium, small and micro scale. MDS (Multi Dimensional Scalling) was used for analyzing data with the Rap-Potato (Rapid Appraisal for Potato) method. The results show that the sustainability business performance of medium scale potato agro-industry is in a very sustainable state, small scale and micro scale are in a fairly sustainable state. The sustainable business model for improving performance include: in medium scale agro-industry are: increasing financial access, handling and utilizing waste that disrupts the environment, and increasing product delivery responsiveness. The sustainable business model for small scale agro-industry are: the addition of water sources alternative, increasing income, and increasing financal access; whereas in micro scale agro-industry, the strategies are: arrange the location of agro-industries, increasing family labor participation, and improving product quality.
Development of the PGPR and Cyanobacteria Consortium for Growth Promotion and Control Ralstonia syzigii subsp. indonesiensis of Tomato
Authors: Yanti Yulmira , Hamid Hasmiandy , Reflin
Published: March 2021

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known in various cropping systems to increase plant growth, vigour and plant nutrient contents. cyanobacteria are known to possess the ability to form associations with vascular/non-vascular plants and produce growth-promoting substances. The present work was undertaken to formulate the best effective consortium consist of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium and cyanobacteria to promote growth rate of tomato and control R. syzigii subsp. indonesiensis. Our previous study had screened 7 best rhizobacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis strain RBI 2AB1.1, Bacillus cereus strain HYM 88 RBI 2AB 2.1, Bacillus cereus strain APSB-03 RBI 2AB 2.2, Bacterium JP60 RBI 2 AB 2.3, Bacillus sp. M6 RBI KDA 1.2, Bacillus cereus strain JN23 RBI KDA 2.2 and Bacillus subtilis BSn5 RBI IPBL 2.3) and 4 cyanobacteria strain (RZ2AB2.1, RZ1AB2.3, RZ1BPL2.3, RZSD1.1) to promote growth of tomato. To increase those strains’ ability both for suppress pathogen attack and promote growth, development of suitable consortium is necessary. Our research consists of two phase which were in vitro dual culture studies for interaction assay, and in planta consortium assay. Results shown that almost all strains were had a good compatibility to growth together. We develop 12 consortiums based on its previous ability and the compatibility. All consortiums shown capability to reduce bacterial wilt disease development and also promote growth of tomato. Consortium consist of Bacillus thuringiensis strain RBI 2AB1.1, Bacillus cereus strain APSB-03 RBI 2AB 2.2, Bacillus subtilis BSn5 RBI IPBL 2.3 and cyanobacteria RZ2AB2.1) shown best ability to reduce disease development and promote growth and yields of tomato.
Sustainable Mango Production in Central Luzon, Philippines as Affected by Community-Based Model Farms Of Improved Crop Management
Authors: Paguia R. Q , Paguia H. M. , Ventura C. E. , Javier M. A , Roldan L. R.
Published: March 2021

In a society filled with technology and advancement in the quest for convenience, food production is unlikely to be disregarded as the world continue to find means on securing adequate supply to nourish nations. This study aims to increase production efficiency and profitability of one of the most sought after commodities, mango. A technology demonstration on the application of ICM in the nine (9) community- based model farms was established. As a result of the adopted technology innovations demonstrated by mango farmers in their respective mango farms, the study revealed significant findings on the increase in yield and income by 440% and 586.65%, respectively, after ICM application. It is therefore recommended that the system be institutionalized by LGUs, and appropriate policies be implemented to further provide assistance to small players that comprised the mango industry in the country.
Origin of the band gap in Bi-intercalated graphene on Ir(111)
Authors: Krivenkov M , Marchenko D , Sánchez-Barriga J , Golias E , Rader O , Varykhalov A
Published: March 2021

Proximity to heavy sp-elements is considered promising for reaching a band gap in graphene that could host quantum spin Hall states. The recent report of an induced spin-orbit gap of 0.2 eV in Pb-intercalated graphene detectable by spin-resolved photoemission has spurred renewed interest in such systems (Klimovskikh et al 2017 ACS Nano
11, 368). In the case of Bi intercalation an even larger band gap of 0.4 eV has been observed but was assigned to the influence of a dislocation network (Warmuth et al 2016 Phys. Rev. B 93, 165 437). Here, we study Bi intercalation under graphene on Ir(111) and report a nearly ideal graphene dispersion without band replicas and no indication of hybridization with the substrate. The band gap is small (0.19 eV) and can be tuned by ±25 meV through the Bi coverage. The Bi atomic density is higher than in the recent report. By spin-resolved photoemission we exclude induced spin-orbit interaction as origin of the gap. Quantitative agreement of a photoemission intensity analysis with the measured band gap suggests sublattice symmetry breaking as one of the possible band gap opening mechanisms. We test several Bi structures by density functional theory. Our results indicate the possibility that Bi intercalates in the phase of bismuthene forming a graphene-bismuthene van der Waals heterostructure.
Numerical and experimental study of stepwise induction cladding
Authors: Yu Jing , Zhang Shuai , Liu Yanchuan , Wang Jinlong
Published: March 2021

A stepwise induction cladding process was studied using both simulations and experiments. Three types of commonly applied alloy powders were coated onto a grey cast-iron substrate. A coupled electromagnetic and heat transfer model is proposed to analyse the stepwise induction cladding process. From the electromagnetic field and heat distribution, it can be clearly seen that the eddy current, which was generated by the alternating magnetic field, was generally distributed within the coating and the thin layer near the substrate surface, which in turn resulted in Joule heating. The simulation results provide a clear picture of the process of an alloyed coating metallurgically bonding to the substrate, which is difficult to observe experimentally. To verify the numerical calculations, experimental studies on induction cladding under the same process parameters as the simulation were performed. The maximum temperatures on the outside surface of the graphite tube and the substrate were in reasonable agreement with the simulation and experimental results. Finally, the characteristic microstructure, porosity, and hardness of the coatings were analysed.
‘Hell-like’ exoplanet experiences rocky rain and supersonic wind
Authors: James Chaneil
Published: March 2021

A fiery exoplanet located barely a million kilometres from its parent star is covered by magma oceans and has an atmosphere of vaporized rock on its “day” side, while its “night” side remains cold enough for glaciers to form.
Fish save energy swimming in schools
Authors: Dumé Isabelle
Published: March 2021

Swimming in schools helps fish avoid predators, but it also allows them to conserve energy. That’s the conclusion of researchers in Germany, China and Hungary who used fishlike robots to investigate how real fish might gain from the watery vortices that other fish generate as they swim.
Powering the beast
Authors: McKenzie James
Published: March 2021

The Internet will use a fifth of all the world’s electricity by 2025 – and that’s no bad thing, says James McKenzie
Not over yet
Authors: Crease Robert P
Published: March 2021

The recent US presidential election doesn’t necessarily herald a new day for science, cautions Robert P Crease
Where many have gone before
Authors: Randall Ian
Published: March 2021

Ian Randall finds himself generally unaffected by David Whitehouse’s serviceable new offering, Space 2069: After Apollo – Back to the Moon, to Mars and Beyond
From physicist to patent attorney
Authors: Phillips Monifa
Published: March 2021

Monifa Phillips beat the odds, becoming the first Black woman to graduate with a PhD in physics from the University of Glasgow. She describes her pathway into physics, her successes and struggles in academia, and her future in patent law
Present and future diurnal hourly precipitation in 0.11° EURO-CORDEX models and at convection-permitting resolution
Authors: Meredith Edmund P , Ulbrich Uwe , Rust Henning W , Truhetz Heimo
Published: March 2021

The diurnal cycle of precipitation (DCP) is a core mode of precipitation variability in regions and seasons where the dominant precipitation type is convective. The occurrence of extreme precipitation is often closely linked to the DCP. Future changes in extreme precipitation may furthermore, in certain regions, exhibit a strong diurnal signal. Here we investigate the present and future diurnal cycle of hourly precipitation in the state-of-the-art 0.11°C EURO-CORDEX (EC-11) ensemble and in a convection-permitting model (CPM), with a focus on extremes. For the present climate, long-standing timing and frequency biases in the DCP found in lower-resolution models persist in the EC-11 ensemble. In the CPM, however, these biases are largely absent, particularly the diurnal distribution of extremes, which the EC-11 ensemble misrepresents. For future changes to hourly precipitation, we find clear diurnal signals in the CPM and in EC-11 models, with high regional and intra-ensemble variability. The diurnal signal typically peaks in the morning. Interestingly, the EC-11 ensemble mean shows reasonable agreement with the CPM on the diurnal signal’s timing, showing that this feature is representable by models with parametrized convection. Comparison with the CPM suggests that EC-11 models greatly underestimate the amplitude of this diurnal signal. Our study highlights the advantages of CPMs for investigating future precipitation change at the diurnal scale, while also showing the EC-11 ensemble capable of detecting a diurnal signal in future precipitation change.
A machine learning based modelling framework to predict nitrate leaching from agricultural soils across the Netherlands
Authors: Spijker Job , Fraters Dico , Vrijhoef Astrid
Published: March 2021

Throughout recent decades, the excessive use of animal manure and fertiliser put a threat on the quality of ground and surface waters in main agricultural production areas in Europe and other parts of the world. Finding a balance between agricultural production and environmental protection is a prerequisite for sustainable development of ground and surface waters and soil quality. To protect groundwater quality, the European Commission has stipulated a limit value for NO3
− of 50 mg l−1. Member states are obliged to monitor and regulate nitrate concentrations in groundwater. In the Netherlands, this monitoring is carried out by sampling nitrate concentrations in water leaching from the root zone at farm level within the national Minerals Policy Monitoring Program. However, due to the costly procedure, only a limited number of about 450 farms can be sampled each year. While this is sufficient for providing a national overview of nitrate leaching, as a result of current and future challenges regarding the sustainable development of the agricultural system, Dutch policymakers need to gain insight into the spatial distribution of nitrate at smaller spatial scales. This study aimed to develop a predictive modelling framework to create annual maps with full national coverage of nitrate concentrations leaching from the root zone of Dutch agricultural soils, and to test this model for the year 2017. We used nitrate data from a national monitoring program and combined them with a large set of auxiliary spatial data, such as soil types, groundwater levels and crop types. We used the Random Forest (RF) algorithm as a prediction and interpolation method. Using the model, we could explain 58% of variance, and statistical errors indicate that the interpolation and map visualisation is suitable for interpretation of the spatial variability of nitrate concentrations in the Netherlands. We used the variable importance from the RF and the partial dependency of the most important variables to get more insight into the major factors explaining the spatial variability. Our study also shows the caveats of data-driven algorithms such as RF. For some areas where no training data was available, the model’s predictions are unexpected and might indicate a model bias. The combination of visualisation of the spatial variability and the interpretation of variable importance and partial dependence results in understanding which areas are more vulnerable to NO3
− leaching, in terms of land use and geomorphology. Our modelling framework can be used to target specific areas and to take more targeted regional policy measurements for the balance between agricultural production and protecting the environment.
A mini-review on decorating, templating of commercial and electrospinning of new porous carbon electrodes for vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Schnucklake Maike , Cheng Ming , Maleki Mahboubeh , Roth Christina
Published: March 2021

Carbon-based materials have become indispensable in the field of electrochemical applications, especially for energy storage or conversion purposes. A large diversity of materials has been proposed and investigated in the last years. In this mini-review, we present recent advances in the design of carbon-based materials for application in vanadium redox flow batteries. As main part, different modification and fabrication methods for carbon-based electrodes are described. The decoration of carbon felts and graphite felts with metals or metal compounds to enhance mostly the electrocatalysis of the negative side is illustrated with examples. Furthermore, various options of synthesizing porous C–C composites are discussed, with specific emphasis on graphene-based composites as well as nitrogen doped composites and biomass-derived carbons. Apart from that the method of electrospinning is also examined in detail, a method which not only allows the production of nanofibrous high surface area electrodes, but also allows adaptation of fiber thickness and architecture. In this review the significant strengths of each method are pointed out, but also particular weaknesses are discussed with respect to the later battery performance. Finally, an outlook is given pointing to the remaining challenges that need to be overcome in the future.
Turn of the decade: versatility of 2D hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Rigosi Albert F , Levy Antonio L , Snure Michael R , Glavin Nicholas R
Published: March 2021

The era of two-dimensional (2D) materials, in its current form, truly began at the time that graphene was first isolated just over 15 years ago. Shortly thereafter, the use of 2D hexagonal boron nitride had expanded in popularity, with use of the thin isolator permeating a significant number of fields in condensed matter and beyond. Due to the impractical nature of cataloguing every use or research pursuit, this review will cover ground in the following three subtopics relevant to this versatile material: growth, electrical measurements, and applications in optics and photonics. Through understanding how the material has been utilized, one may anticipate some of the exciting directions made possible by the research conducted up through the turn of this decade.
A review of direct air capture (DAC): scaling up commercial technologies and innovating for the future
Authors: McQueen Noah , Gomes Katherine Vaz , McCormick Colin , Blumanthal Katherine , Pisciotta Maxwell , Wilcox Jennifer
Published: March 2021

Direct air capture (DAC) can provide an impactful, engineered approach to combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air. However, to meet climate goals, DAC needs to be scaled at a rapid rate. Current DAC approaches use engineered contactors filled with chemicals to repeatedly capture CO2 from the air and release high purity CO2 that can be stored or otherwise used. This review article focuses on two distinctive, commercial DAC processes to bind with CO2: solid sorbents and liquid solvents. We discuss the properties of solvents and sorbents, including mass transfer, heat transfer and chemical kinetics, as well as how these properties influence the design and cost of the DAC process. Further, we provide a novel overview of the considerations for deploying these DAC technologies, including concepts for learning-by-doing that may drive down costs and material requirements for scaling up DAC technologies.
Towards a generalized theory comprising digital, neuromorphic and unconventional computing
Authors: Jaeger Herbert
Published: March 2021

The accelerating race of digital computing technologies seems to be steering towards impasses—technological, economical and environmental—a condition that has spurred research efforts in alternative, ‘neuromorphic’ (brain-like) computing technologies. Furthermore, for decades, the idea of exploiting nonlinear physical phenomena ‘directly’ for non-digital computing has been explored under names like ‘unconventional computing’, ‘natural computing’, ‘physical computing’, or ‘in-materio computing’. In this article I investigate coordinates and conditions for a generalized concept of ‘computing’ which comprises digital, neuromorphic, unconventional and possible future ‘computing’ paradigms. The main contribution of this paper is an in-depth inspection of existing formal conceptualizations of ‘computing’ in discrete-symbolic, probabilistic and dynamical-systems oriented views. It turns out that different choices of background mathematics lead to decisively different understandings of what ‘computing’ is. However, across this diversity a unifying coordinate system for theorizing about ‘computing’ can be distilled.
A system for measuring the satisfaction of railway heritage tourism: the case of Yunnan–Vietnam Railway
Authors: Sang Kun , Lin Guiye
Published: March 2021

As a representative historical railway in Southeast Asia, Yunnan–Vietnam Railway (YVR) is of historical, technological, social-cultural, landscape, architectural, and heritage values. However, some of its remains have been closed and destroyed, waiting for further protection and developing solutions. YVR is the research object in this paper for the process of measuring tourists’ satisfaction. This paper highlights the development of an indicator system for measuring the satisfaction degree of the YVR heritage tourism, with the help of the analytical hierarchy process and the expert grading method. The basic demographic information of tourists collected from the questionnaires is systemized, and the satisfaction degree is evaluated from five indicators based on previous research: natural landscape, cultural character, transportation and facilities, safety and services, as well as the sustainable development of the region. The analysis results gained by SPSS show a high satisfaction value on the safety and service and regional sustainable development. Namely, the tourists give higher ratings on the regional cooperation, personal safety, service staff, hospitality of locals, and the technology of railway, while the aspects of environmental quality, enjoyment of exploring, accessibility by public transports, the comfort of train experience, and related facilities (accommodation/restaurants/shopping) received lower ratings, which indicates the critical points for the future tourism and urban planning related to this historical railway.
Sharper bounds for the Chebyshev function 𝜃(𝑥)
Authors: Broadbent Samuel , Kadiri Habiba , Lumley Allysa , Ng Nathan , Wilk Kirsten
Published: March 2021

In this article, we provide explicit bounds for the prime counting functions

θ
(
x
)

\theta (x)

for all ranges of

x
x

. The bounds for the error term for

θ
(
x
)
−
x

\theta (x)- x

are of the shape

ε
x

\varepsilon x

and

c
k

x

(
log
⁡
x

)
k

\frac {c_k x}{(\log x)^k}

, for

k
=
1
,
…
,
5

k=1,\ldots ,5

. Tables of values for

ε
\varepsilon

and

c
k

c_k

are provided.
On the global wellposedness of the Klein-Gordon equation for initial data in modulation spaces
Authors: Chaichenets L. , Pattakos N.
Published: March 2021

We prove global wellposedness of the Klein-Gordon equation with power nonlinearity

|

u

|

α
−
1

u

|u|^{\alpha -1}u

, where

α
∈

[
1
,

d

d
−
2

]

\alpha \in \left [1,\frac {d}{d-2}\right ]

, in dimension

d
≥
3

d\geq 3

with initial data in
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper M Subscript p comma p Sub Superscript prime Subscript Superscript 1 Baseline left-parenthesis double-struck upper R Superscript d Baseline right-parenthesis times upper M Subscript p comma p Sub Superscript prime Subscript Baseline left-parenthesis double-struck upper R Superscript d Baseline right-parenthesis">

M

p
,

p
′

1

(

R

d

)
×

M

p
,

p
′

(

R

d

)

M_{p, p’}^{1}(\mathbb {R}^d)\times M_{p,p’}(\mathbb {R}^d)

for

p
p

sufficiently close to

2
2

. The proof is an application of the high-low method described by Bourgain in [Global solutions of nonlinear Schrödinger equations, American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, 1999] where the Klein-Gordon equation is studied in one dimension with cubic nonlinearity for initial data in Sobolev spaces.
Completeness of shifted dilates in invariant Banach spaces of tempered distributions
Authors: Feichtinger Hans , Gumber Anupam
Published: March 2021

We show that well-established methods from the theory of Banach modules and time-frequency analysis allow to derive completeness results for the collection of shifted and dilated version of a given (test) function in a quite general setting. While the basic ideas show strong similarity to the arguments used in a recent paper by V. Katsnelson we extend his results in several directions, both relaxing the assumptions and widening the range of applications. There is no need for the Banach spaces considered to be embedded into(L2(R),‖⋅‖2)\big ( {{{\boldsymbol {L}}^2}(\mathbb {R})}, \, \|\,\cdot \,\|_{2} \big ), nor is the Hilbert space structure relevant. We choose to present the results in the setting of the Euclidean spaces, because then the Schwartz spaceS′(Rd){{{\boldsymbol {\mathcal {S}}}’}(\mathbb {R}^d)}(d≥1d \geq 1) of tempered distributions provides a well-established environment for mathematical analysis. We also establish connections to modulation spaces and Shubin classes<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="left-parenthesis bold-italic upper Q Subscript s Baseline left-parenthesis double-struck upper R Superscript d Baseline right-parenthesis comma double-vertical-bar dot double-vertical-bar Subscript bold-italic upper Q Sub Subscript s Subscript Baseline right-parenthesis">(Qs(Rd),‖⋅‖Qs)\big ( {{{\boldsymbol {Q}}_s}({{\mathbb {R}^{d}}})}, \, \|\,\cdot \,\|_{{{\boldsymbol {Q}}_s}} \big ), showing that they are special cases of Katsnelson’s setting (only) fors≥0s \geq 0.
Health-Related Quality of Life: A Comparative Analysis of Caregivers of People With Dementia, Cancer, COPD/Emphysema, and Diabetes and Noncaregivers, 2015–2018 BRFSS
Authors: Secinti Ekin , Lewson Ashley B , Wu Wei , Kent Erin E , Mosher Catherine E
Published: March 2021

Background

Many informal caregivers experience significant caregiving burden and report worsening health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Caregiver HRQoL may vary by disease context, but this has rarely been studied.

Purpose

Informed by the Model of Carer Stress and Burden, we compared HRQoL outcomes of prevalent groups of caregivers of people with chronic illness (i.e., dementia, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]/emphysema, and diabetes) and noncaregivers and examined whether caregiving intensity (e.g., duration and hours) was associated with caregiver HRQoL.

Methods

Using 2015–2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, we identified caregivers of people with dementia (n = 4,513), cancer (n = 3,701), COPD/emphysema (n = 1,718), and diabetes (n = 2,504) and noncaregivers (n = 176,749). Regression analyses were used to compare groups.

Results

Caregiver groups showed small, nonsignificant differences in HRQoL outcomes. Consistent with theory, all caregiver groups reported more mentally unhealthy days than noncaregivers (RRs = 1.29–1.61, ps < .001). Caregivers of people with cancer and COPD/emphysema reported more physically unhealthy days than noncaregivers (RRs = 1.17–1.24, ps < .01), and caregivers of people with diabetes reported a similar pattern (RR = 1.24, p = .01). However, general health and days of interference of poor health did not differ between caregivers and noncaregivers. Across caregiver groups, most caregiving intensity variables were unrelated to HRQoL outcomes; only greater caregiving hours were associated with more mentally unhealthy days (RR = 1.13, p < .001).

Conclusions

Results suggest that HRQoL decrements associated with caregiving do not vary substantially across chronic illness contexts and are largely unrelated to the perceived intensity of the caregiving. Findings support the development and implementation of strategies to optimize caregiver health across illness contexts.
Financial Anxiety is Associated With Cancer Screening Adherence in Women at High Risk of Breast Cancer
Authors: Jones Salene M W , Schuler Tammy A , Padamsee Tasleem J , Andersen M Robyn
Published: March 2021

Background

Previous studies have examined the impact of material financial hardship on cancer screening but without focusing on the psychological aspects of financial hardship.

Purpose

This study examined the effects of different types of financial anxiety on adherence to breast cancer screening in women at high risk of breast cancer. Adherence to cervical cancer screening was also examined to determine whether associations between financial anxiety and screening adherence were unique to breast cancer screening or more general.

Methods

Women (n = 324) aged 30–50 and at high risk for inherited breast cancer completed a survey on general financial anxiety, worry about affording healthcare, financial stigma due to cancer risk, and adherence to cancer screening. Multivariate analyses controlled for poverty, age, and race.

Results

More financial anxiety was associated with lower odds of mammogram adherence (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, confidence interval [CI] = 0.94, 0.99), Pap smear adherence (OR = 0.98, CI = 0.96, 0.996), and clinical breast examination adherence (OR = 0.98, CI = 0.96, 0.995). More worry about affording healthcare was associated with lower odds of clinical breast examination adherence (OR = 0.95, CI = 0.91, 0.9992) but not mammogram or Pap smear adherence (p > .05). Financial stigma due to cancer risk was associated with lower odds of Pap smear adherence (OR = 0.87, CI = 0.77, 0.97) but no other cancer screenings (p > .07).

Conclusions

Financial anxiety may impede cancer screening, even for high-risk women aware of their risk status. Clinical interventions focused on social determinants of health may also need to address financial anxiety for women at high risk of breast cancer.