bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray spectrometry with germanium detector at a dosimetry calibration laboratory
Authors: Mihailescu L.C.
Published: September 2023

Implementation of the recommendations of the new version of
the ISO 4037 standard at X-ray installations of dosimetry
calibration laboratories proved to be difficult and the
uncertainties on the conversion coefficients due to differences
between the fluence spectra from different installations are not yet
sufficiently established. The X-ray installation of SCK CEN/LNK was
characterized to verify the conformity with the most recent version
of the ISO 4037 standard. The Half-Value Layer (HVL) values were
measured to prove that conditions for matched beam qualities are
fulfilled and then photon spectrometry with a High Purity Germanium
(HPGe) detector was performed to measure the fluence spectra. Using
the fluence spectra, the conversion coefficients from air kerma
 Ka
to operational quantities were calculated and compared with
the recommended values from the ISO 4037 standard. Most of these
coefficients agree within 2% while the ISO 4037 recommended values
have an uncertainty of 4% (k = 2). Possible sources of uncertainty
in the photon spectrometry were evaluated and are discussed.
Feasibility of SiPM and CsI(Tl) based radiation detector with light guide for measurement of radioactivation in a linear accelerator
Authors: Kim Jeongho , Park Byungdo
Published: September 2023

In this work, a prototype radiation detector was developed
using SiPM, a large-sized CsI(Tl) scintillator, and various lengths
of light guides, and its performance was evaluated. The conducted
studies show that the tested prototype exhibited an enhanced energy
resolution improved energy resolution when a 20 mm light guide was
used, with respect to the case in which no light guide was
employed. Additionally, the radiation detector demonstrated higher
detection efficiency compared to other radiation detectors
fabricated in this work. The radiation detector prototype under test
and equipped with a 20 mm light guide, was used to perform a series
of LINAC radioactivation measurements. These measurements resulted
in the successful determination of the gamma energy peaks
corresponding to W-187 and Mn-56, alongside the accurate measurement
of the annihilation peak. These results suggest that the radiation
detector employing a light guide for LINAC radioactivation
measurements could be a viable alternative to conventional HPGe
detectors or scintillation detectors without light guides.
Development and characterisation of suitably bioengineered microfibrillar matrix-based 3D prostate cancer model for in vitro drug testing
Authors: Thilakan Akhil T , Nandakumar Niji , Balakrishnan Arvind R , Pooleri Ginil K , Nair Shantikumar V , Sathy Binulal N
Published: September 2023

Bioengineered 3D models that can mimic patient-specific pathologies in vitro are valuable tools for developing and validating anticancer therapeutics. In this study, microfibrillar matrices with unique structural and functional properties were fabricated as 3D spherical and disc-shaped scaffolds with highly interconnected pores and the potential of the newly developed scaffolds for developing prostate cancer model has been investigated. The newly developed scaffolds showed improved cell retention upon seeding with cancer cells compared to conventional electrospun scaffolds. They facilitated rapid growth and deposition of cancer-specific extracellular matrix through-the-thickness of the scaffold. Compared to the prostate cancer cells grown in 2D culture, the newly developed prostate cancer model showed increased resistance to the chemodrug Docetaxel regardless of the drug concentration or the treatment frequency. A significant reduction in the cell number was observed within one week after the drug treatment in the 2D culture for both PC3 and patient-derived cells. Interestingly, almost 20%–30% of the cancer cells in the newly developed 3D model survived the drug treatment, and the patient-derived cells were more resistant than the tested cell line PC3. The results from this study indicate the potential of the newly developed prostate cancer model for in vitro drug testing.
Mataram Fault – New Active Fault Crosses East-West in the Centre of Yogyakarta City
Authors: Daryono Mudrik R. , Pamumpuni Astyka , Wardhana Dadan D. , Natawidjaja Danny H.
Published: September 2023

Yogyakarta has experienced two devastating earthquake disasters: May 26, 2006, Mw6.4, and the penultimate event, June 10, 1867 Mw7.7. The active fault that is thought to be responsible for the two earthquake events is the Opak Fault. However, the Opak Fault has still not been thoroughly well mapped yet. The lack of a high-resolution image, dense vegetation cover, high sediment flux from the Merapi volcano, and human activities eroding the original landscape challenge studying the on-land fault in this area. Our recent study, however, indicates that the Opak Fault is not the only active fault that can cause a major disaster, but another fault strand exists in the area. We mapped the fault using the best available data of DEMNAS assisted by more detailed DEM and Orthophoto, developed from drone survey, and we also conducted Earth Resistivity Tomography (ERT) survey. We found that inferred new active fault is oriented East-West across the center of the high-populated city. The fault runs parallel and close to the famous Mataram channel (Selokan Mataram). The fault is likely continue the previously recognized Dengkeng Fault, east of the Opak fault. The fault strand is indicated by morphological lineaments and a few steam offsets. Our ERT 2D sections have revealed the fault zone in several locations along the inferred fault line. The fault line cut the Young Quaternary rocks; hence, it is an active fault. Further studies are needed to get further details of this newly recognized active fault, such as conducting paleoseismological studies, detailed seismological survey, geodetic GPS measurement, and acquiring a high-resolution image acquisition survey (LiDAR – Light Detection and Ranging Survey).
Late Quaternary Deformation of the Ambon fault, Indonesia: Preliminary Results
Authors: Patria Adi , Hanif Muhammad , Amar  , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki
Published: September 2023

The Ambon fault in the northern Banda Arc has capability of generating Mw6.9 earthquake. The Ambon fault poses a significant seismic hazard to Ambon Island because the fault is located near populous areas, the Ambon City. Recent seismicity in Ambon Island and surrounding areas indicates that this region is actively deforming. Ambon Island has experienced many damaging earthquakes since the 17thcentury. However, the potential seismic hazard on this island remains enigmatic due to the lack of detailed geological information, such as fault traces, slip rate, and paleoseismic history. This study reports the preliminary results of tectonic geomorphic investigations and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys on the Ambon fault. Tectonic geomorphic features, such as fault scarps, warped surfaces, and sag ponds indicate the late Quaternary activity of the Ambon fault. The Ambon fault predominantly shows a normal sense of motion with a dip of ~60-70°. The Ambon fault is related to the extensional tectonics in the Banda Sea.
Reconstruction of Retrogressive Landslides Using Integrated Technique of Geoelectric Resistivity and Borehole Logging in Sumampir, Purbalingga Regency, Central Java
Authors: Sadisun Imam A. , Dinata Indra A. , Wibisono Gunawan , Guswiyanto
Published: September 2023

The landslide occurred in Sumampir of Purbalingga Regency has reached 120 m in length and 50 m in width. This landslide is suspected to be a retrogressive landslide, which was manned by a landslide associated with the cliffs of the Brangkal River. This landslide is interpreted as progressive development of a landslide associated with Brangkal river bank failures, which continues to enlarge to the dimensions as measured currently. The main active landslide has a steep scarp of along 60 m with a height of up to 8 m, with several transverse tensile cracks were found in between the scarp and above the crown. These tensile cracks have caused partial subsidence on the side of the village road that crosses it. In order to determine the existence of slip surface that have developed since the first landslide formed until the last one, an integrated technique of geoelectric resistivity and borehole logging has been applied. This integrated technique was then used to reconstruct the landslide progression retrogressively towards the top. The results of the geoelectric resistivity analyses indicated that there are four stages of slip surface formation. The first slip surface is located at 80 m south of the village road, which is defined to be the initial of a retrogressive landslide. The second slip surface located at 40 m from the village road is possible to be a former landslide damaged the prior village road. The third slip surface is formed at a distance of 15 m from the village road, which is a landslide considered to have caused the bridge to collapse. The fourth slip surface is located at the side of the village road, which is the last landslide causing the concrete slab of the bridge moved 15 m to the south. The average depth of the slip surface is about 8 m. This depth has been confirmed using borehole logging data, by obtaining a relatively hard weathered claystone layers at a depth of 6-8 m.
Numerical Example to Estimate Groundwater Level Changes using Time-lapse Microgravity Data
Authors: Wahyudi E J , Setianingsih  , Irawan D E , Sule R M
Published: September 2023

The study using time-lapse microgravity (TLM) data can be helpfull to understand near surface variation caused by hidrological variation. Shallow groundwater variation can be highly correlated with density variation as time-lapse microgravity source, because the changes are very close to the surface. For several days (or weeks or months), we can observe density variation in the near surface caused by the changes of water saturated zones. The time-lapse of density variation for several days can be simplified as groundwater table changes. The purpose of this work is to study time-lapse microgravity application for groundwater level estimation. Using numerical example, we utilize lateral variation of time-lapse microgravity signal and also surface topography. In order to do the estimation groundwater level for second TLM survey, we need the groundwater level data from first survey (and vice versa). After numerical example, we applied the algorithm in the study area of (5 × 5) km square in the Blora regency. The shallow groundwater level (0 to 14 meters below the surface) are observed after the second (2016) microgravity survey. From this work, we constrained the model using second groundwater level data. After iterative calculation of using TLM anomaly (value in the range of -80 to +80 microGal) with surface topography variation (in the range 90 to 230 meters), we get the estimation the first (2014) groundwater level variation in the range of -7 to 7 meters from the second (2016) groundwater level data.
Observing Near-Real-Time Volcanoes Deformation Using InSAR – Time Series of LiCSBAS in Indonesia
Authors: Fattah Erlangga Ibrahim , Saepuloh Asep , Nugraha Andri Dian
Published: September 2023

The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors onboard satellites are leading in advance to monitor physical changes of volcano edifices such as deformation. A few days of temporal resolution imageries provided by Sentinel-1 SAR make it possible to monitor volcanoes worldwide in near-real-time monitoring. The Sentinel-1 constellation produces a large amount of SAR images valuable for monitoring volcano deformation and hazard mitigation. However, processing the Interferometric SAR (InSAR) for a large SAR dataset is time-consuming and requires high-performance computers. Overcoming the problem, the Center for Observation & Modelling of Earthquakes, Volcanoes & Tectonics (COMET) created a program called Looking Inside the Continents from Space of Sentinel Aperture Radar (LiCSAR) integrated to InSAR time-series analysis of LiCSBAS InSAR to process and calculate the interferogram deformation in time series efficiently. This study presents the LiCSBAS observation for volcanic activities at Mts. Sinabung and Agung in North Sumatra and Bali, respectively. We have observed the activities of both volcanoes from 2015 to 2022. We have analyzed 1824 and 848 interferograms of Mt. Sinabung and Mt. Agung, respectively. The LiCSBAS InSAR time-series analysis was successfully processed for Mts. Sinabung and Agung despite being located under tropics. Velocity deformation of Mt. Sinabung is dominated by uplift around the summit, consistent with measurement by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM). In the period of January to March 2017, the lava dome measurement using laser distance meter showed an increase from 1.2 Mm3 to 1.7 Mm3, while LiCSBAS detected an uplift movement of 14 mm. On the contrary, the deformation of Mt. Agung at the summit of lava dome is 3 mm/yr indicate uplift, while subsidence is observed around the crater.
Ambient Seismic Noise Cross – Correlation of the Tangkuban Parahu Volcano, West Java Indonesia: Preliminary Result
Authors: Lesmana Aditya , Priyono Awali , Nugraha Andri Dian , Zulfakriza  , Rosalia Shindy , Basuki Ahmad , Kristianto
Published: September 2023

Tangkuban Parahu is an active volcano in Indonesia that is part of the Quaternary Sunda volcanic arc. We used the vertical component of waveform recorded by 55 temporary seismic stations deployed around Tangkuban Parahu volcano from October 2021 to February 2022 to gain a thorough understanding of its seismic structure. To extract empirical Green’s functions, we computed cross-correlations of the vertical component of continuous record data. The empirical Green’s function was extracted from the daily data series, and the cross-correlation data from each day was stacked into a single inter-station cross-correlation data set. The empirical Green’s Function is seen at the band period 1-10 s. In this preliminary result, we obtained the Rayleigh wave group velocity map in period 1 s. The result shows a low-velocity value around the crater surrounded by high velocities. The low velocity is related to the weak zone or fluid presence.
Early Result of Imaging 3D Seismic Velocity Structure In Central Java Using Double-Difference Tomography
Authors: Saputra R , Lubis M H M , Wulan E P
Published: September 2023

Central Java is a part of the Sunda Arc and has relatively high seismicity due to the subduction zone between the Indo-Australian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. This study uses double-difference tomography to image the P and S wave 3D seismic velocity structures associated with tectonic patterns due to subduction zones. The data used comes from the earthquake catalogs of BMKG, BPPTKG, DOMERAPI, and MERAMEX, with a recording period from May 2004 to December 2020. The number of earthquakes that successfully relocated was 1930 from 1937 earthquakes recorded by 285 recording stations. The results of hypocentre relocation show that seismic activity in Central Java is relatively high and originates from geological structures, including subduction zones, back-thrust, and the Opak Fault. The tomogram results of the P and S wave velocity models support each other. The high seismic velocity anomaly is associated with the subduction zone of the Indo-Australian Plate to the Eurasian Plate with a maximum resolution of up to 100 km depth. Low seismic velocity anomalies are found at the Merapi-Lawu Anomaly (MLA), the Modern Volcanic Arc (MVA), the Sumbing-Sundoro-Dieng volcanic complex, the Banyumas-Cilacap sedimentary basin, and the Kendeng Basin. A low-velocity anomaly is found at a depth of about 40-50 km and a depth of 100 km, which is associated with the process of slab dehydration and partial melting. The inversion results show the impact of the Indo-Australian Plate subduction and the Eurasian Plate on volcanic activity, seismicity, and the geological structures developed in Central Java.
Modeling Crustal Structure in West Sumatera Using Teleseismic Receiver Function
Authors: Ratna W S
Published: September 2023

Indonesia is located between three significant plate confluences that play a role in creating a subduction zone. Sumatra, one of Indonesia’s provinces, is located near the collision of the Eurasian Plate, the Indo-Australian Plate, and the Pacific Plate. The Semangko Fault, the Mentawai Islands, a chain of non-volcanic forearc islands, and active faults that induce earthquakes and landslides are all produced by subduction zones on Sumatra Island. The receiver function approach was developed to identify the discontinuity limits of the Earth’s structures, such as the crust and mantle, from teleseismic events. The information in this study comes from 25 temporal and 1 permanent station in West Sumatra and the time period between 2007 and 2009 from the IRIS data station. The earthquake data was taken from teleseismic earthquakes from the three components of seismic stations using criteria arc distances between 30° and 90° and magnitudes ranging from 6.0 to 10.0. This research aims to determine how crustal thickness is distributed and what effect regional geological structure has on crustal thickness. According to the early results of the study, the estimated range of crustal thickness in the research region is 27.11–32.48 km, and the range of Vp/Vs ratio values is 1.70–2.19. The direction of crustal thickness thickening in the area was likewise East-South.
The Integration of Critical Risk with Building Information Modelling (BIM) Application Strategies in Building Refurbishment Project Lifecycle
Authors: Anuar Nur Hidayah Khairul , Ishak Nurfadzillah , Shohime Nor Suraya
Published: September 2023

Building refurbishment project is rapidly becoming a significant part of the construction industry in Malaysia. Refurbishment projects are typically higher risk, more complex, and require more coordination than new construction projects. The refurbishment industry has the potential to expand and contribute to Malaysia’s overall building output. The growing demand for refurbishment work in Malaysia will be driven by the increasing number of old and failing structures, as well as the limited space available for new development. Therefore, the aim of this research is to establish the most significance integration Building Information Modelling (BIM) application strategies in managing the risk for building refurbishment project lifecycle improvement. In this regard, this study was conducted through a quantitative method using the questionnaire which was distributed by employing a self-administrated approach as a research medium to obtain feedback from project manager who has been a representative from G7 registered construction organization with Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia. As a result, 96.7 percent of the response rate were accepted. The analysis showed that the integration of critical risk with BIM application strategies was recognized as important factors and strategies towards building refurbishment projects lifecycle improvement and found that the mean is in very high range. Additionally, the results indicate that the level of critical risk and BIM application strategies have been measured through descriptive analysis. The findings of this study are expected to establish a foundation for future research in order to develop an adequate framework for managing building refurbishment projects and improve the quality of decision making among the building industry professionals.
Environmental impact screening for urban land use transitions - a perspective from developing a hill land development in Penang Island and shaping community acceptance
Authors: Ismail Siti Isma Hani , Hassan Siti Hafizan , Badrul Hisham Afiq N. , Seng Loh Yong , Zakaria Zulfairul
Published: September 2023

The current rate of urbanisation is unprecedented in human history, particularly in Malaysia’s densely populated areas. Natural constraints and hazards are frequently ignored in this informal and sprawling urban growth, exposing the population to these hazards. Deforestation, water catchment loss, extinction of protected species and plants, soil erosion, landslides, water pollution, sedimentation, and downstream flooding have all resulted from inadequate environmental mitigation. Hence, this research quantifies and assesses the environmental and social impacts of hill land development on the affected areas. The community’s opinion on such growth and environmental mitigation measures will be assessed and evaluated at a study site on Penang Island, Malaysia. Environmental Impact Screening (EIS) was conducted by distributing questionnaires to affected residents and businesses, with 69 respondents. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package (SPSS), followed by a thorough elaboration on the pros and cons of expanding this steep land by considering social, economic, and environmental consequences. From the evaluation, most respondents were opposed to hill land development that can harmed community’s ecosystem. As a result, numerous efforts have been made to reduce community and environmental impacts. This study enables stakeholders to assess the environmental impacts from this type of developments and conduct necessary steps to mitigate or eliminate them.
Utilization of Coir Fibre Ash (CFA) in Cement Stabilized Peat
Authors: Rashid Aklili Nadhirah Asma Azmin , Talib Mohd Khaidir Abu , Yusoff Mohammad Nasrul Mohd
Published: September 2023

Peat is a soil that has a high compressibility property beside having a low bearing capacity. Due to these problems, the peat soil is not suitable for construction purposes. Coconut waste is an example of agricultural waste. In the context of environmental sustainability, the use of coir in geotechnical applications is desirable. This research was conducted to study peat stabilization by using Coir Fibre Ash (CFA) in partially replacing Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) to improve the physical and geotechnical characteristics. Geotechnical laboratory experiments involved in this study are moisture contents, organic contents, fiber content, Atterberg limits, specific gravity, Unconfined Compression Strength Test (UCS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX). In this study, the use of CFA as a stabilizer were used at mixture ratio of 5, 10, 15 and 20% of OPC replacement. Based on the UCS test carried out, it is found that the optimum strength for each ratio of CFA in the mixture showed a decrement pattern if compared to cement stabilized peat (PC). The results of SEM test shows that the structure of untreated peat becomes denser after stabilized. This is due to the cementing process. EDX test shows that the carbon content in the soil decreases while calcium content increases after the stabilization process is executed. Therefore, CFA is suitable to be used as pozzolan material in stabilized peat and can reach up 200kPa of UCS at 20% OPC replacement.
Influence of Gate Lip Angle on Downpull Forces for Vertical Lift Gates
Authors: Khor Hao Zhe , Puay How Tion
Published: September 2023

Underestimation of hydrodynamic downpull force is one of the most dangerous risks when operating a vertical lift gate. The downpull force acting on the gate is affected by gate geometry. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of gate lip angle on the downpull force of vertical lift gates using Flow-3D®, a commercial CFD software. Simultaneously, the performance of Flow-3D® in estimating downpull force is evaluated. The influence of gate lip angle on the downpull force is investigated by simulating flow under different gate lip angles at different gate openings. The setup of the numerical model is similar to the experiment setup used by Naudascher in 1964. Results show that the higher the gate lip angle, the higher the bottom downpull coefficient. Majority of the numerical results show good agreement with the experimental results. Case 2 at 30% gate opening and case 3 at 50% and 60% gate opening showed obvious deviation from the experimental results due to flow separation occurred at the gate lip. This could be due to the limitations of the Fractional Area-Volume Obstacle Representation (FAVOR) method employed by Flow-3D® in which gate lip part that is smaller than mesh cell could not be exactly reproduced.
The Adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Technology in the Construction Industry: Construction Stakeholders’ Perception
Authors: Keong Kong Foo , Chang Sa’ar Chai , Kaliannan Suaathi , Najib Nurul ’Ulyani Mohd
Published: September 2023

In parallel to the Industry Revolution 4.0, the introduction of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in construction is expected to improve the construction project management efficiency. Although much research works has been done by the academics in uncovering the advantageous potentials of using UAV in construction, the barriers and drivers that influence the construction companies towards adopting UAV have received scant or very limited attention from the academics. Even though the UAV technology infrastructure has progressively been developed and improved by the government and the UAV manufacturers with some construction companies successfully got on board the platform to tap the potentials for gains, however there are construction companies have yet to act on it. This paper aims to identify the main drivers of the construction companies in adopting and integrating the UAV into their construction activities or business. The semi-structured interviews were designed using theory of interpersonal communication in achieving an honest exchange of information on the perception of the participants, their encounters, experiences, views and expectation with respect to the use of UAV in their business activities. This study was conducted with eight respondents from Johor Bharu and Kuala Lumpur of diverse background and experience in the construction and UAV. The findings show that relative advantage, education, knowledge of technology, positive attitude of the decision makers, compatibility of technology, simplicity of technology, and observability are the six drivers to the adoption of UAV in the construction industry. Therefore, this study may serve as a conceptual framework for the future research works on the adoption of UAV in the Malaysian construction industry as the industry is increasingly digitally driven with the emergence of new technology such as the UAV application technology.
Performance Of Pervious Concrete as A Replacement for Road Curb
Authors: Hasan Daliah , Mustaffa Zahiraniza , Hashim Norhafida , Imran Nik Farhanim , Amran Muhamad Aqmal
Published: September 2023

Pervious concrete is a well-known type of concrete characterized by its high porosity and permeability. It finds extensive use in road infrastructure, particularly in pavement construction, and offers cost-saving benefits due to the absence of fine aggregates in its mixture. While road curbs are still commonly built today, the utilization of pervious concrete as a substitute for curbs is rarely observed. Therefore, this study focuses on evaluating the compressive strength, flexural strength, and suitability of pervious concrete as a curb replacement. In this investigation, different water cement ratios (0.30, 0.33, 0.35, 0.38, and 0.40) were employed during the mixing of pervious concrete to determine the most optimal ratio and achieve the highest compressive and flexural strength for the road curb. To obtain the results, compressive and flexural tests were conducted on ten curb samples after a curing period of 28 days. The study aimed to examine the diverse effects of the various water cement ratios. The findings indicate a decrease in compressive stress as the water cement ratio increased. Furthermore, the compressive strength of the concrete mix was significantly stronger at a water cement ratio of 0.30 but exhibited a decline with higher ratios. Similar results were obtained in the flexural test, where a water cement ratio of 0.30 recorded the highest value of flexural strength. However, a water cement ratio of 0.40 yielded the second-highest flexural strength. These results emphasize that a lower water cement ratio leads to higher concrete strength. To further enhance the strength of the concrete, several recommendations are proposed, including the use of coating reinforcement bars, adjustment of coarse aggregate size, and the addition of admixtures to the pervious concrete mixture.
Presentation of some constructive solutions for a rotating machine with profiled rotors
Authors: Fischer-Szava Gabriel , Dobrovicescu Alexandru , (Duiculete) Georgiana Dăescu , Băran Nicolae , Constantin Mihaela , Dobre Cătălina , Abdul-Nabe Rana Adil , Ghioca Sevastiana Areta
Published: September 2023

The purpose of the paper is to present an original solution for conveying some liquids with the help of a rotating volumetric pump. The pump can be equipped with 1 to 4 specially processed profiled rotors and can transport viscous fluids, pure fluids, or polyphase fluids. It was concluded that the performance of this machine, which can also be used as a fan or low-pressure compressor, is superior to other similar machines.
CO2 energy vector in the concept of circular energy
Authors: Mihaescu L , Lazaroiu G , Desideri U , Negreanu G , Pisa I , Grigoriu R M
Published: September 2023

The paper analyzes the conversion of the carbon dioxide (CO2) through recovery and storage into an energy production vector by transforming it into methanol (CH3OH) and carbon monoxide (CO). These gaseous components can produce energy by combustion, and the resulting carbon dioxide is reintroduced into the capture and storage circuit. This type of carbon dioxide transformation into an energy vector in a circular energy system will contribute to the elimination or to the significant reduction of its long-term storage in caves or under the sea water. By eliminating storage, the costs will be significantly reduced, as well as the environmental pollution. The paper considers the methanol use in residential heating instead of liquid hydrocarbons, especially for isolated areas or without a natural gas network, and also in the internal combustion engines in transport, agriculture and construction. The first direction of the research included an experimental phase that involved using a 55kW boiler for medium-sized residential heating. The second direction analyzed the transformation of CO2 into CO (fuel gas) through gasification technology. For this transformation, the fixed bed gasification process was considered. The carbon monoxide can be used in a pure state or mixed with methane or other combustible gases, both in power plants and in internal combustion engines. The current significant results in the methanol production field enables CO2 to become an energy vector, instead of a gas with zero potential and expensive to store. Thus, the research can significantly contribute to the development of power engineering as a circular application in the context of circular economy.
Is lichen symbiont mutualism a myth?
Authors: Sanders William B
Published: September 2023

Lichens are classic examples of symbiosis, but some biologists have questioned whether the algal partner benefits from the relationship. Among the diverse lichen symbioses, the carbon transfer systems show remarkable convergences. When a compatible fungus is encountered, the alga proactively releases large amounts of carbohydrate, suggesting active participation rather than victimhood. Some lichen-related fungus–alga symbioses appear obligatory for the algal partner. Within true lichens, algal symbionts can persist at microsites where they might not otherwise be competitive, because of improved stress tolerance, reduced photoinhibition, protection from herbivores, and the more efficient moisture management and positioning for light interception that fungal structures provide. Algal clones continually disperse from the lichen thallus by diverse means, allowing the genotype to pioneer aposymbiotic colonies from a stable refuge. Because lichen-forming fungi conserve rather than consume their algal symbionts, the mutual self-interests of both partners substantially align in the stressful microhabitats where lichens are successful.
Zoonoses in a changing world
Authors: García-Moreno Jaime
Published: September 2023

Animals are continuously exposed to pathogens but rarely get infected, because pathogens must overcome barriers to establish successful infections. Ongoing planetary changes affect factors relevant for such infections, such as pathogen pressure and pathogen exposure. The replacement of wildlife with domestic animals shrinks the original host reservoirs, whereas expanding agricultural frontiers lead to increased contact between natural and altered ecosystems, increasing pathogen exposure and reducing the area where the original hosts can live. Climate change alters species’ distributions and phenology, pathogens included, resulting in exposure to pathogens that have colonized or recolonized new areas. Globalization leads to unwilling movement of and exposure to pathogens. Because people and domestic animals are overdominant planetwide, there is increased selective pressure for pathogens to infect them. Nature conservation measures can slow down but not fully prevent spillovers. Additional and enhanced surveillance methods in potential spillover hotspots should improve early detection and allow swifter responses to emerging outbreaks.
Political Institutions and Social Work: How Switzerland’s Direct Democracy, Federalist Structure and Consensus System Affect Social Workers’ Policy Engagement
Authors: Kindler Tobias
Published: September 2023

The social work profession has a long tradition of engaging with policy to promote social justice, to improve the well-being of service users and the working conditions of social workers. Previous studies have mainly focused on the levels and forms of social workers’ policy engagement. However, little is known about the factors that influence social workers’ decisions to engage in policy. Addressing this research gap, this study focuses on one very specific influencing factor that has so far only received limited scholarly attention, namely, political institutions. More specifically, the article draws upon Switzerland as a case study and examines how Switzerland’s direct democracy, federalist structure and consensus system promote social workers’ policy engagement. The findings illustrate how these three key political institutions provide important opportunities for social workers—as individuals or as members of groups and coalitions—to access formal and informal areas of the policy process, both as private citizens and as part of their jobs. Based on these findings, the final section of the article outlines suggestions for further research.
The year 2022 in the European Heart Journal—Cardiovascular Imaging: Part I
Authors: Petersen Steffen E , Muraru Denisa , Westwood Mark , Dweck Marc R , Di Salvo Giovanni , Delgado Victoria , Cosyns Bernard
Published: September 2023

The European Heart Journal—Cardiovascular Imaging with its over 10 years existence is an established leading multi-modality cardiovascular imaging journal. Pertinent publications including original research, how-to papers, reviews, consensus documents, and in our journal from 2022 have been highlighted in two reports. Part I focuses on cardiomyopathies, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and congenital heart disease and related emerging techniques and technologies.
Concomitant exposure to air pollution, green space and noise, and risk of myocardial infarction: a cohort study from Denmark
Authors: Poulsen Aslak Harbo , Sørensen Mette , Hvidtfeldt Ulla A , Ketzel Matthias , Christensen Jesper H , Brandt Jørgen , Frohn Lise M , Massling Andreas , Khan Jibran , Münzel Thomas , Raaschou-Nielsen Ole
Published: September 2023

Aims

The three correlated environmental exposures (air pollution, road traffic noise, and green space) have all been associated with the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). The present study aimed to analyse their independent and cumulative association with MI.

Methods and results

In a cohort of all Danes aged 50 or older in the period 2005–17, 5-year time-weighted average exposure to fine particles (PM2.5), ultrafine particles, elemental carbon, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and road traffic noise at the most and least exposed façades of residence was estimated. Green space around residences was estimated from land use maps. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI), and cumulative risk indices (CRIs) were calculated. All expressed per interquartile range. Models were adjusted for both individual and neighbourhood-level socio-demographic covariates. The cohort included 1 964 702 persons. During follow-up, 71 285 developed MI. In single-exposure models, all exposures were associated with an increased risk of MI. In multi-pollutant analyses, an independent association with risk of MI was observed for PM2.5 (HR: 1.026; 95% CI: 1.002–1.050), noise at most exposed façade (HR: 1.024; 95% CI: 1.012–1.035), and lack of green space within 150 m of residence (HR: 1.018; 95% CI: 1.010–1.027). All three factors contributed significantly to the CRI (1.089; 95% CI: 1.076–1.101).

Conclusion

In a nationwide cohort study, air pollution, noise, and lack of green space were all independently associated with an increased risk of MI. The air pollutant PM2.5 was closest associated with MI risk.
Protein Restriction Effects on Healthspan and Lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster Are Additive With a Longevity-Promoting Diet
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ye Yunshuang , Sun Yinan , Li Yongxuan , Ge Mingxia , Chen Kangning , Yang Liping , Chen Guijun , Zhou Jumin
Published: September 2023

Aging of the organism is associated diminished response to external stimuli including weakened immune function, resulting in diseases that impair health and lifespan. Several dietary restriction modalities have been reported to improve health and lifespan in different animal models, but it is unknown whether any of the lifespan-extending dietary treatments could be combined to achieve an additive effect. Here, we investigated the effects of halving amino acids components in the HUNTaa diet, a synthetic medium known to extend lifespan in Drosophila. We found that dietary restriction by halving the entire amino acid components (DR group) could further extend lifespan and improve resistance to oxidative stress, desiccation stress, and starvation than flies on HUNTaa diet alone (wt group). Transcriptome analysis of Drosophila at 40, 60, and 80 days of age revealed that genes related to cell proliferation and metabolism decreased with age in the wt group, whereas background stimulus response and amino acid metabolism increased with age. However, these trends differed in the DR group, that is, the DR flies had downregulated stress response genes, including reduced background immune activation. Infection experiments demonstrated that these flies survived longer after feeding infection with Serratia marcescens and Enterococcus faecalis, suggesting that these flies had stronger immune function, and therefore reduced immune senescence. These results demonstrated that halving the entire amino acid components in the HUNTaa diet further extended health and lifespan and suggested that lifespan-extending diet and dietary restriction treatment could be combined to achieve additive beneficial results.
Reliability of the Frailty Index Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Stolz Erwin , Mayerl Hannes , Godin Judith , Hoogendijk Emiel O , Theou Olga , Freidl Wolfgang , Rockwood Kenneth
Published: September 2023

Background

Consistent and reproducible estimates of the underlying true level of frailty are essential for risk stratification and monitoring of health changes. The purpose of this study is to examine the reliability of the frailty index (FI).

Methods

A total of 426 community-dwelling older adults from the FRequent health Assessment In Later life (FRAIL70+) study in Austria were interviewed biweekly up to 7 times. Two versions of the FI, one with 49 deficits (baseline), and another with 44 (follow-up) were created. Internal consistency was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and coefficient omega. Test–retest reliability was assessed with Pearson correlation coefficients and the intraclass correlation coefficient. Measurement error was assessed with the standard error of measurement, limits of agreement, and smallest detectable change.

Results

Participants (64.6% women) were on average 77.2 (±5.4) years old with mean FI49 at a baseline of 0.19 (±0.14). Internal consistency (coefficient omega) was 0.81. Correlations between biweekly FI44 assessments ranged between 0.86 and 0.94 and reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) was 0.88. The standard error of measurement was 0.05, and the smallest detectable change and upper limits of agreement were 0.13; the latter is larger than previously reported minimal clinically meaningful changes.

Conclusions

Both internal consistency and reliability of the FI were good, that is, the FI differentiates well between community-dwelling older adults, which is an important requirement for risk stratification for both group-level oriented research and patient-level clinical purposes. Measurement error, however, was large, suggesting that individual health deteriorations or improvements, cannot be reliably detected for FI changes smaller than 0.13.
Legal Ethics
Authors: Herring Jonathan
Published: September 2023

Legal Ethics provides an overview of this topic, highlighting that the issues surrounding professional conduct are not always black and white and raising interesting questions about how lawyers act and what their role entails. Key topics, such as confidentiality, negligence, and vnfees, are covered, with references throughout to the professional codes of conduct. The work asks: who would or should defend a potential murderer in court? Can a lawyer represent two parties on the same case? Is ‘no win–no fee’ an ethical system? What are Chinese walls and do they work? Features throughout the title to aid learning include the highlighting of key cases, principles, and definitions; the inclusion of a variety of viewpoints through cases, popular media, and scholarly articles; and the inclusion of ‘digging deeper’ and ‘alternative viewpoint’ boxes which encourage critical reflection and better understanding of key topics.
A new method of estimating prevalence of childhood cancer survivors (POCCS): example of the 20-year prevalence in The Netherlands
Authors: Gini Andrea , Colombet Murielle , de Paula Silva Neimar , Visser Otto , Youlden Danny , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Stiller Charles A , Steliarova-Foucher Eva ,   the CRICCS Consortium, Dolya Anastasia , Gini Andrea , Stiller Charles , Kuehni Claudia , Youlden Danny , Heenen Delphine , Steliarova-Foucher Eva , Bray Freddie , Erdmann Friederike , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Winther Jeanette Falck , Aitken Joanne , Pritchard-Jones Kathy , Hjorth Lars , Piñeros Marion , Colombet Murielle , de Paula Silva Neimar , Sherwood Sarah , Tomášiková Zuzana
Published: September 2023

Background

Estimating the number of childhood cancer survivors is crucial for cancer control, including clinical guidelines. To compare estimates across countries despite data sharing restrictions, we propose a new method of computing limited-duration prevalence of childhood cancer survivors (POCCS) using aggregated data.

Methods

We developed a Markov model that simulates, for each calendar year and birth cohort in a population, the proportion of individuals in the following health states: healthy, newly diagnosed with cancer, surviving with cancer, and deceased. Transitions between health states were informed using annual sex- and age-specific incidence rates, conditional 1-year net survival probabilities from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (1989–2011), and annual mortality probability by sex and age group for The Netherlands from the Human Mortality Database. Applying a Markov model, we computed 20-year prevalence of childhood cancer survivors. The resulting POCCS estimates, stratified by sex, were compared with SEER*Stat estimates derived from individual cancer records from the same registry.

Results

In 2011, POCCS predicted 654 males [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 637–672] and 539 females (95% CI: 523–555) per million persons living in The Netherlands after childhood cancer diagnosed within the previous 20 years. Using SEER*Stat, the 20-year prevalence was 665 males (95% CI: 647–683) and 544 females (95% CI: 529–560) per million persons on 1 July 2011.

Conclusions

Using the POCCS model and aggregated cancer data, our estimates of childhood cancer survivors limited-duration prevalence were consistent with those computed by a standard method requiring individual cancer records. The POCCS method provides relevant information for planning follow-up and care for childhood cancer survivors.
Sensor fault estimation based on L∞ unknown input observer
Authors: Gao Sheng , Zhang Hailong , Kong Weiguo , Wang Zhaoguang
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the fault estimation problem for a class of Lipschitz non-linear systems with sensor faults and disturbances. An augmented system consisting of system states and sensor faults is constructed to estimate sensor faults by designing an augmented state. A novel L∞ performance index is presented to reduce the influence of disturbances on fault estimation results. An unknown input observer (UIO) is proposed based on the L∞ performance index to achieve an asymptotic estimation of sensor faults. The design conditions of the L∞ UIO are deduced and solved using linear matrix inequalities. The effectiveness of the proposed L∞ UIO and the fault estimation performance are demonstrated via numerical simulations of a single-link flexible joint robot.
A general collocation analysis for weakly singular Volterra integral equations with variable exponent
Authors: Liang Hui , Stynes Martin
Published: September 2023

Piecewise polynomial collocation of weakly singular Volterra integral equations (VIEs) of the second kind has been extensively studied in the literature, where integral kernels of the form $(t-s)^{-\alpha }$ for some constant $\alpha \in (0,1)$ are considered. Variable-order fractional-derivative differential equations currently attract much research interest, and in Zheng & Wang (2020, An optimal-order numerical approximation to variable-order space-fractional diffusion equations on uniform or graded meshes. SIAM J. Numer. Anal., 58, 330–352), such a problem is transformed to a weakly singular VIE whose kernel has the above form with variable $\alpha = \alpha (t)$, then solved numerically by piecewise linear collocation, but it is unclear whether this analysis could be extended to more general problems or to polynomials of higher degree. In the present paper, the general theory (existence, uniqueness, regularity of solutions) of variable-exponent weakly singular VIEs is developed using novel techniques. These results then underpin an error analysis of collocation methods where piecewise polynomials of any degree can be used. This error analysis is also novel—it makes no use of the usual resolvent representation, which is a key technique in the error analysis of collocation methods for VIEs in the current research literature. Furthermore, all the above analysis for a scalar VIE can be extended to certain nonlinear VIEs and to systems of VIEs. The sharpness of the theoretical error bounds obtained for the collocation methods is demonstrated by numerical examples.