bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community’s local wisdom and its relationship with environmental conservation efforts in Bangka Belitung, Indonesia
Authors: Henri  , Fatansyah F , Alita  , Lestari Y , Sonia A , Putri J E , Rahmasari
Published: December 2022

This study aims to identify and examine the role of the community’s local wisdom in environmental conservation or conservation efforts and to understand the history, values and behavior of local wisdom in Bangka Belitung. The study uses semi-structured interviews and descriptive analysis. The results show that local wisdom consists of three moral values: humans are not the center of nature; protecting the environment is a local job; and a holistic way of thinking. The Malay community’s efforts in environmental conservation in Bangka Belitung are to use local wisdom by saving the environment from unused tin mines with the term origin or impact. The impact of local wisdom on environmental conservation is that environmental sustainability will be maintained by no longer converting forest functions into mining land. The local wisdom of the Malay community on Belitung Island include the tradition of conserving plants or what is commonly referred to as kelekak and the pemalian forest. In the beginning, kelekak was an expanse of wilderness. Then, the community cut down the trees that grew in the wilderness to be used as huma and then abandoned or commonly referred to as bebak. Huma is one of the categories of the forbidden forest because of the influence of supernatural things that can prevent the unrestricted use of the forest. This local wisdom is a way for the community to conserve the environment.
Post-modification of ultra-low molar ratio urea-formaldehyde adhesive with different types and levels of organic acid hardener
Authors: Lubis M A R , Iswanto A H , Hua L S , Kristak L , Antov P , Putri R , Juliana I , Mardawati E
Published: December 2022

Ultra-low (UL) molar ratio urea–formaldehyde (UF) adhesive is a class of UL formaldehyde-emitting adhesive systems for wood-based panels. However, the UL molar ratio exhibits poor reactivity, low cohesion strength, and inferior adhesion. This study aimed to enhance the performance of UL molar ratio UF adhesive via post-modification with the addition of different types and levels of organic acid hardener, such as acetic acid (AA), maleic acid (MA) and citric acid (CA) at 3 and 5% level based on the theoretical solids content of UF adhesive. The solids content, gelation time, viscosity, pH, and free-formaldehyde content decreased with the addition of a higher level of organic acids. This showed that the incorporation of organic acid enhanced the reactivity of the UL molar ratio UF adhesive via cross-linking of carboxylic acid groups and methylol groups or the free-formaldehyde as confirmed by the results of gelation time, pH, and free-formaldehyde content. Post-modification with 5% CA resulted in the lowest solids content, gelation time, viscosity, pH, and free-formaldehyde content. The adhesion strength values of plywood bonded with modified UF adhesive were greater than that of control UF adhesive. In addition, the FE of plywood bonded with modified UF adhesive was lower than that of control UF adhesive. This study showed that 5% CA could be added as a hardener of UF adhesive.
The use of chicken manure, lowland peat and highland peat briquettes on the growth of Macadamia integrifolia in an arid area of Pematang Tambun Village, Simalungun Regency
Authors: Utomo B , Lubis F A , Dalimunthe A , Tamba P , Silalahi D C G , Lesmana S P , Fauziah L
Published: December 2022

The catchment area of Lake Toba continues to experience a decline in quality due to frequent fires in this area. Various recovery measures in the form of reforestation are continuously being carried out but often fail due to the difficult terrain due to the steep slope and the rapid loss of water due to gravity. The water immediately dissipates to a lower elevation leading to the lake. As a result, this condition leaves an expanse of barren area that is only overgrown with weeds. This study aimed to see whether lowland and highland peat soil can be used as a water retaining material that has the same quality as manure and to obtain the right dose of this water retaining material to support the growth of Macadamia integrifolia plants. The study was designed using 3 types of water retaining material briquettes, namely: chicken manure, lowland peat and highland peat, each of which was divided into several treatments, namely: 0, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5 kg/plant. The difficulty of the steep terrain makes it difficult for planting actions. Therefore, the technology of making briquettes is considered to be a solution. In addition, the conversion into briquettes gives a positive value to peat where acidic peat water can be removed so that the toxic effects of peat can be reduced. The results showed that the three types of briquettes significantly increased plant growth in terms of plant height, leaf area and crown area of M. integrifolia. Although the best plant growth performance was shown by the briquette dose of 1.5 kg/plant, the dose of 0.75 kg/plant seemed to have given no significant growth when compared to a dose of 1.0-1.5 kg/plant.
Potential and value of utilization of community forest logging waste in Cenrana Baru Village, Cenrana District, Maros Regency
Authors: Mujetahid A , Dassir M , Faradiba A V , Heriah
Published: December 2022

This study aims to determine the potential and value of using logging waste in community forests in Cenrana Baru Village, Cenrana District, Maros Regency. This research was carried out from August 2019 – January 2022 in a community forest. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the largest waste potential of the average volume of waste in acacia trees is 0.28 m3 (30.39%), stump waste 0.06 m3 (11.21%), waste above branch free 0.07 m3 (8.89%), branch waste 0.04 m3 (4.79%), while in the candlenut tree the largest waste is the main trunk 0.80 m3 (35.87%), stump waste 0.14 m3 (6.75%), branch waste 0.13 m3 (6.41%), waste above branch free 0.09 m3 (4.83%). Community forest logging waste is used by the community for making garden fences and making charcoal from acacia wood, this waste has a price value of IDR 15,000 per stem. while in the candlenut tree, the largest waste is the main trunk 0.80 m3 (35.87%), stump waste 0.14 m3 (6.75%), branch waste 0.13 m3 (6.41%), the above waste is free to branch 0.09 m3 (4.83%).
The availability of Perum Perhutani potential forest area to support the PT. PLN’s biomass cofiring sustainability: A Mini Review
Authors: Ibrahim A , Hermawan D , Sutiawan J
Published: December 2022

High-rank coal reserves continue to decrease, while what is widely available is in the form of low-rank coal with low calorific value and high sulfur. Biomass can be a solution for providing fuel to replace low-rank coal (4,000 kcal/kg). To ensure the sustainability of the supply of biomass cofiring, it is necessary to have sufficient land available for energy plantations/forestry plantations (HTE). This research is aimed at assessing the availability of land in forest areas in Perum Perhutani for energy crop activities by using the right types of plants to supply biomass cofiring. Perhutani has entered into a cooperation agreement with PT. PLN to meet the need for cofiring-biomass PLTU. Currently on the island of Java, there are 11 PLTUs with a total electricity capacity of 14,645 MW. For 5% biomass cofiring, 189,849 ha of HTE land is required. Perum Perhutani has established a business portfolio of Biomass Plants covering an area of 67,356 ha. This area is equivalent to the effective area of 48,496 ha of HTE which supplies 3,756 MW of electricity (26% of the total capacity of the Java PLTU). The types of plant biomass used were Gamal (Gliricidia sepium) and Kaliandra (Calliandra callothyrsus).
Comparison of Crown Health Assessment Using Forest Health Monitoring and Remote Sensing Techniques (Case Study: KTH Lestari Jaya 8, KPHL Kota Agung Utara, Lampung)
Authors: Feriansyah Anggi , Safe’i Rahmat , Darmawan Arief , Kaskoyo Hari
Published: December 2022

Tree crown is one of the main components that must be monitored to assess the health condition of the forest. The crown condition is described by five ecological parameters namely : live crown ratio, foliage transparency, crown density, crown diameter, and the dieback. The method used to assess the canopy condition was the Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) method and remote sensing with the Normalize Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) transformation.. This study was conducted with the aim of being able to determine the condition of tree crown in protected forests using the FHM and remote sensing methods so that a comparison of the assessment results of the two methods can be carried out. This research was carried out at HKm Beringin Jaya, a managed area of KTH Lestari Jaya 8 which is located in Sumberejo District, Tanggamus Regency. The results of this study are that the Visual Crown Ratio value obtained ranges from 2.50 - 3.25. NDVI value describing the condition of the tree crown ranges from 0.75-0.83. The conclusion obtained from this study is that with the FHM technique, the health condition of the tree crown obtained is moderate to good, while with remote sensing techniques, the condition of the tree crown is in a very good condition.
Efficacy of teak and pine litter extract with several solvent against wood termites (Cryptotermes cynocephalus light)
Authors: Nuraeni S , Rajab M , Azizah N , Nurfadilla A , Madjid K S
Published: December 2022

Termites are social insects that play an important role in the decomposition and nutrient turnover. In addition, termites are also categorized as pests that eat wood or materials composed of cellulose. Some form of control one of them has been done by making biopesticides. Various types of raw materials have been used from agricultural, plantation and forestry crop groups. Termite mortality is one indicator to determine extract bioactivity by calculating the percentage of the number of termites that died after being given treatment at a certain time. Compound content bioactive substances such as alkaloids, phenolics and other chemicals that can be used to kill and controlling insects in the environment. This study examines the effectiveness teak litter extract and pine litter extract with various solvents against wood termites through experimental research activities in the laboratory. The content of teak litter extract levels and pine litter obtained by 2.5%. Based on the termite mortality value test, the highest toxicity in the ethyl acetate extract, which is at week 3, it has reached 100% at a concentration of 1% which is. In addition, based on testing the retention value of the test paper, The highest percentage of weight loss was in the control, followed by the n-hexane fraction 49.55%. Whereas in testing the level of termite consumption, the highest percentage was in the aquades fraction.
Institutional models of natural resource management and utilization: lesson learning from Simarjarunjung tourism area, Lake Toba, Indonesia
Authors: Purwoko A , Ulfa M , Kusnadi R
Published: December 2022

Nature tourism is an effort to utilize natural resources that have been designated as tourist attraction objects to be targeted for tourism potential. One of the national strategic natural tourism areas around Lake Toba is Simarjarunjung. This area has an ecosystem of forest areas with very beautiful views that are managed by the community. This study aims to examine how the institutional management of natural tourism objects and the use of natural resources in the Simarjarunjung area of North Sumatra. This study uses a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The results of this study present various characteristics of the institutional aspects of nature tourism management. Various advantages and disadvantages exist in the form of management institutions, such as the Association of Forest Farmers Groups (Gapoktan), Tourism Aware Groups (Pokdarwis), and individuals/volunteers. The potential of natural resources that are utilized and managed in the form of views of Lake Toba, the natural charm of the mountains, the charm of pine stands, agroforestry ecosystems, and a cool microclimate. The results of the comparison of various institutional models and the use of natural resources can be used as a reference in the development of natural tourism by managers and related stakeholders.
Histological analysis of somatic embryogenesis from shoot explant of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)
Authors: Panggabean N H , Nurwahyuni I , Elimasni  , Basyuni M
Published: December 2022

The goal of this research was to investigate the ontogenic path followed by the somatic embryo from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis jacq.) with in vitro culture and to characterize somatic embryo from shoot of explants. Explant were injected into a medium for the induction of calluses, histological analysis were perfomed on embryogenic callus and somatic embryo. Embryogenic callus with nodular structure and still proliferate because the cells are meristematic and very actively to dividing. The samples were dehydrated in an alcohol series, FAA-fixed and paraffin-infused for this. For staining the sample, it was done by inserting the sample in 1% safranin dye for 12 hours, then rinsed with distilled water until the color completely disappeared, then continued with dehydration in ethanol and added 2% fast green solution for 30 seconds. Oil palm somatic embryos consist of 3 phases, namely globular, skutelar and coleoptilar, where somatic embryos in the globular phase will be larger than nodular callus. globular embryo size > 200 μm with the characteristics of this phase, namely the formation of epidermal tissue, this tissue is the result of differentiation from the meristematic surface layer called protoderm. This layer is a periclinal cleavage at the transition from the proembryonic to globular phase. This method of multiplication allowed the original cell mass to proliferate, resulting in new calli lineages, particularly the embryogenic yellowish nodular lineage, which gave rise to somatic embryos.
The role of various plastisizers and fillers additions in improving tensile strength of starch-based bioplastics: A mini review
Authors: Safitri A , Sinaga P S D , Nasution H , Harahap H , Masyithah Z , Iriany  , Hasibuan R
Published: December 2022

The general public uses plastic extensively, particularly in food packaging. Plastic raw materials are generally petroleum derivatives with advantages such as high tensile strength, low cost, lightweight, ease of manufacture, and application. However, there are other disadvantages to plastic, which is not easily biodegradable. As a result, researchers have expressed a strong desire to develop biodegradable plastics in order to reduce the accumulation of non-biodegradable plastics in the environment. One of the candidates for producing bioplastic using natural resources is biodegradable plastics. Bioplastics based on starch are a common material used in the production of bioplastics. However, because bioplastics have lower tensile properties than conventional plastics, fillers are used to increase the strength of bioplastics. Fillers are used to reduce plastic cost, shrinkage during the setting process, and to improve tensile strength and hardness. As a result, the tensile and morphology of several starch-based biodegradable plastics with chitosan, CMC fiber, and clay as fillers will be reported in this review. According to our mini-review, sorbitol and CMC are very good plasticizers for starch-based bioplastics, and CMC has a higher crystallinity form, promoting greater interaction between the cellulose chains and starch-based matrix.
Fiber Quality of Betung Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) from Forest Area with Special Purpose (FASP) Pondok Buluh, Simalungun, North Sumatera
Authors: Hartono R , Farizky F , Sutiawan J , Sumardi I , Suhesti E
Published: December 2022

The FASP Pondok Buluh is located in Dolok Panribuan District, Simalungan Regency, Sumatera Utara, which has uniqueness due to the number of bamboo species found in this area, such as Betung Bamboo. This bamboo has a long fiber and is suitable for pulp and paper materials. This research aims to measure the dimension of Betung Bamboo and its fiber derivatives value for the eligibility of pulp and paper material. A total of 3 stems of Betung Bamboo were cut, and samples were taken in the form of a disc with a length of 5 cm at heights of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 meters. Then the sample was cut into sticks, and separated fibers were made using the maceration process. Furthermore, the dimensions of the sample were measured using a light microscope, namely fiber length, fiber diameter, and fiber wall thickness, and then the measurement for the fiber derivatives value of the bamboo fiber. The results of this research obtained the average dimension of bamboo fiber is 2402 μm for fiber length, fiber diameter is 18.18 μm, lumen diameter is 8.73 μm, and fiber wall thickness is 4.91 μm. The fiber length graph shows the decreased fiber length along the bottom to the top of the bamboo culm and the wavy trend for the fiber diameter on some bamboo heights. The measurement of the fiber derivatives values obtained the average Runkle ratio 1.15, felting power 133.63, mulhsteph ratio 76.91%, rigidity coefficient 0.27, and flexibility ratio 0.48. Then the quality class of bamboo fiber was determined. A score of 275-325 was obtained with quality class II, meaning that Betung Bamboo is grown in the Pondok Buluh area. It is suitable for use as raw material for pulp and paper because it has long fibers, is easy to flatten when milled, and has good fiber bonds.
The effect of fermentation time on fruits as a producer electrical energy
Authors: Sigalingging R , Panjaitan V C S , Sigalingging C
Published: December 2022

The need for electrical energy is growing, and so is the demand for alternative energy. Fruits with high acidity can generate electrical power. The fermentation process can enhance the acidity of the fruit. The lower the pH, the higher the voltage and current generated. This study aims to obtain electrical energy by testing the potential of fruits for induced current, voltage, power, resistance and electrical energy. The experimental parameters are current, voltage, power, resistance and electrical energy. Three fruits (soursop, mango, and tamarind) with three different fermentation times (9, 11, and 13 days) were used in a two-factor, fully randomised design procedure. The results show a tamarind fruit with a fermentation time of 13 days, the highest voltage, current, power and electrical energy values of 5.62 Volts, 1.52 mA, 8.54 mW, 672.30 mWh and a resistance value of 1.800 ohms. Soursop fruits with a fermentation time of 9 days provided minimum voltage, current, power, and electrical energy values of 4.52 volts, 0.93 mA, 4.20 mW, and 265.26 mWh, and a resistance value of 2.118 ohms. The type of fruit and the varying fermentation time had a very significant effect at the 1% level on current, voltage, resistance, power and energy of electricity.
Antioxidant activity and microbial contamination of jeruju leaf tea with ginger and lemongrass variant packaging in storage period
Authors: Batubara R , Aulia K , Ismanelly Hanum T , Affandi O , Ulfa M
Published: December 2022

The jeruju plant (Acanthus ilicifolius) is a plant that is affected by the tides and usually gets a higher supply of fresh water. Jeruju plants can be processed into processed products in the form of mangrove tea. This study aims to determine the antioxidant activity and analysis of microbial contamination of ready-to-drink jeruju leaf tea based on storage time. Determination of antioxidant activity was carried out by the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhdrazyl (DPPH) method using UV-Visible Spectrophotometry. The microbiological analysis test was carried out based on the Coliform Most Probable Number (MPN). The results of the antioxidant activity test have different antioxidant activity values at each storage time. The results of microbiological analysis testing with a storage period of 3 months contain coliform bacteria, so they are not suitable for consumption.
Local wisdom in natural resources management of freshwater fish In Lau Teba
Authors: Thamrin H , Ridho H , Sinaga R P K , Ritonga F U , Nasution F A , Purwanto C P
Published: December 2022

The management of freshwater resources of jurung fish with local wisdom in the Lau Teba River makes one of the watersheds like a pond but without using cages or other barriers. Jungle fish remain in their natural habitat in the river without being blocked by cages or other barriers. The purpose of this study was to explore and analyze the management of the freshwater fish of Jurung with the Local Wisdom approach, as well as the potential of natural resources as a tourist attraction. The form of research used in this study used a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. Data was collected using interviews and observations at the research site. The results show that the concept of natural resource management with local wisdom makes nature choose its own resources. Jurung fish managed with the concept of local wisdom will be selected through natural processes. Included in the process of taking fish using a rod, we do not choose the fish we take, but fish that are taken based on the natural selection process which is a tourist attraction.
Hyaluronic acid based next generation bioink for 3D bioprinting of human stem cell derived corneal stromal model with innervation
Authors: Mörö Anni , Samanta Sumanta , Honkamäki Laura , Rangasami Vignesh K , Puistola Paula , Kauppila Maija , Narkilahti Susanna , Miettinen Susanna , Oommen Oommen , Skottman Heli
Published: December 2022

Corneal transplantation remains gold standard for the treatment of severe cornea diseases, however, scarcity of donor cornea is a serious bottleneck. 3D bioprinting holds tremendous potential for cornea tissue engineering (TE). One of the key technological challenges is to design bioink compositions with ideal printability and cytocompatibility. Photo-crosslinking and ionic crosslinking are often used for the stabilization of 3D bioprinted structures, which can possess limitations on biological functionality of the printed cells. Here, we developed a hyaluronic acid-based dopamine containing bioink using hydrazone crosslinking chemistry for the 3D bioprinting of corneal equivalents. First, the shear thinning property, viscosity, and mechanical stability of the bioink were optimized before extrusion-based 3D bioprinting for the shape fidelity and self-healing property characterizations. Subsequently, human adipose stem cells (hASCs) and hASC-derived corneal stromal keratocytes were used for bioprinting corneal stroma structures and their cell viability, proliferation, microstructure and expression of key proteins (lumican, vimentin, connexin 43, α-smooth muscle actin) were evaluated. Moreover, 3D bioprinted stromal structures were implanted into ex vivo porcine cornea to explore tissue integration. Finally, human pluripotent stem cell derived neurons (hPSC-neurons), were 3D bioprinted to the periphery of the corneal structures to analyze innervation. The bioink showed excellent shear thinning property, viscosity, printability, shape fidelity and self-healing properties with high cytocompatibility. Cells in the printed structures displayed good tissue formation and 3D bioprinted cornea structures demonstrated excellent ex vivo integration to host tissue as well as in vitro innervation. The developed bioink and the printed cornea stromal equivalents hold great potential for cornea TE applications.
Effect of ideal internal MHD instabilities on NBI fast ion redistribution in ITER 15 MA scenario
Authors: YANG Guanming , LIU Yueqiang , WANG Zhibin , WANG Yongqin , MIAO Yutian , HAO Guangzhou
Published: December 2022

Transport of fast ions is a crucial issue during the operation of ITER. Redistribution of neutral beam injection (NBI) fast ions by the ideal internal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities in ITER is studied utilizing the guiding-center code ORBIT (White R B and Chance M S 1984 Phys. Fluids
27 2455). Effects of the perturbation amplitude

A

of the internal kink, the perturbation frequency

f

of the fishbone instability, and the toroidal mode number

n

of the internal kink are investigated, respectively, in this work. The

n
=
1

internal kink mode can cause NBI fast ions transporting in real space from regions of

0
<
s
≤
0.32

to

0.32
<
s
≤
0.53
,

where

s

labels the normalized plasma radial coordinate. The transport of fast ions is greater as the perturbation amplitude increases. The maximum relative change of the number of fast ions approaches 5% when the perturbation amplitude rises to 500 G. A strong transport is generated between the regions of

0
<
s
≤
0.05

and

0.05
<
s
≤
0.12

in the presence of the fishbone instability. Higher frequency results in greater transport, and the number of fast ions in

0
<
s
≤
0.05

is reduced by 30% at the fishbone frequency of 100 kHz. Perturbations with higher

n

will lead to the excursion of fast ion transport regions outward along the radial direction. The loss of fast ions, however, is not affected by the internal MHD perturbation. Strong transport from

0
<
s
≤
0.05

to

0.05
<
s
≤
0.12

does not influence the plasma heating power of ITER, since the NBI fast ions are still located in the plasma core. On the other hand, the influence of fast ion transport from

0
<
s
≤
0.32

to

0.32
<
s
≤
0.53

needs further study.
How do actions to decarbonise the energy and mobility sectors affect consumption-based carbon footprints? A case of historic and predicted actions in a suburb in Finland
Authors: Halonen Vilma , Kareinen Elisa , Uusitalo Ville , Claudelin Anna
Published: December 2022

Household consumption accounts for 72% of the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To obtain consumption-based emissions in accordance with the 1.5-degree target, the carbon footprint of individuals should be reduced to 2.5 t CO2e a−1 by 2030, which means at least a 70% reduction in high-emitting countries. The decrease in consumption-based GHG emissions can be achieved through both technological and behavioural changes. Currently, climate measures are largely dependent on technological efficiency, although behavioural changes are also needed. In this paper, we study how technological actions to decarbonise the energy and mobility sectors affect consumption-based carbon footprints in the years 2010–2030 in a suburb in Finland. Based on the results, emissions from the mobility sector decreased by 50%, and those from the energy sector decreased by 68% in 2010–2030, when only technology development and society-level actions are considered. These emission reductions affected the carbon footprint of an average Finnish suburb by decreasing it by 37%. This study demonstrates that technological actions to decarbonise the energy and mobility sectors do not guarantee adequate emission reduction by 2030 to achieve the 1.5-degree target; therefore, a change in lifestyle and consumption habits is also needed. Further research should take behavioural changes into account when assessing the development of a consumption-based carbon footprint.
Determination of tungsten’s toxicity coefficient for potential ecological risk assessment
Authors: Li Qi , Chen Ming , Zheng Xiaojun , Chen Weijiang
Published: December 2022

The potential ecological risk index (RI), proposed by the Swedish geochemist Hakanson, has been widely used for quantitatively evaluating the pollution degree caused by various pollutants. As an emerging contaminant, tungsten (W) poses ecological risks to the environment, and the quantitative assessment of the risk is of extraordinary significance. However, the lack of a determined W toxicity coefficient has limited the use of the RI in evaluating the W pollution degree. In this study, the toxicity coefficient of W (= 2.00) was calculated based on Hakanson’s theory, then verified via a case study conducted by 23 sediment samples in Taojiang River near a W mining area in southern Jiangxi. The risk factor (E

w
) and geoaccumulation index (I

geo
) of W, and RI and Nemerow comprehensive pollution index (NCPI) of eight heavy metals at each sampling site were calculated and compared, respectively. The results showed consistent correlations and trends of pollution levels for the investigated sites, which means the rationality of assigning a toxicity coefficient of 2.00 for W. These results can contribute to the use of the RI method for the scientific evaluation of W pollution levels.
A review of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study on topological magnetic material family of MnBi2Te4
Authors: Jiang Zhicheng , Liu Jiayu , Liu Zhengtai , Shen Dawei
Published: December 2022

The MnBi2Te4 family compounds have drawn enormous attention in recent years due to their potential to realize the high-temperature quantum anomalous Hall effect. As one of the most direct techniques to probe electronic structure, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) has been widely applied to investigate the interplay between the magnetism and non-trivial topological band structure of MnBi2Te4 family materials. Here, we briefly review some of latest progress in ARPES study of MnBi2Te

4

⋅

(Bi2Te3) (n = 0, 1, 2, 3) and analogous MnSb2Te

4

⋅

(Sb2Te3)2 (n = 1, 2) series of materials. Aside from the direct observation of the non-trivial topological band structure, ARPES results reveal that their surface band gap can be well modulated by both temperature and Bi2Te3 interpolation. In addition, although ARPES results of the topological surface states are still under hot debate, the extensive experimental results have provided an opportunity to shed light on the complex interactions in intrinsic magnetic topological insulator.
Effect of tool geometry on ultraprecision machining of soft-brittle materials: a comprehensive review
Authors: Huang Weihai , Yan Jiwang
Published: December 2022

Brittle materials are widely used for producing important components in the industry of optics, optoelectronics, and semiconductors. Ultraprecision machining of brittle materials with high surface quality and surface integrity helps improve the functional performance and lifespan of the components. According to their hardness, brittle materials can be roughly divided into hard-brittle and soft-brittle. Although there have been some literature reviews for ultraprecision machining of hard-brittle materials, up to date, very few review papers are available that focus on the processing of soft-brittle materials. Due to the ‘soft’ and ‘brittle’ properties, this group of materials has unique machining characteristics. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of recent advances in ultraprecision machining of soft-brittle materials. Critical aspects of machining mechanisms, such as chip formation, surface topography, and subsurface damage for different machining methods, including diamond turning, micro end milling, ultraprecision grinding, and micro/nano burnishing, are compared in terms of tool-workpiece interaction. The effects of tool geometries on the machining characteristics of soft-brittle materials are systematically analyzed, and dominating factors are sorted out. Problems and challenges in the engineering applications are identified, and solutions/guidelines for future R&D are provided.
Musical Silences—Opaque and Capacious
Authors: Hulatt Owen
Published: December 2022

I will argue that there are (at least) two species of musical silence, which cannot be distinguished by attending to how these silences sound. I term these two kinds of musical silence ‘capacious’ and ‘opaque’. Both capacious and opaque musical silences might occur in the midst of the ongoing production of sound or might exist in the complete absence of sound. Both kinds of silence can, in certain conditions, be sonically identical, but both are always received by the listening ear in importantly different ways. I will discuss our ability to distinguish between these silences, even when they ‘sound’ the same. I will argue that the accounts of musical silence and silent music offered by (among others) Levinson, Kania, and Davies are vitiated by their failure to distinguish between these kinds of musical silence. I distinguish these kinds of silence by the kinds of listening activity associated with them, and the ideal structure of such listening practices.
DPADM: a novel algorithm for detecting drug-pathway associations based on high-throughput transcriptional response to compounds
Authors: Wang Yishu , Qi Juan , Ai Dongmei
Published: December 2022

Pathway genes functionally participate in the same biological process. They typically act cooperatively, and none is considered dispensable. The dominant paradigm in drug discovery is the one-to-one strategy, which aims to find the most sensitive drug to act on an individual target. However, many complex diseases, such as cancer, are caused by dysfunction among multiple-gene pathways, not just one. Therefore, identifying pathway genes that are responsive to synthetic compounds in a global physiological environment may be more effective in drug discovery. The high redundancy of crosstalk between biological pathways, though, hints that the covariance matrix, which only connects genes with strong marginal correlations, may miss higher-level interactions, such as group interactions. We herein report the development of DPADM—a Drug-Pathway association Detection Model that infers pathways responsive to specific drugs. This model elucidates higher-level gene–gene interactions by evaluating the conditional dependencies between genes under different drug treatments. The advantage of the proposed method is demonstrated using simulation studies by comparing with another two methods. We applied this model to the Connectivity Map data set (CMap), and demonstrated that DPADM is able to identify many drug-pathway associations, such as mitoxantrone (MTX)- PI3K/AKT association, which targets the topological conditions of DNA transcription. Surprisingly, apart from identifying pathways corresponding to specific drugs, our methodology also revealed new drug-related pathways with functions similarly to those of seed genes.
CRMSS: predicting circRNA-RBP binding sites based on multi-scale characterizing sequence and structure features
Authors: Zhang Lishen , Lu Chengqian , Zeng Min , Li Yaohang , Wang Jianxin
Published: December 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are reverse-spliced and covalently closed RNAs. Their interactions with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have multiple effects on the progress of many diseases. Some computational methods are proposed to identify RBP binding sites on circRNAs but suffer from insufficient accuracy, robustness and explanation. In this study, we first take the characteristics of both RNA and RBP into consideration. We propose a method for discriminating circRNA-RBP binding sites based on multi-scale characterizing sequence and structure features, called CRMSS. For circRNAs, we use sequence ${k}\hbox{-}{mer}$ embedding and the forming probabilities of local secondary structures as features. For RBPs, we combine sequence and structure frequencies of RNA-binding domain regions to generate features. We capture binding patterns with multi-scale residual blocks. With BiLSTM and attention mechanism, we obtain the contextual information of high-level representation for circRNA-RBP binding. To validate the effectiveness of CRMSS, we compare its predictive performance with other methods on 37 RBPs. Taking the properties of both circRNAs and RBPs into account, CRMSS achieves superior performance over state-of-the-art methods. In the case study, our model provides reliable predictions and correctly identifies experimentally verified circRNA-RBP pairs. The code of CRMSS is freely available at https://github.com/BioinformaticsCSU/CRMSS.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Is Associated With Poor Overall Survival Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Salahuddin Syim , Cohen Oded , Wu Margaret , Perez Irizarry Javier , Vega Teresita , Gan Geliang , Deng Yanhong , Isaeva Natalia , Prasad Manju , Schalper Kurt A , Mehra Saral , Yarbrough Wendell G , Emu Brinda
Published: December 2022

Background

Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) occurs at higher rates among persons with HIV (PWH). This study compares the impact of sociodemographic and clinicopathologic characteristics on outcomes among PWH-HNSCC compared with HNSCC patients without HIV.

Methods

Patient data from HNSCC individuals were collected at a single academic hospital center between 2002 and 2018. Forty-eight patients with HIV (HIV-HNSCC) and 2894 HNSCC patients without HIV were included. Multivariate analysis determined predictors of survival using Cox proportional hazards regression model. HIV-positive and -negative tumors were analyzed by quantitative immunofluorescence for expression of CD4, CD8, CD20 and PD-L1.

Results

HIV-HNSCC patients had a lower median overall survival than HNSCC patients without HIV (34 [18–84] vs 94 [86–103] months; P < .001). In multivariate analysis that included age, sex, race/ethnicity, stage, site, tobacco use, time to treatment initiation, and insurance status, HIV was an independent predictor of poorer survival, with a hazard ratio of 1.98 (95% CI: 1.32–2.97; P < .001). PWH with human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive oropharyngeal tumors also had worse prognosis than HPV-positive oropharyngeal tumors in the population without HIV (P < .001). The tumor microenvironment among HIV-HNSCC patients revealed lower intratumoral CD8 infiltration among HIV+ HPV+ tumors compared with HIV– HPV+ tumors (P = .04).

Conclusions

HIV-HNSCC patients had worse prognosis than the non-HIV population, with HIV being an independent predictor of poor clinical outcomes when accounting for important sociodemographic and clinicopathologic factors. Our findings highlight differences in tumor biology that require further detailed characterization in large cohorts and increased inclusion of PWH in immunotherapy trials.
Risk Factors and Outcomes of Invasive Aspergillosis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Case-Control Study of United States Renal Data System Data
Authors: Friedman Daniel Z P , Johnson Bradley K , Beam Elena , Kremers Walter K , Vergidis Paschalis
Published: December 2022

Background

Kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk for invasive aspergillosis (IA), a disease with poor outcomes and substantial economic burden. We aimed to determine risk factors for posttransplant IA by using a national database and to assess the association of IA with mortality and allograft failure.

Methods

Using the United States Renal Data System database, we performed a retrospective case-control study of patients who underwent kidney transplant from 1998 through 2017. To evaluate risk factors for IA, we performed conditional logistic regression analysis by comparing characteristics between IA-infected patients and their matched uninfected controls. We performed Cox regression analysis to evaluate the effects of IA on mortality and death-censored allograft failure.

Results

We matched 359 patients with IA to 1436 uninfected controls (1:4). IA was diagnosed at a median of 22.5 months (interquartile range, 5.4–85.2 months) after kidney transplant. Risk factors for IA were Black/African American race, duration of pretransplant hemodialysis, higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score, weight loss, chronic pulmonary disease, need for early posttransplant hemodialysis, and a history of cytomegalovirus infection. Receiving an allograft from a living donor was protective against IA. IA was a strong independent predictor of 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 5.02 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.58–7.04], P < .001). Additionally, IA was associated with 1-year allograft failure (aHR, 3.37 [95% CI, 1.96–5.77], P < .001).

Conclusions

Our findings emphasize the importance of timely transplant to mitigate the risk of posttransplant IA. An individualized approach to disease prevention is essential to decrease mortality and allograft failure.
What advice do general practitioners give to people living with obesity to lose weight? A qualitative content analysis of recorded interactions
Authors: Tremblett Madeleine , Poon Annabel Y X , Aveyard Paul , Albury Charlotte
Published: December 2022

Background

Guidelines recommend general practitioners (GPs) take every opportunity to talk to people living with obesity about their weight, and evidence shows even very brief advice is associated with weight loss. However, little is known about what GPs say when giving brief behavioural advice, and if it reflects evidence-based recommendations for people living with obesity. To understand what behavioural advice GPs give, we categorized the content and delivery of GPs’ advice during brief interventions.

Methods

Qualitative content analysis was applied to 159 audio recordings of consultations from the Brief Interventions for Weight Loss (BWeL) trial, where GPs gave brief weight-loss advice to patients with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (or ≥25 kg/m2 if Asian) in 137 UK surgeries. Similar content was grouped into descriptive clusters.

Results

The results comprised 4 clusters, illuminating different aspects of the advice given: (i) Content of diet and physical activity advice, showing this was highly varied; (ii) Content of “implementation tips” given to support changes, e.g. using smaller plates; (iii) Content of signposting support, either towards further clinician support, or other resources, e.g. information booklets; (iv) Style of advice delivery, showing GPs rarely gave personalized advice, or reasons for their advice.

Conclusions and implications

Weight-loss advice from GPs to patients with obesity rarely included effective methods, mostly communicating a general “eat less, do more” approach. Advice was mostly generic, and rarely tailored to patients’ existing knowledge and behaviours. Effectiveness of brief weight-loss advice could be improved if GPs were given clearer guidance on evidence-based recommendations.
Brain Proteome-Wide and Transcriptome-Wide Asso-ciation Studies, Bayesian Colocalization, and Mendelian Randomization Analyses Reveal Causal Genes of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zhou Siquan , Tian Ye , Song Xuejiao , Xiong Jingyuan , Cheng Guo
Published: December 2022

How genome-wide associated loci confer risk for Parkinson’s disease is unclear. We aim to reveal causal genes through effects on brain proteins to provide new pathogenesis insights for Parkinson’s disease. Proteome-wide and transcriptome-wide associations were determined by functional summary-based imputation leveraging data from genome-wide association summary (56 306 Europeans, 1.4 million controls), brain proteomes (528 cases from 2 separate data sets), and transcriptome (452 cases), followed by Mendelian randomization, Bayesian colocalization, cell-type-specific and brain regional expression, and drug–gene interaction analyses. As a result, genetically regulated protein abundances of 11 genes were associated with Parkinson’s disease. Five genes (CD38, GPNMB, TMEM175, RAB7L1, and HIP1R) were colocalized. Four genes (GPNMB, SEC23IP, CD38, and DGKQ) demonstrated Mendelian randomized correlations (p < 8.10 × 10−5). Higher GPNMB level (1.47, 1.28–1.68) and lower CD38 level (0.319, 0.24–0.43) were causally associated with higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, consistent with transcriptomic evaluations. CD38 and GPNMB were preferentially enriched in astrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells, respectively. And CD38 and GPNMB were suggested to be the targets of many oncological drugs from Drug–Gene Interaction database. In conclusion, utilizing multidimensional data, GPNMB and CD38 were prioritized as the causal genes of Parkinson’s disease, crucial for mechanistic and therapeutic investigations.
The Aging–Cancer Cycle: Mechanisms and Opportunities for Intervention
Authors: Sedrak Mina S , Cohen Harvey Jay
Published: December 2022

Aging is the largest risk factor for the development of cancer. A growing body of literature indicates that aging and cancer often play a somewhat reciprocal relationship at various times. On the one hand, aging is a “driver” of cancer, and on the other, cancer is a “disease driver” of aging. Here, we synthesize our reflections on the current literature linking cancer and aging, with an eye on fundamental aging processes, such as cellular senescence. Additionally, we consider how interventions that target fundamental aging processes can potentially transform cancer care, from preventing cancer development and progression to reducing the burden of accelerated aging in cancer survivors. Finally, we conclude with a reflection highlighting our vision for future directions to advance the science of cancer and aging and its applicability to improve the care of older adults with cancer.
Upregulation of non-canonical and canonical inflammasome genes associates with pathological features in Krabbe disease and related disorders
Authors: Cachón-González María B , Zhao Chao , Franklin Robin J , Cox Timothy M
Published: December 2022

Infantile Krabbe disease is a rapidly progressive and fatal disorder of myelin, caused by inherited deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme β-galactocerebrosidase. Affected children lose their motor skills and other faculties; uncontrolled seizures are a frequent terminal event. Overexpression of the sphingolipid metabolite psychosine is a pathogenic factor, but does not fully account for the pleiotropic manifestations and there is a clear need to investigate additional pathological mechanisms. We examined innate immunity, caspase-11 and associated inflammatory pathways in twitcher mice, an authentic model of Krabbe disease. Combined use of molecular tools, RNAscope in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining established that the expression of pro-inflammatory non-canonical caspase-11, canonical caspase-1, gasdermin D and cognate genes is induced in nervous tissue. Early onset and progressive upregulation of these genes accompany demyelination and gliosis and although the molecules are scant in healthy tissue, abundance of the respective translation products is greatly increased in diseased animals. Caspase-11 is found in reactive microglia/macrophages as well as astrocytes but caspase-1 and gasdermin D are restricted to reactive microglia/macrophages. The inflammasome signature is not unique to Krabbe disease; to varying degrees, this signature is also prominent in other lysosomal diseases, Sandhoff and Niemann-Pick Type-C1, and the lysolecithin toxin model of focal demyelination. Given the potent inflammatory response here identified in Krabbe disease and the other neurodegenerative disorders studied, a broad induction of inflammasomes is likely to be a dominant factor in the pathogenesis, and thus represents a platform for therapeutic exploration.
Oral Health and Social Work Integration: Advancing Social Workers’ Roles in Dental Education
Authors: Zerden Lisa de Saxe , Morris Melanie , Burgess-Flowers Jamie
Published: December 2022

Oral health remains underutilized within both integrated service delivery and educational settings. Advancing social workers’ roles in the education of oral health providers is one strategic way to expand oral health and social work integration. Although the involvement of social workers in dental education is not new, fewer than 18 percent of the country’s 68 accredited dental schools have active social work departments or services. This exploratory study sought to determine how, as of 2021, social work has been integrated into U.S. dental education programs (N = 13). Findings offer an overview of current social work programs in existence, roles social workers have in addressing social and behavioral health needs in dental education settings, and barriers to and facilitators in developing and sustaining integrated partnerships. This article discusses ways social work and oral health educational settings can mutually benefit from developing and/or strengthening their integrated collaborations. It also addresses a comparison of educational missions, clinical learning opportunities across both professions, and how patient care can be improved by expanding oral health and social work integration.