bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of tephra for geopolymer precursor
Authors: Kautsar F R , Ilham D J , Prasetyo T B , Juniarti  , Fiantis D
Published: April 2024

Volcanic ash and pumice are products of volcanic eruptions characterized by a high amount of amorphous silica and alumina. They can potentially serve as a source of raw materials for the production of geopolymers. Geopolymers are more environmentally friendly compared to conventional cement. However, there is a requirement for aluminosilicate for creating geopolymers. This study aims to identify the mineralogical composition and chemical properties of the volcanic ashes and pumices that are potentially used as geopolymers precursor materials. Tephra and pumice samples were collected from several volcanoes in Indonesia. The samples include two tephras from recently erupted volcanoes in Java and one pumice material from West Sumatra. Tephras were collected one week after the eruptions of Mt. Tangkuban Perahu (26th July 2019). Another source of tephra was collected from Mt. Kelud, which erupted on 13th February 2014. Pumice samples of Mt. Maninjau were collected at Sungai Limau district, 30 km from the Maninjau caldera, a product of the Holocene (52K) volcanic eruption of Mt. Maninjau. Mineralogy of the tephra and pumice samples was identified with XRF and XRD. Chemical properties characterized include pH, exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity (CEC), potential-P, and available-P. Results showed that crystalline feldspar minerals and amorphous volcanic glass dominated volcanic ash and pumice. The SiO2 content is higher in pumice, followed by tephras from Mt. Tangkuban Perahu and Mt. Kelud (74.97%-60.28%). But the Al2O3 content is higher in Mt. Kelud compared to pumice and Mt. Tangkuban Perahu (23.57%-4.03%). The pH is very acidic to slightly acidic (2.35–6.1). Mg is higher than Ca, Na, and K. The potential-P and available-P were considered very low. Among the samples, Mt. Kelud volcanic ash has the highest available P compared to Tangkuban Perahu volcanic ash and pumice. The SiO2/Al2O3 ratio are 4.35, 8.00, and 26.38 for samples of Mt. Kelud, Mt. Maninjau pumice, and Mt. Tangkuban Perahu, respectively. The optimum ratio of geopolymer is between 2.5–5; thus, volcanic ash Mt. Kelud is the most suitable option. Nevertheless, the exchangeable basic cations of volcanic ash and pumice indicated that they are more suitable for plant nutrition.
Mapping of volcanic soil chemical properties with digital soil mapping after the prolonged eruption of Mt. Sinabung (2013-2020)
Authors: Fiantis D , Armer A N , Ginting F I , Gusnidar
Published: April 2024

Volcanic soils in Indonesia cover an area of about 5.4 million ha and around 2.7 million ha in Sumatra. The prolonged eruptions of Mt. Sinabung in North Sumatra from 2013 to today eject pyroclastic materials, which blanketed and altered the soil surface. As a result, volcanic soil formed from these pyroclastic deposits. This study aims to map the chemical properties of volcanic soils after the prolonged eruption of Mt. Sinabung from 2013-2020. Thirty-four soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-20 cm according to the grid sampling system with an interval of 1x1 km covering an area of about 4,500 ha. Regression kriging (RK) was applied to predict the soil’s chemical properties and distribution spatially. The soil samples were air dried, sieved, and analyzed to determine soil pH (H2O and KCl), available, potential and retention P, organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and exchangeable basic cations. Soil pH (H2O) ranges from very acidic to neutral (4.14-6.52) and very acidic to acidic pH (KCl) (3.89-5.26), low to very high available-P (3.46-382.01 ppm), potential-P very low to very high (3.76-230.26 mg 100g-1), P-retention is categorized as very high (90-99%). The organic Carbon range from low to very high (1.73-13.05%), low to high total nitrogen (0.13-0.60%), low to high cation exchange capacity (11.78-97.71 cmolc kg-1), and exchangeable base cations are categorized as high with K values (1.60-2.98 cmolc kg-1). Na (3.72-7.45 cmolc kg-1) and Mg (5.79-12.15 cmolc kg-1) were categorized as high and Ca very low (0.039-0.157 cmolc kg-1). The estimated area of soils with pH between 4 and 5 is about 424.85 ha, and soils with pH between 5 and 6 covered an area of approximately 3,964.81 ha. Our findings suggest that persistent eruptions of Mt. Sinabung supply new plant nutrition, which can enrich and increase soil fertility in the future.
Digital mapping of soil organic carbon in volcanic soils after prolonged eruption Mt. Sinabung, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Fiantis D , Yulanda N , Ginting F I , Agustian
Published: April 2024

Mount Sinabung (at Karo Regency, North Sumatra) has been considered as an active volcano since 2010, and after three years of inactivity, the volcano’s activity resumed in 2013. The deposition of volcanic ash buried everything on the soil surface with various thicknesses. Volcanic ash is a valuable inorganic material and consists mostly of primary minerals. But with time, these materials can initiate carbon storage through the revegetation process. This study investigates carbon storage and sequestration in volcanic soils affected by the intermittent eruptions of Mt. Sinabung. A total of 34 soil samples were collected from areas of 3 to 7 km from the eruptive vent. The samples were analyzed to determine labile-C, very labile-C, total-C, Organic-C, non-crystalline-C, and metal complex-C fractions. Regression kriging (RK) was applied to spatially predict the carbon distribution. The results showed that the highest labile-C was 1.65% found in the Southeast slope and the lowest, 1.20%, in the Southern slope. The highest value of very labile-C was in the Southeast (1.20%), and the lowest was in the Northern (0.46%). The highest (11.66%) and lowest values (8.84%) of total C were in the Northeast and South slopes, respectively. The highest Organic-C value was detected 7.42% in the Northeast volcanic soils, and the lowest, 5.74%, is in the South slopes soil. The lowest non-crystalline- C was found in the soils of Northeast slope (0.60%), and the highest was in the Southeast (0.82%) soil. While the highest metal complex-C value was 0.88% in the Southeast, and the lowest is 0.36% in the soil of South slope. These data show that the highest carbon storage is parallel with the direction of the ash distribution, which tends to the Southeast side of Mt. Sinabung. The results of this study demonstrated that volcanic regions have a strong resilience capacity to bounce back after devastating natural hazards. Volcanic deposits interact with atmospheric water to initiate vegetation regrowth and create a carbon pool within their particles.
Application of satellite images and GIS to assess the site situation and propose solutions for developing pineapple cultivation in U Minh Thuong, Kien Giang, Vietnam
Authors: Pham Tien D , Nguyen Diep T H , Tran Duy H , Tran Thuan T
Published: April 2024

The study was conducted to assess the site situation and propose solutions to develop the cropping area of pineapples in U Minh Thuong (UMT), Kien Giang province. The study used the Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) classification method to create a map of pineapple cropping in the U Minh Thuong area in 2016. Data on rainfall, soil type, temperature, and water reserves are inherited from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Kien Giang Province and analyzed by the GIS method. Water irrigation in pineapple was estimated based on the formula of Mladen Todorovic, 2016 comparing freshwater reserves in the research region and irrigation water on pineapple, researched spatial distribution map of water response capacity for pineapple. The research results showed that the agricultural area in U Minh Thuong has natural conditions suitable for pineapple cultivation. The size of pineapple cultivation in this area was 4,387.29 ha, the largest in the Vinh Thuan district. The total freshwater reserve in the region varies, where the rainfall is, with the highest volume being 4,546.2 m3/ha (in September 2015) and the lowest 67.7 m3/ha (in March 2016). However, the U Minh Thuong region lacks water in the dry months from January 2016 to April 2016. The amount of water during this period is starved, with watering demand from 2,385 to 2,969 million m3 on the total cultivated area of pineapple. In contrast, the surplus water was quite high in the rainy season, about 2,252 - 27,257 million m3 in Vinh Thuan district in September 2015. The study proposes a solution to store water during the rainy season and use them effectively during the dry season. This solution is compatible with the main pineapple farming habit and model in U Minh Thuong, Kien Giang Province.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training toward Sustainable Development of Japan’s Aid Effectiveness for Industrial Human Resource Development in Lower Mekong Basin Countries
Authors: Juwitasari R
Published: April 2024

The Official Development Assistance (ODA) is Japan’s salient foreign policy in the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) Country, especially for industrial human resource development. Japan has established KOSEN, a Japanese engineering vocational education system in the region to promote the industrial acceleration agenda and the region’s economic, social development, and poverty reduction toward the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, ODA is about more than giving and receiving; it is about actors and administration, including the vis-à-vis mutual benefit for both donor and recipient country, which becomes a debatable issue. This research intends to shed light on the efficacy of Japanese ODA toward LMB by applying the principles of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness (2005) and its impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) attainment. A qualitative technique with a deductive approach was used to analyze the efficiency of Japan’s aid for KOSEN, including an in-depth interview with a purposive sampling technique of three key informants in this study. The study showed that the donor country predominantly adheres to the assistance ownership concept. Nonetheless, developing the KOSEN system as an assistance program in the area can contribute to the SDGs as hard tool mechanisms and KOSEN values as a soft mechanism related to the 2012 Global Agenda for Greening TVET.
Coffee Agro-Technopark Development Strategy in Tabanan Regency to Strengthen Agriculture and Tourism Synergism
Authors: Sumantra I K , Wijaya I M W
Published: April 2024

Tabanan Regency has various superior agricultural commodities, including coffee plantations and potential tourist attractions. Tabanan’s agriculture and tourism sectors have not been fully exploited, so the two have not yet run synergistically. Planning for an agro-technopark (ATP) is expected to create a production area based on agricultural technology, livestock and natural beauty. The ATP will leverage the potential of upstream and downstream agribusiness, infrastructure, and supporting services in coffee production, processing, and marketing. The research objective was to identify the sub-system of input, process, output, and development strategy of coffee ATP in Munduk Temu, Tabanan Regency. Data collection was carried out in two stages: secondary data collection with document study methods and primary data collection in the field using observation and interview methods. Data were analyzed using SWOT and strategic priority determination using Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) analysis. The results showed that coffee cultivation with an integrated system supporting coffee ATP in Muduk Temu Tabanan fulfills input, process, and output requirements. Still, the quantity and quality of each sub-system need to be improved. The strategic position of coffee ATP development is in quadrant I (SO Strategy). Strategic priorities with the highest TAS value: 1) implementing technological innovations for managing pre-harvest and post-harvest Robusta coffee to support product diversification (st5 = TAS 6.94); 2) Policies from the local government in regulation and providing assistance to Subak Abian in supporting the development of ATP Coffee (st1= TAS 6.87); 3) Implementing crop-livestock integration to optimize resource potential (st3=TAS 6.86); 4) Implementing research results and studies based on superior products (st.4 = TAS 6.62). It is necessary to strengthen the institutional synergy between Village Owned Enterprises (Bumdes) managers, Subak Abian, and tourism stakeholders in improving the agricultural sector in synergy with the tourism sector.
Sustaining subak, the balinese traditional ecological knowledge in the contemporary context of Bali
Authors: Zen I S , Surata S P K , Titisari P W , Ab Rahman S A , Zen S
Published: April 2024

Subak is a local organization that formalizes the Balinese traditional ecological knowledge and wisdom in managing and distributing water for agricultural purposes. This organization combines cosmology, spirituality, science, ecology, and engineering dimensions of knowledge. As the current development of Bali Island as one of the international tourist destinations has changed its landscape which involves various factors such as physical, social, and cultural. Hence, to what extent the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) practice can be sustained in the current context and development setting become our focus of study. This paper has three objectives. The first is to collate/document the various perspectives of TEK from sustainable agriculture practices, ecological principles, water irrigation systems, and spiritual practices and values as part of the learning document. The second is to analyze the interdependence of the human and environmental systems in the context of the socio-ecological system framework for Subak TEK and its cultural sustainability. Third, to outline the potential effort to sustain Subak TEK by strengthening its adaptive capacity in the broader context of learning to strengthening the community based tourism planning. This study deploy the socio-ecological system, SES framework as the underlying theory and analysis and explore diverse initiatives to sustain Subak in the future. The study was conducted in conjunction with a sustainability leadership program which deployed an inter- and transdisciplinary approach of sustainability science that focuses on Subak as its case. Situational and content analysis from the workshop discussion notes is used to provide examples that describe diverse initiatives in tourism, agriculture, and education. The study found out that the SES framework of analysis in Subak TEK documented several core ritual activities, the interpretation of THK philosophy and its local wisdom and values which represent the interaction the social and natural system. Hence, demonstrate as a living monument with strong human institutions and nature interaction. Further, the Subak TEK has substantial community capital values that need to be strengthened by integration in the formal and non-formal education, the enhancement of the Tri Hita Karana (THK) awards and accreditation for tourism operators and hotels in the broader context of education for sustainable development framework as well as community-based tourism development planning. This initiative need to be supported by a community-based tourism by involving Pekaseh and youngsters in the current context of Bali community-based tourism.
Priority for improving disaster resilience at the Higher Education Level: awareness, integration, and Management
Authors: Jumiyati S , Omolu F A , Mappewali A , Akkas N
Published: April 2024

Muhammadiyah University (Unismuh) Palu, one of the universities in Central Sulawesi, has potential resources to ensure the use of science and technology foundations in disaster management. In addition, increasing disaster resilience is a shared responsibility and requires the involvement of all parties, including the academic community, through systematic, massive, and structured activities. The research aims to analyze the priority of increasing disaster resilience at the Higher Education Level based on the role of internal stakeholders and the determinant aspects related to awareness, integration, and management. The study used a qualitative descriptive method to describe the history of earthquake, tsunami, and liquefaction events in Central Sulawesi. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is used to determine the hierarchy of stakeholder priorities and aspects in increasing disaster resilience at Unismuh Palu through implementing the Four Pillars of Higher Education towards a Disaster Awareness Academic Community and a Disaster Preparedness Campus. The results show that disaster literacy is very important in efforts to increase disaster resilience at Unismuh Palu. The results show that disaster literacy is very important in efforts to increase disaster resilience at Unismuh Palu. Institutional leadership and awareness are a priority for the role of internal university stakeholders and the determining aspect that has the highest value. This is related to regulations and management that guarantee the implementation of disaster mitigation integrated with the Four Pillars of Higher Education activities to increase disaster resilience at Unismuh Palu.
Embedding sustainability education into hospitality, tourism, and events management curricula - a preliminary best practice model
Authors: Sulkowski N , Greenaway C , Vieira R
Published: April 2024

With over seventy percent of millennials preferring to spend disposable income on experiences rather than consumer goods, organizations operating in the tourism, hospitality, and events sectors are predicted to see increasing demand. Despite being recognized as a major contributor to economic activity, these sectors have been criticized for being a root cause of environmental degradation, acculturation, economic leakage, and migration. The recent collapse of international travel firms with far-reaching consequences for employees, suppliers, and destinations has highlighted the vulnerability of organizations to volatility in the business environment and calls for a reassessment of business and leadership models. Since the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, sustainability initiatives are becoming more embedded into corporate strategies with an increasing focus on the triple bottom line. Following the creation of the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and sector-specific standards, there is a growing expectation that organizations demonstrate accountability for their sustainability initiatives. In Western societies, this reflects a shift away from the liberalist notion of the “Theory of the Firm” towards the sustainability paradigm. The purpose of this exploratory paper is to propose a preliminary framework for embedding innovative sustainability education in undergraduate degree programs. The paper first reviews UK-based guidelines for sustainability education at the university level. It then proposes a framework for the development of a corresponding curriculum audit tool that assesses how comprehensively sustainability education is embedded into undergraduate curricula. The University of Gloucestershire’s degree programs in International Hospitality and Tourism Management and Event Management are used as case studies to demonstrate how an audit tool design based on relevant principles can be used in practice for assessing and enhancing sustainability education. The paper recommends the further development of the tool into a best practice model integrating graduate attributes, key learning outcomes and skills, and an appropriate learning and teaching infrastructure. Transferability across subjects and transnationally is identified as an area for further research.
Utilization of banana and cassava peel as local microorganism materials in household organic waste composting by takakura method
Authors: Dewilda Y , Aziz R , Zahra S
Published: April 2024

This research compares household organic waste compost results with the addition of local microorganism activators from banana peel and cassava peel waste with Effective Microorganisms (EM4). The composting method used is aerobic composting with the Takakura composting technique. This composting is carried out in 5 variations consisting of variation 1 (50% organic waste: 50% finished compost), variation 2 (50% organic waste: 50% finished compost: EM4), variation 3 (50% organic waste: 50% finished compost: local microorganism banana peel), variation 4 (50% organic waste: 50% compost made: local microorganism cassava peel), variation 5 (50% organic waste: 50% finished compost: local microorganism banana peel and cassava peel). The results showed that all variations of composting had met the maturity standard for parameters of temperature, pH, material reduction, texture, color, and smell and had met the SNI 19-7030-2004 standards. Analysis of all compost quality, including C-organic, nitrogen, C / N ratio, phosphorus, and potassium, has met SNI 19-7030-2004 standards. From 4 kg of raw material produced, solid compost ranges at 2.7-3 kg. The use of activators in the composting process can speed up the composting time by 8-12 days. Compost variations by scoring results in the compost consisting of 50% organic waste and 50% finished compost with 5 ml of local microorganism activator banana peel, and cassava peel is the best variation in compost maturity quality.
The effects of crude glycerol addition on biogas production
Authors: Goembira F , Yuliarningsih R , Silvia S , Rahmadani F
Published: April 2024

Crude glycerol is a by-product of biodiesel production in which the number increases every year and is quite an expensive purification process to meet the technical standards required by consumer industries. To overcome this, it is important to find alternatives for crude glycerol utilization to increase the economic feasibility of the biodiesel industry. This study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of biogas production with the addition of crude glycerol from a Palm Oil Plant. The glycerol was introduced into 500mL Anaerobic Digester (AD) as a carbon source and energy source for the growth of methanogenic bacteria along with cow dung and Distilled Water with a ratio of 1:1. The addition of crude glycerol was 5% wt (GL5), 10% wt (GL10) dan 15% wt (GL15), and one control reactor without crude glycerol addition (GL0). AD was operated in a batch system at mesophilic conditions for 30 days. The highest biogas yield was obtained in the experimental set GL10 as much as 380 mL/g VS and was formed on the 3rd day but the highest percentage of methane gas (CH4) was obtained from the control set GL0 as much as 60.2%. In addition to the identification of bacteria, it was found that the type of Bacillus sp in the GL10 treatment was the most biogas producer, and based on the results of its bio-slurry analysis it could be used as organic fertilizer and soil improvement for agriculture and degraded soil.
Developing an innovative disaster resilience framework with universities as key agents – the value of consolidating international expertise
Authors: Sulkowski N , Towers N , Fuller M
Published: April 2024

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the higher education sector has seen an expansion of universities’ expertise from being providers of education, research and knowledge transfer to providers of crisis response capacity for partners and stakeholders. Prior to that, nascent approaches towards delivering disaster mitigation and response capability through community training and volunteering were seen across universities located in areas prone to natural disasters. This leads to the purpose of the paper, which is to address initiatives required to enhance the role of the higher education sector in disaster resilience. Specifically, in relation to driving national policy-making and disaster management activities at the local level, high levels of decentralization prevent effective interventions by central government bodies. Based on an inductive approach, the methods used were informed by an initial fact-finding exercise and a series of roundtable discussions involving senior higher education and disaster resilience experts from across Indonesia and Europe. Building on the four theoretical perspectives, expert opinions then informed the conceptual development of an innovative and scalable disaster resilience framework. Within the higher education sector, this integrates conventional streams of university activity, such as curriculum development, research, innovation, knowledge transfer and networking, with a contextually adapted and appropriate disaster mitigation and response capability.
Three-dimensional numerical investigation of vortex-induced vibration of a circular cylinder at low Reynolds number
Authors: Biswal Sambit Kumar , Kumar Prashant , Tiwari Shaligram
Published: April 2024

Three-dimensional numerical investigations of vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of flexibly mounted rigid circular cylinder have been carried out using Open Source Field Operation And Manipulation (OpenFOAM). The cylinder is allowed to oscillate in both streamwise as well as cross-stream directions. The cylinder response and wake transition are studied by varying the mass damping parameter (

m
∗

ζ

, 0.01 and 0.1) and Reynolds number (Re). The computations are conducted for a wide range of reduced velocities (

U
r

), ranging from 3 to 8, at a fixed value of Re equal to 350. Furthermore, the effect of Re, varied from 250 to 400, on VIV is illustrated for a fixed value of Ur
= 4.5. The response of the cylinder in terms of streamwise and cross-stream displacements is examined in and outside the lock-in regime. The cylinder trajectories are found to be influenced by the change in

U
r

,

m
∗

ζ

and Re. The dynamic characteristics are also disclosed with the change in

U
r

,

m
∗

ζ

and Re. In order to capture the effect of Re on the wake transition of the circular cylinder undergoing VIV, the value of Re is varied from 250 to 400. Mode A instability is observed to be delayed due to VIV in comparison to that of the stationary cylinder.
Segmentation of bone surface from ultrasound using a lightweight network UBS-Net
Authors: Peng Fan , Zhang Yunxian , Cui Shangqi , Wang Binbin , Wang Dan , Shi Zhe , Li Lanlin , Fang Xiutong , Yang Zhi
Published: April 2024

Objective. Ultrasound-assisted orthopaedic navigation held promise due to its non-ionizing feature, portability, low cost, and real-time performance. To facilitate the applications, it was critical to have accurate and real-time bone surface segmentation. Nevertheless, the imaging artifacts and low signal-to-noise ratios in the tomographical B-mode ultrasound (B-US) images created substantial challenges in bone surface detection. In this study, we presented an end-to-end lightweight US bone segmentation network (UBS-Net) for bone surface detection. Approach. We presented an end-to-end lightweight UBS-Net for bone surface detection, using the U-Net structure as the base framework and a level set loss function for improved sensitivity to bone surface detectability. A dual attention (DA) mechanism was introduced at the end of the encoder, which considered both position and channel information to obtain the correlation between the position and channel dimensions of the feature map, where axial attention (AA) replaced the traditional self-attention (SA) mechanism in the position attention module for better computational efficiency. The position attention and channel attention (CA) were combined with a two-class fusion module for the DA map. The decoding module finally completed the bone surface detection. Main Results. As a result, a frame rate of 21 frames per second (fps) in detection were achieved. It outperformed the state-of-the-art method with higher segmentation accuracy (Dice similarity coefficient: 88.76% versus 87.22%) when applied the retrospective ultrasound (US) data from 11 volunteers. Significance. The proposed UBS-Net for bone surface detection in ultrasound achieved outstanding accuracy and real-time performance. The new method out-performed the state-of-the-art methods. It had potential in US-guided orthopaedic surgery applications.
Patterns and trends in the spatial heterogeneity of land surface phenology of global forests
Authors: Girardello Marco , Checcherini Guido , Duveiller Gregory , Migliavacca Mirco , Cescatti Alessandro
Published: April 2024

Land-surface phenology is a widely used indicator of how terrestrial ecosystems respond to environmental change. The spatial variability of this plant functional trait has also been advocated as an indicator of the functional composition of ecosystems. However, a global-scale assessment of spatial patterns in the spatial heterogeneity of forest phenology is currently lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we developed an index based on satellite retrievals and used it to quantify phenological diversity across global forest biomes. We show that there is considerable variation in phenological diversity among biomes, with the highest overall levels occurring in arid and temperate regions. An analysis of the drivers of the spatial patterns revealed that temperature-related factors primarily determine the variation in phenological diversity. Notably, temperature seasonality and mean annual temperature emerged as the most significant variables in explaining this global-scale variability. Furthermore, an assessment of temporal changes over an 18-year period revealed strong climate-driven shifts of phenological diversity in boreal and arid regions, suggesting that there may be an ongoing widespread homogenisation of land surface phenology within forest ecosystems. Our findings ultimately contribute to the development of a novel Essential Biodiversity Variable, which may enable scientists and practitioners to quantify the functional composition of ecosystems at unprecedented spatial and temporal scales.
Performance and reliability assessment of source work function engineered charge plasma based Ti/HfO2/Al2O3/Ge, double gate TFET
Authors: Yadav Ajeet K , Chappa Vinay K , Baghel Gaurav S , Khosla Robin
Published: April 2024

The Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (TFET) often suffers from low ON current (I
ON), charge traps, and thermal variability, which limits its performance and reliability. To address these issues, the source work function engineered Ge Charge Plasma Double Gate Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (CP-DGTFET) device structure with HfO2/Al2O3 bilayer gate dielectric is designed and investigated using numerical TCAD simulations. The proposed Ti/HfO2/Al2O3/Ge CP-DGTFET device structure showed excellent DC characteristics with exceptional I
ON, I
ON/I
OFF ratio, and minimal sub-threshold swing (S) of ∼3.04 × 10−4 A μm−1, ∼1.2 × 1010, and ∼3.4 mV/dec, respectively. Furthermore, the device’s analog characteristics displayed good transconductance, cut-off frequency, and gain bandwidth product of ∼0.75 mS/μm, ∼0.97 THz, and ∼102 GHz, respectively. Moreover, the charge trap exploration divulges that positive ITCs can enhance device performance, whereas negative ITCs can adversely impact the electrical characteristics of CP-DGTFET. Additionally, the temperature-dependent analysis showed that the OFF-state leakage current increases from ∼1.7 × 10−15 A μm−1 to 2.4 × 10−10 A μm−1 with temperature fluctuations from 275 K to 375 K. Overall, the work function-engineered CP-based Ti/HfO2/Al2O3/Ge DGTFET device structure shows great potential for improving the performance and reliability of Ge TFET technology.
Classifying rock types by geostatistics and random forests in tandem
Authors: Dutta Parag Jyoti , Emery Xavier
Published: April 2024

Rock type classification is crucial for evaluating mineral resources in ore deposits and for rock mechanics. Mineral deposits are formed in a variety of rock bodies and rock types. However, the rock type identification in drill core samples is often complicated by overprinting and weathering processes. An approach to classifying rock types from drill core data relies on whole-rock geochemical assays as features. There are few studies on rock type classification from a limited number of metal grades and dry bulk density as features. The novelty in our approach is the introduction of two sets of feature variables (proxies) at sampled data points, generated by geostatistical leave-one-out cross-validation and by kriging for removing short-scale spatial variation of the measured features. We applied our proposal to a dataset from a porphyry Cu–Au deposit in Mongolia. The model performances on a testing data subset indicate that, when the training dataset is not large, the performance of the classifier (a random forest) substantially improves by incorporating the proxy features as a complement to the original measured features. At each training data point, these proxy features throw light based on the underlying spatial data correlation structure, scales of variations, sampling design, and values of features observed at neighboring points, and show the benefits of combining geostatistics with machine learning.
NetMe 2.0: a web-based platform for extracting and modeling knowledge from biomedical literature as a labeled graph
Authors: Di Maria Antonio , Bellomo Lorenzo , Billeci Fabrizio , Cardillo Alfio , Alaimo Salvatore , Ferragina Paolo , Ferro Alfredo , Pulvirenti Alfredo
Published: April 2024

Motivation

The rapid increase of bio-medical literature makes it harder and harder for scientists to keep pace with the discoveries on which they build their studies. Therefore, computational tools have become more widespread, among which network analysis plays a crucial role in several life-science contexts. Nevertheless, building correct and complete networks about some user-defined biomedical topics on top of the available literature is still challenging.

Results

We introduce NetMe 2.0, a web-based platform that automatically extracts relevant biomedical entities and their relations from a set of input texts—i.e. in the form of full-text or abstract of PubMed Central’s papers, free texts, or PDFs uploaded by users—and models them as a BioMedical Knowledge Graph (BKG). NetMe 2.0 also implements an innovative Retrieval Augmented Generation module (Graph-RAG) that works on top of the relationships modeled by the BKG and allows the distilling of well-formed sentences that explain their content. The experimental results show that NetMe 2.0 can infer comprehensive and reliable biological networks with significant Precision–Recall metrics when compared to state-of-the-art approaches.

Availability and implementation

https://netme.click/.
A cross-sectional study of erythromelalgia in patients with pachyonychia congenita
Authors: McCarthy Rebecca L , Schwartz Janice , Oldham Jaimie , Bodemer Christine , Greco Celine , Hovnanian Alain , Hansen C  David , O’Toole Edel A
Published: April 2024

Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by focal palmoplantar keratoderma, severe plantar pain and dystrophic nails. Anecdotally, some patients with PC have erythematous soles and episodic burning plantar pain, indicative of secondary erythromelalgia. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and genetic predictors of erythromelalgia in PC.
Allergens induce upregulated IL-18 and IL-18Rα expression in blood Th2 and Th17 cells of patients with allergic asthma
Authors: Wang Junling , Zhan Mengmeng , Zhai Yaping , Wang Siqin , Gu Fangqiu , Zhao Zhuo , Zhang Zhaolong , Li Yifei , Dong Xin , Zhang Yijie , Qin Bingyu
Published: April 2024

Allergic asthma (AA) is closely associated with the polarization of T helper (Th)2 and Th17 cells. Interleukin (IL)-18 acts as an inducer of Th2 and Th17 cell responses. However, expressions of IL-18 and IL-18 receptor alpha (IL-18Rα) in blood Th2 and Th17 cells of patients with AA remain unclear. We therefore investigated their expressions in Th2 and Th17 cells using flow cytometric analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and murine AA model. We observed increased proportions of Th2, Th17, IL-18+, IL-18+ Th2, and IL-18+ Th17 cells in blood CD4+ T cells of patients with AA. Additionally, house dust mite seemed to upregulate further IL-18 expression in Th2 and Th17, and upregulate IL-18Rα expression in CD4+ T, Th2, and Th17 cells of AA patients. It was also found that the plasma levels of IL-4, IL-17A, and IL-18 in AA patients were elevated, and they were correlated between each other. In ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse (AM), we observed that the percentages of blood CD4+ T, Th2, and Th17 cells were increased. Moreover, OVA-induced AM expressed higher level of IL-18Rα in blood Th2 cells, which was downregulated by IL-18. Increased IL-18Rα expression was also observed in blood Th2 cells of OVA-induced FcεRIα−/− mice. Collectively, our findings suggest the involvement of Th2 cells in AA by expressing excessive IL-18 and IL-18Rα in response to allergen, and that IL-18 and IL-18Rα expressing Th2 cells are likely to be the potential targets for AA therapy.
Evaluation standards regulate the generation and selection of novel ideas in creative behaviors: insights from individual differences in event-related potentials
Authors: Jia Lujia , Ren Jingyuan , Li Fuhong , Huang Furong
Published: April 2024

Evaluation is generally considered to occur after the generation of novel ideas to select truly creative ideas; however, evaluation may occur concurrently with the generation and regulate its efficiency. To test this hypothesis, 120 participants who held strict, moderate, or loose evaluation standards were grouped, and neural responses related to novel idea generation were compared retrospectively. The results showed that lower N400 amplitudes and greater LSP amplitudes were simultaneously elicited by objectively defined novel and usable options than by novel but unusable options among participants with moderate standards but not among participants with strict or loose standards. Evaluation standards influence the efficiency of novel idea generation; neither strict nor loose evaluation standards are conducive to fully resolving cognitive conflicts and generating novel ideas. Moreover, lower N400 amplitudes and greater LSP amplitudes were simultaneously elicited by the subjectively rated novel and usable option than by the novel but unusable option among participants with strict and moderate standards but not among participants with loose standards. Evaluation standards influence the selection among the generated ideas; participants in the strict and moderate groups made a wise choice based on the degree of conflict resolution, whereas participants in the loose group did not.
Synthesis of N-doped MgTiO3 with ilmenite structure working as photocatalysts for O2 evolution under visible light
Authors: Yoshino Shunya , Shindo Shuma , Kato Hideki
Published: April 2024

Synthesis of N-doped MgTiO3 with an ilmenite structure was examined as a new ilmenite-type oxynitride material. N-doped MgTiO3 with Sc-substitution was successfully obtained by flux-assisted nitridation using a LiCl-KCl eutectic under pure NH3 or 5% NH3. The oxynitrides gave visible light absorption which MgTiO3 did not show, and were active for sacrificial O2 evolution using AgNO3 under visible light irradiation.
The trilogy of human musk receptors: linking receptor activation, genotype, and sensory perception
Authors: Emter Roger , Merillat Christel , Dossenbach Sandro , Natsch Andreas
Published: April 2024

The scent of musk plays a unique role in the history of perfumery. Musk odorants comprise 6 diverse chemical classes and perception differences in strength and quality among human panelists have long puzzled the field of olfaction research. Three odorant receptors (OR) had recently been described for musk odorants: OR5AN1, OR1N2, and OR5A2. High functional expression of the difficult-to-express human OR5A2 was achieved by a modification of the C-terminal domain and the link between sensory perception and receptor activation for the trilogy of these receptors and their key genetic variants was investigated: All 3 receptors detect only musky smelling compounds among 440 commercial fragrance compounds. OR5A2 is the key receptor for the classes of polycyclic and linear musks and for most macrocylic lactones. A single P172L substitution reduces the sensitivity of OR5A2 by around 50-fold. In parallel, human panelists homozygous for this mutation have around 40–60-fold higher sensory detection threshold for selective OR5A2 ligands. For macrocyclic lactones, OR5A2 could further be proven as the key OR by a strong correlation between in vitro activation and the sensory detection threshold in vivo. OR5AN1 is the dominant receptor for the perception of macrocyclic ketones such as muscone and some nitromusks, as panelists with a mutant OR5A2 are still equally sensitive to these ligands. Finally, OR1N2 appears to be an additional receptor involved in the perception of the natural (E)-ambrettolide. This study for the first time links OR activation to sensory perception and genetic polymorphisms for this unique class of odorants.
Non-contrast preoperative MRI for determining renal perfusion and visualizing renal arteries in potential living kidney donors at 1.5 Tesla
Authors: Andersson Julian , Meik Rosalie , Pravdivtseva Mariya S , Langguth Patrick , Gottschalk Hannes , Sedaghat Sam , Jüptner Michael , Koktzoglou Ioannis , Edelman Robert R , Kühn Bernd , Feldkamp Thorsten , Jansen Olav , Both Marcus , Salehi Ravesh Mona
Published: April 2024

Background

The aim of this work was to create and evaluate a preoperative non-contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/angiography (MRA) protocol to assess renal function and visualize renal arteries and any abnormalities in potential living kidney donors.

Methods

In total, 28 subjects were examined using scintigraphy to determine renal function. In addition, 3D-pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL), a 2D-non-CE electrocardiogram-triggered radial quiescent interval slice-selective (QISS-MRA), and 4D-CE time-resolved angiography with interleaved stochastic trajectories (CE-MRA) were performed to assess renal perfusion, visualize renal arteries and detect any abnormalities. Two glomerular filtration rates [described by Gates (GFRG) and according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula (GFRCKD-EPI)]. The renal volumes were determined using both MRA techniques.

Results

The mean value of regional renal blood flow (rRBF) on the right side was significantly higher than that on the left. The agreements between QISS-MRA and CE-MRA concerning the assessment of absence or presence of an aberrant artery and renal arterial stenosis were perfect. The mean renal volumes measured in the right kidney with QISS-MRA were lower than the corresponding values of CE-MRA. In contrast, the mean renal volumes measured in the left kidney with both MRA techniques were similar. The correlation between the GFRG and rRBF was compared in the same manner as that between GFRCKD-EPI and rRBF.

Conclusion

The combination of pCASL and QISS-MRA constitute a reliable preoperative protocol with a total measurement time of <10 min without the potential side effects of gadolinium-based contrast agents or radiation exposure.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and risk of esophageal cancer in patients with diabetes mellitus: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Jeon Yeong Jeong , Han Kyungdo , Lee Seung Woo , Lee Ji Eun , Park Junhee , Cho In Young , Cho Jong Ho , Shin Dong Wook
Published: April 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is closely associated with type 2 diabetes and a developing several cancers including esophageal cancer (EC). However, the association between MASLD and EC in diabetic patients has not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relation between MASLD and developing EC in diabetic patients. This was a population-based retrospective cohort study of data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). A total of 1,904,468 subjects diagnosed with diabetes who underwent NHIS-provided health checkups from 2009 to 2012 were included. We constructed a Cox proportional hazard model for the association of fatty liver index (FLI) and the risk of EC stratified by potential confounders. Over a mean follow-up duration of 6.9 years, the incidence of EC was higher in the high (≥60) FLI group compared to the low (<30) FLI group (14.4 vs. 13.7 event per 100,000 person-years). The risk of EC correlated with the degree of FLI, particularly in older (P = 0.002), female (P = 0.033), non-smoking (P = 0.002), and non-drinking patients (P = 0.025). Among obese patients, the risk of EC was not associated with FLI; however, the risk of EC was higher in the high FLI group in non-obese patients. Lean MASLD patients had the highest risk of EC (adjusted hazard ratio 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–2.13). MASLD was associated with an increased risk of EC in diabetic patients, and lean MASLD has the highest risk. Further studies are required to determine the causal relationship between MASLD and EC.
A multi-component intervention increased access to smoking cessation treatment after hospitalization for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a randomized trial
Authors: Pleym Karin , Dammen Toril , Wedon-Fekjær Harald , Husebye Einar , Sverre Elise , Tonstad Serena , Munkhaugen John
Published: April 2024

Aims

To evaluate the effects of a multi-component intervention for smokers hospitalized for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) on the participation rate in community-based cessation programmes and the use of cessation drugs. Additionally, to explore the impact on the cessation rates at 6 months.

Methods and results

A randomized parallel-group study was conducted at a Norwegian secondary care hospital in 2021. The intervention group was: (i) counselled using motivational interviewing techniques during hospitalization; (ii) given an information leaflet, detailing the cessation programme; and (iii) referred to the community-based smoking cessation treatment including a post-discharge pro-active telephone invitation. The control group received usual care and the same information leaflet containing clear contact details for initiating participation. Data were collected at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. Among 99 smokers hospitalized with ASCVD, 40 were excluded. Of 59 randomized patients, 4 were lost to follow-up and 55 completed the study. The mean age was 65.1 (standard deviation 9.3) years, 35% were female, and 88% had smoked >20 years. Co-morbidity was prevalent (mean Charlson score 4.8). The intervention group was more likely to participate in the smoking cessation treatment {48 vs. 7%, difference: 41% [95% confidence interval (CI): 14%, 63%]} and used cessation drugs more frequently [59 vs. 21%, difference: 38% (95% CI: 17%, 59%)]. At the 6 months point prevalence, we observed notable between-group differences in self-reported cessation rate (48 vs. 25%).

Conclusion

The intervention significantly increased the participation rate at community-based smoking cessation programmes and the use of cessation drugs among multi-morbid smokers hospitalized for ASCVD.