bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On urea and temperature dependences of m-values
Authors: Amsdr Alah , Noudeh Negar Dehghan , Liu Lutan , Chalikian Tigran V.
Published: June 2019

The denaturing or stabilizing influence of a cosolvent on a protein structure is governed by a fine balance of the energetics of the excluded volume effect and the energetics of direct protein-cosolvent interactions. We have previously characterized the energetic contributions of excluded volume and direct interactions with urea for proteins and protein groups. In this work, we examine the molecular origins underlying the relatively weak temperature and urea dependences of the m-values of globular proteins. Our combined experimental and computational results collectively paint a picture in which the relative independence of protein m-values of urea concentration originates from fortuitous compensatory effects of a progressive increase in the solvent-accessible surface area of the unfolded state and a slightly higher urea binding constant of the unfolded state relative to the folded state. Other denaturing cosolvents which lack such a compensation make poor candidates for linear extrapolation model-based protein stability determination studies. The observed diminution in m-values with increasing temperature reflects, in addition to the aforementioned compensatory effects, a decrease in protein-urea binding constants with temperature in accordance with the negative sign of the binding enthalpy.
Spectral characterization of a Rh(110) photocathode: Band structure interpretation
Authors: Adhikari G. , Riley P. , Schroeder W. A.
Published: June 2019

The spectral dependence of the mean transverse energy and quantum efficiency of photoemission from a single-crystal Rh(110) photocathode are determined at 300K using the solenoid scan technique and a sub-picosecond laser-based UV radiation source tunable from 3.0-5.3eV (235-410nm). The tunable UV radiation is generated by sum frequency mixing the second and third harmonics of a front-end, 2W, 28MHz repetition rate, femtosecond Yb:KGW laser with signal and idler radiation from nonlinear-fiber continuum-seeded optical parametric amplification. The measured properties of the Rh(110) photocathode are well explained by a one-step photoemission simulation employing the dispersion of the emitting Σ1 and Σ2 bulk band states evaluated by fully relativistic (including spin-orbit coupling) Ab initio density functional theory methods and an exact quantum solution for transmission through and over a triangular barrier that is extended into the transverse dimension. The inclusion of the joint density of states (bulk crystal and vacuum) in the simulation accounts for the observed spectral dependence of both the mean transverse energy and the quantum efficiency of the photoemission process. The consequent demonstrated base line for the evaluation of photocathode emission properties using Ab initio methods will allow for the development of screening tools to select promising (ultra)low emittance solid-state photocathodes.
Influence of environment and association with water, to internal structure of trifluoroacetylacetone. Matrix isolation FTIR study
Authors: Platakyte Rasa , Gutiérrez-Quintanilla Alejandro , Sablinskas Valdas , Ceponkus Justinas
Published: June 2019

The structure of trifluoroacetylacetone in argon and nitrogen matrices and association with water molecules were studied by the means of Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR) aided with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The absorption bands of trifluoroacetylacetone isolated in argon can be attributed to the single conformer 1,1,1-trifluoro-4-hydroxy-3-penten-2-one [AcAcF3(CO)] which is in good agreement with previous studies. Absorption bands of trifluoroacetylacetone isolated in nitrogen matrix cannot be explained by the presence of only one conformer and with the aid of DFT calculations both conformers 1,1,1-trifluoro-4-hydroxy-3-penten-2-one and 5,5,5-trifluoro-4-hydroxy-3-penten-2-one [AcAcF3(OH)] are confirmed to coexist in the nitrogen matrix. Addition of water to the trifluoroacetylacetone–matrix mixture resulted in appearance of new spectral bands not belonging either to trifluoroacetylacetone or water monomers confirming the formation of trifluoroacetylacetone–water complexes. The most abundant isomer out of trifluoroacetylacetone–water complexes was found to be the one formed from 5,5,5-trifluoro-4-hydroxy-3-penten-2-one and water attached to its C=O group in both matrices, the other one isomer of 1,1,1-trifluoro-4-hydroxy-3-penten-2-one–water complex is also observed in smaller amounts.
Improvement in photosynthesis, seed yield and protein content of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) by foliar application of 24-epibrassinolide under drought stress
Authors: Mohammadi Mahsa , Pouryousef Majid , Tavakoli Afshin , Fard Ehsan Mohseni
Published: June 2019

Brassinosteroids (BRs), as a class of plant growth regulators, have been shown to affect different physiological traits of plants and counteract various stresses. We studied the possibility of increasing seed and protein yields of two genotypes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with the exogenous application of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) in an experiment conducted during 2016 and 2017. Two levels of irrigation (optimal and drought stress) were applied to the main plots, and two genotypes of common bean (cv. Kusha and genotype COS16) and four concentrations of EBL (0, 2, 4 and 6 μm) were allocated to subplots in a factorial arrangement. At the flowering stage, drought stress was applied and bean plants were sprayed with EBL. The results indicate that drought stress reduced leaf area, yield components, seed yield and protein content. Moreover, substantial increase in intercellular CO2 concentration and decrease in transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and net photosynthetic rate were also recorded. However, exogenous application of EBL remarkably improved gas exchange attributes, leaf area, yield components, seed yield and protein content both under optimal irrigation and drought-stress conditions. Analysis of regression showed that, under both water-supply conditions, genotype COS16 would have highest seed yield when receiving 4.05 and 4.52 µm EBL, and cv. Kusha would have the highest seed yield by receiving 3.27 and 3.62 µm EBL. Therefore, EBL can be used as a plant growth regulator to enhance drought tolerance and minimise yield loss of common bean caused by water deficits.
Recontextualizing racialized stories on YouTube
Authors: Perrino Sabina M.
Published: June 2019

When stories (re)appear in YouTube videos, they are recontextualized not only by their titling and editing, but especially by chains of online comments. This article explores how a Northern Italian politician’s racialized story, which was first recontextualized by a TV news reporter on a YouTube video, is further recontextualized for different ends by commenters on that video. I show how these commenters negotiate and reframe the racial aspects of digital discourse and its sociocultural meanings through their various responses and across different temporal and spatial scales. By applying linguistic anthropological and sociolinguistic theories and narrative analytical tools to digital storytelling, this study emphasizes how racialized language is neither stable nor unidirectional, but is rather constantly negotiated discursively among various groups of virtual audience members. Besides investigating the pragmatics of narrative interaction in the digital realm, this article speaks to methodological challenges that surround the study of online storytelling.
Sharing the moment as small stories
Authors: Georgakopoulou Alexandra
Published: June 2019

Sharing the moment live, a built-in logic of many social networking sites, is, I claim, an invitation for creating plots, which has led to systematic practices. I single out taking a narrative stance on Facebook as such a practice and show the interplay between key-norms and evolving media affordances for pre-selection of story ingredients, localization, visualization of the experience, and audience selection. These contribute to showing the moment as opposed to telling it, with selected friends serving as knowing co-narrators and with story-linking allowing for allusive, transmedia links. I review these practices in the context of increased story facilities that notably bring together several social media apps. I argue that although this curation promises a move beyond the moment, it ultimately serves to consolidate sharing-lives-in-the-moment. I reflect on the implications of this for the direction of travel in relation to stories on many social media platforms.
A study of phatic emoji use in WhatsApp communication
Authors: Aull Bethany
Published: June 2019

Mobile messaging is considered as a prominent site for phatic communication, where interpersonal connection is often foregrounded over information transaction. Though frequently overlooked, a large amount of this interpersonal work is done nonverbally through regular and meaningful emoji use. This exploratory study deals with emoji use withinLaver’s (1975)phatic token framework, showing that different relationship structures (e.g., status-differential vs. solidary) correspond to distinct phatic token norms. The article analyzes phatic emoji use in a small-scale corpus of WhatsApp interactions between (a) a teacher and her L2-English students and (b) a teacher and her friends/family. Qualitative and quantitative analyses reveal patterns which widely corroborate Laver’s account of socially marked and unmarked token options: the teacher, the students, and the friends/family members tend towards addressee-specific use of neutral, other-oriented, and self-oriented phatic emojis.
Cooking pasta in La Paz
Authors: Bak Thomas H.
Published: June 2019

Literature on bilingualism and cognition is characterized by a large amount of conflicting evidence. In some studies, bilinguals perform better then monolinguals on executive tasks involving inhibition, monitoring, and switching but are slower on tasks of lexical processing. Other studies don’t find any significant effects and challenge the very existence of cognitive differences between monolinguals and bilinguals. In this paper I question the assumption that different studies performed in different parts of the world should yield the same results. I argue that the environment (in the widest sense of the word) in which an experiment is conducted can exert profound influence on its outcome. Against the background of the current debate about the replication crisis in science, I propose that conflicting evidence is not a threat to the trustworthiness of scientific research but a sign of the health of a discipline and a welcome opportunity to identify new relevant variables.
Investigating grammatical processing in bilinguals
Authors: Clahsen Harald , Veríssimo João
Published: June 2019

In this article we discuss methods for investigating grammatical processing in bilinguals. We will present a methodological approach that relies on: (i) linguistic theory (in our case, morphology) for the construction of experimental materials; (ii) a design that allows for direct (within-experiment, within-participant, and within-item) comparisons of the critical conditions; and (iii) data analysis techniques that make both linear and non-linear gradient effects visible. We review recent studies of masked morphological priming in bilinguals in which the application of these methodological principles revealed highly selective interactions of age of acquisition (and the native/non-native contrast) with the linguistic distinction between inflection and derivation. We believe that such considerations are not only relevant for grammatical processing experiments, but also for studying bilingualism, and its potential cognitive advantages, more generally.
What cognitive processes are likely to be exercised by bilingualism and does this exercise lead to extra-linguistic cognitive benefits?
Authors: Klein Raymond M.
Published: June 2019

I begin with some personal history that illuminates my background and my interest in the questions posed in this article’s title (What cognitive processes are likely to be exercised by bilingualism and does this exercise lead to extra-linguistic cognitive benefits?). A brief overview of historical interest in these questions follows, with emphasis on the landmark study by Peal and Lambert (1962) and the seminal ideas in Bialystok’s (2001) book: Bilingualism in Development: Language, Literacy and Cognition. Three cognitive processes (monitoring, selection mediated by inhibition, and switching) are likely to be “exercised” in the bilingual mind and, especially, in the bilingual context. Yet, despite a few early studies that reported evidence for bilingual advantages in these cognitive processes, the thorough empirical reviews presented here and in previous papers by Hilchey (Hilchey & Klein, 2011; Hilchey, Saint-Aubin, & Klein, 2015) and others, suggest that there are no extra-linguistic cognitive benefits of multilingual mastery.
Executive control in bilingual children
Authors: Marton Klara
Published: June 2019

While findings on the bilingual advantage in adults are mixed, the data from children are more consistent but still show variations. A number of factors influence the outcomes, such as individual bilingual characteristics, variations in target functions, and differences in task type. Our goal is to demonstrate that there is a complex relationship among these variables and that the outcomes of executive function (EF) studies depend on the interactions among these factors. Performance on EF is influenced by children’s language proficiency, language use, age, socioeconomic status, and culture. These individual features show different interactions with different executive components. Bilingual and monolingual children differ in some EFs but not in others. Variations in tasks and other measurement issues further increase the differences in the results. We may better understand the nature of the bilingual advantage in children if we combine aspects of developmental science and language processing with hypotheses about bilingualism.
Does bilingualism protect against cognitive aging?
Authors: Watson Caitlin Wei-Ming , Manly Jennifer J. , Zahodne Laura B.
Published: June 2019

Recent studies of bilingualism as a protective factor in cognitive aging have reported conflicting findings, and researchers have begun to explore the methodological complications that may explain differences across studies. This article details the current research landscape and addresses several issues relevant to the study of bilingualism and late-life cognitive function: study design, establishing causal relationships, confounding factors, operationalizing bilingualism, predicting cognitive level versus cognitive change, and incorporating brain structural variables to interrogate cognitive reserve.
Introduction to atypical language development in romance languages
Authors: Aguilar-Mediavilla Eva , Buil-Legaz Lucía , López-Penadés Raúl , Sanchez-Azanza Victor A. , Adrover-Roig Daniel
Published: June 2019

This chapter presents a state of the art in atypical language development in Romance languages and introduces, as well, the chapters in this book. The first part describes the aim of the book. The second part describes typical language acquisition in Romance language and their main differences with English. Finally, the third section focuses on four clinical conditions that show atypical language development: prematurity, Specific Language Impairment, hearing loss, and genetic syndromes.
Investigating the influence of Epstein-Barr virus on the p53 pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Kiat Lee Boon , Entigu Linton Reagan , Morin Nissom Peter , Matthew Neilsen Paul
Published: June 2019

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy arising from the epithelial lining of nasopharynx. It is one of the most common malignancies in the southern area of China and South-East Asia. NPC is frequently reported in Sarawak, Malaysia especially in males and is endemic to certain ethnic groups, including the Bidayuh and Chinese. The development of NPC is associated with multiple factors, with one common mechanism involving persistent infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This study will aim to gain a clearer understanding regarding the mechanism of EBV influencing p53 pathway to facilitate NPC development. Mutations in p53 mutation have been associated with oncogenesis of several human malignancies, however such mutations are relatively rare in NPC and the mechanisms through which p53 in inactivated in this malignancy remain poorly understood. In this study, we study the activity of p53 in immortalised nasopharyngeal epithelial cells using nutlin-3, an MDM2 antagonist. The impact of EBV infection on the protein expression of p53 and its ability to stimulate its transcriptional target genes is studied. The proteins levels of p53 and its transcriptional activation of target genes was significantly higher in EBV-infected cells, indicating that EBV infection alone is not sufficient to attenuate the p53 pathway in a non-malignant nasopharyngeal cell line. These observations will provide the fundamental steps towards the understanding of p53 and EBV viral proteins interaction that causes NPC.

A post-publication change was made to this article on 11 Jun 2020 to correct an author name.
Coupled MHD-Focused Transport Simulations for Modeling Solar Particle Events
Authors: Linker Jon A. , Caplan Ronald M. , Schwadron Nathan , Gorby Matthew , Downs Cooper , Torok Tibor , Lionello Roberto , Wijaya Janvier
Published: June 2019

We describe the initial version of the Solar Particle Event (SPE) Threat Assessment Tool or STAT. STAT relies on elements of Corona-Heliosphere (CORHEL) and the Earth-Moon-Mars Radiation Environment Module (EMMREM), and allows users to investigate coronal mass ejection (CME) driven SPEs using coupled magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and focused transport solutions. At the present time STAT focuses on modeling solar energetic particle (SEP) acceleration in and transport from the low corona, where the highest energy SEP events are generated. We illustrate STAT’s capabilities with a model of the July 14, 2000 “Bastille Day” event, including innovative diagnostics for understanding the three-dimensional distribution of particle fluxes and their relation to the structure of the underlying CME driver. A preliminary comparison with NOAA GOES measurements is shown.
Kinetic Solvers with Adaptive Mesh in Phase Space for Low-Temperature Plasmas
Authors: Kolobov Vladimir , Arslanbekov Robert , Levko Dmitry
Published: June 2019

We describe the implementation of 1d1v and 1d2v Vlasov and Fokker-Planck kinetic solvers with adaptive mesh refinement in phase space (AMPS) and coupling these kinetic solvers to Poisson equation solver for electric fields. We demonstrate that coupling AMPS kinetic and electrostatic solvers can be done efficiently without splitting phase-space transport. We show that Eulerian fluid and kinetic solvers with dynamically adaptive Cartesian mesh can be used for simulations of collisionless plasma expansion into vacuum. The Vlasov-Fokker-Planck solver is demonstrated for the analysis of electron acceleration and scattering as well as the generation of runaway electrons in spatially inhomogeneous electric fields.
Test particles in relativistic resistive magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Ripperda Bart , Porth Oliver , Keppens Rony
Published: June 2019

The Black Hole Accretion Code (BHAC) has recently been extended with the ability to evolve charged test particles according to the Lorentz force within resistive relativistic magnetohydrodynamics simulations. We apply this method to evolve particles in a reconnecting current sheet that forms due to the coalescence of two magnetic flux tubes in 2D Minkowski spacetime. This is the first analysis of charged test particle evolution in resistive relativistic magnetohydrodynamics simulations. The energy distributions of an ensemble of 100.000 electrons are analyzed, as well as the acceleration of particles in the plasmoids that form in the reconnection layer. The effect of the Lundquist number, magnetization, and plasma-β on the particle energy distribution is explored for a range of astrophysically relevant parameters. We find that electrons accelerate to non-thermal energies in the thin current sheets in all cases. We find two separate acceleration regimes: An exponential increase of the Lorentz factor during the island coalescence where the acceleration depends linearly on the resistivity and a nonlinear phase with high variability. These results are relevant for determining energy distributions and acceleration sites obtaining radiation maps in large-scale magnetohydrodynamics simulations of black hole accretion disks and jets.
Development of a distributed ferromagnetic enhanced inductively coupled plasma source for plasma processing
Authors: Sukhinin G I , Isupov M V , Fedoseev A V , Yudin I B
Published: June 2019

A low frequency (∼100 kHz) distributed ferromagnetic enhanced inductively coupled plasma (FMICP) source with a separate supply of argon and chlorine into the main discharge chamber is proposed in order to obtain a large volume of dense (1010−1012 cm-3) uniform plasma at low pressures (1−100 mTorr). Argon is activated by FMICP sources in U-shaped tubes and diffuses into the main chamber, mixing with chlorine. The Ar/Cl2 mixture is also activated in the main discharge chamber by vortex alternating electric fields circulating in U-tubes and in the chamber. A separate supply of Ar into the side FMICP sources and Cl2 directly into the main chamber can significantly enhance the power transfer efficiency into the main discharge chamber to be used for plasma etching of 450 mm wafers.
Experimental investigation of the repeatability of direct damage induced by lightning strikes on metallic panels
Authors: Alhossen I. , Espinosa C. , Chieragatti R. , Hor A. , Pierré E. , Vilcocq S. , Montel T. , Gnangnon O.
Published: June 2019

Metallic parts of aircrafts that are used for fuel tanks areas or even for the fuselage can suffer from severe direct damage due to lightning strikes. Laboratory tests imitating lightning strikes follow standard regulations requirements that prescribe the current waveforms the structure must resist depending on the zone of the airplane. D+B+C* current waveforms are under concern here and are reproduced in by specific current delivery devices at DGA-Ta lightning lab. The present paper points out that in some cases, tests considered as identical from the standard regulation point of view can generate different damages in the plate, and even variability in perforation apparition. This paper proposes a damage severity index (DSI) that allows considering in an intrinsic manner the effect of the testing parameters related to the current waveform or from the sample modification. The analysis of the tests exhibits a threshold over which a critical crater occurs and the risk of perforation is maximal. We use the DSI to perform a sensitivity analysis on a small data set of lightning tests and quantify the positive or negative effects of significant current waveform or sample input parameters.
Wettability analysis of desiccant beads for HVAC systems
Authors: Guilizzoni Manfredo , De Antonellis Stefano
Published: June 2019

Vapour adsorption plays a fundamental role in the operation and performance of innovative heat and mass transfer devices for latent heat recovery in HVAC systems. Materials to be used for such devices should present a high affinity with water vapour; at the same time pores should not be flooded in case the surface finds itself in contact with liquid water (e.g., due to moisture formation) and the surface should minimize the wetted parts. From the latter point of view hydrophobic microporous surfaces would be the most suitable; on the contrary, commonly used materials have hydrophilic and/or macroporous surfaces and their behaviour in presence of moisture is still not fully understood. Therefore, this paper is aimed at studying (mostly experimentally, with the support of numerical simulations) wettability and interaction with water, together with adsorption isotherms, of three commercially available desiccant beads (Silica Gel, Silica Gel impregnated with LiCl, Activated Alumina). Results evidence that the behaviour is significantly different between the three materials, even if their static and dynamic wettability is quite similar.
Vegetation monitoring via a novel push-broom-sensor-based hyperspectral device
Authors: Moroni Monica
Published: June 2019

Due to their remarkable spatial and spectral resolution, hyperspectral sensing devices appear the most suited for detection of vegetation presence according to the peculiar spectral features that vegetation exhibits. Among the applications, vegetation identification as well as vegetation health-state detection via spectral data analysis is feasible due to the modifications the typical vegetation spectral signature undergoes when abnormalities are present. A push-broom-sensor-based spectral device characterized by low cost, weight, power consumption, and no need of GPS/inertial measurement units for post-flight georeferencing was placed on an airplane and employed for the acquisition of spectral data in a wide territory. The proximal sensing field campaign was carried out in San Teodoro (Olbia-Tempio-Sardinia). Classification procedures and the employment of vegetation indices made it possible to identify the vegetated areas. The platform characteristics and the methodology developed allow vegetation to be investigated within a large interval of scales from a few centimeters to some hundred meters. Data acquired agree well with thematic maps of the areas under investigation. The broadband indices Red DVI, SR and TVI perform remarkably well in highlighting the presence of vegetation.
High-sensitivity vibrometer based on FM self-mixing interferometry
Authors: Norgia M , Bandi F , Pesatori A , Donati S
Published: June 2019

We present a new optical instrument for vibrations measurement, based on a method to read the frequency modulation of a laser diode self-mixing interferometer. The laser source, when exposed to back-injection of its emitted power, is perturbed in frequency and amplitude (self-mixing effect). When the optical back-injection level is low, the self-mixing effect introduces a frequency and amplitude modulation (FM and AM) of the emitted optical field. We demonstrated with a prototype instrument that the performances of FM modulation, in terms of resolution, sensitivity and bandwidth, show an improvement of two order of magnitude with respect to well-known AM self-mixing interferometer.
Short-run and long-run demand elasticity of shallot in North Sumatera Province
Authors: Pane T C , Supriana T , Khaliqi M
Published: June 2019

Shallot is one of the leading horticultural commodities from the seasonal vegetable group in Indonesia. Of all the total harvested area of the seasonal vegetable crops in Indonesia, the largest is used to produce shallots. The increase in demand for shallot because of population growth and increase in income, as well as the domestic production of shallot which cannot meet the high needs for shallot, results in imbalance condition in shallot market and thus push price up. The autoregressive model adapted from Nerlove partial adjustment model and multiple linear regression analysis with the estimation technique of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) were used to analyse the factors affecting the demand for shallot and estimate the demand elasticity to the price of shallot in North Sumatera. The results showed that the consumer price of shallot, the consumer price of garlic, and the population of North Sumatera have a positive effect on the demand for shallot, while the GDP per capita of North Sumatera and the demand for shallot in the previous period have a negative effect on the demand for shallot in North Sumatera. Demand elasticity of shallot in North Sumatera is inelastic, both in the short-run and the long-run.
Factors affecting the production of arabica coffee of smallholder plantations in Dairi District
Authors: Rahmanta  , Purba S , Supriana T
Published: June 2019

The productivity of arabica coffee of community in Dairi District is still relatively low compared to other districts where in 2014 it was recorded at 12.13 qtl/ha/year, which was lower than the productivity of arabica coffee at Simalungun, Toba Samosir, and Madina Districts which were respectively of 15.46, 14.24, and 13.90 qtl/ha/year. This study aims to analyse the factors that affect the production of arabica coffee of smallholder plantations in Dairi District, North Sumatra Province. This study used primary data from interviews with arabica coffee farmers. Determination of sample is by Accidental Sampling method, while the sample size is determined by Slovin method where the number of respondents is 99 families. Data analysis was performed using the production function method of Cobb-Douglas. The results showed that simultaneously the number of plants, the age of plants, the number of labours, the amount of fertilizer, and the amount of pesticide have a significant effect; while partially the number of plants, the age of plants, and the amount of fertilizer have a significant positive effect, and the number of labours and the amount of pesticide have a positive but not significant effect on arabica coffee production of smallholder plantations in Dairi District.
The impact of fluctuation of the price of food commodity on inflation in North Sumatera Province
Authors: Irawati D J , Wibowo R P , Ayu S F
Published: June 2019

Inflation in North Sumatera Province fluctuates annually. The contribution of foodstuffs to inflation in North Sumatera Province shows a high contribution. This study analyzes the fluctuations in commodity prices for rice, red chilies, onion and garlic. The data used are monthly time series data in the form of Consumer Price Index (CPI) and food commodity prices in the period January 2000 to December 2017. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of fluctuations in food commodity prices (rice, red chilies, onion, and garlic) to inflation in North Sumatera Province. The data analysis method used in this research is robust regression. The results of this study indicate that the commodities of rice, red chilies, and onion had positive and significant impact on inflation in North Sumatera Province, while garlic commodity did not have any significant impact on inflation in North Sumatera Province.
Utilization of solar power as DC water pump movement in hydroponic plants
Authors: Sigalingging R , Honora P
Published: June 2019

Photovoltaics is used to convert sunlight energy into electrical energy, which can be used as a regulator of water circulation hydroponic planting methods that are easy, practical and attractive so that they can be used easily by the urban community in their operations. The use of solar power as a DC water pump driver in hydroponic plants was designed using several tools including 10 Wp photovoltaic and DC stepdown LM 7812 with 3.6 W power. This research was conducted in Agricultural Faculty Building, University of Sumatera Utara with a height of 2 meters from the ground. DC water pump could function optimally at 11.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. with an average sunlight intensity of 373.71 - 310.65 W/m2and an average temperature of 30°C - 33°C. Photovoltaics monocrystalline type produced daily energy of 224.75 Wh with an efficiency of 8.14% while polycrystalline produced 194.81 Wh of electricity with 7.57% efficiency. The results showed that monocrystalline PV was better than polycrystalline PV.
Oil Palm Water Balance; a tools for Analysing Oil Palm Water Footprint and Root Water Uptake Distribution in Root Zone
Authors: Safitri L , Hermantoro  , Purboseno S , Kautsar V , Saptomo S K , Ardiyanto A
Published: June 2019

The varying condition of climate, soil properties, crop stage, ground water existing in oil palm cultivation require the specific water balance model to perform the precision crop water use. The purposes for this research were to develop oil palm water balance model for calculating the hydrological parameter of oil palm and analysing oil palm water footprint and root water uptake distribution in root zone. The model of oil palm water balance was developed through the following step: oil palm root architecture study, instrument installation and data observation, model development and calibration. The oil palm water balance tool was developed by inputting the data base including climate, soil properties, crop stage, root density and root zone layer as well. The results in the case for 11th year oil palm tree on soil type ultisol in Central Kalimantan during the simulation climate data pointed out that the average root water is 3.46 mm/day and distributed 63% on 2st root zone. From the total water usage and the average production 14.19kg/month, it resulted the 1.053 m3/kg water footprint of FFB (76 % green water and 24% blue water).
Carcass composition of fat tailed sheep at different slaughter weight
Authors: Hasanah U , Hasnudi  , Mirwandhono E , Ginting N , Patriani P , Baihaqi M
Published: June 2019

Sheep is one of the important livestock commodities in Indonesia. Production of lamb is still low compared to beef and chicken meat. The objective of the research was to evaluate carcass characteristics and composition of fat tail sheep at different slaughter weight. This research was conducted using a total of twenty three fat tailed sheep rams. Six sheeps were slaughtered at 17.5 kg of live weight, five sheeps were slaughtered at 25 kg of live weight, seven sheeps were slaughtered at 32.5 kg of live weight and five sheeps were slaughtered at 40 kg of live weight. The data was analysed by Analysis of variance (ANOVA). The result showed that slaughter weight, empty body weight, weight and percentage of carcass DEG slaughtered at 40 kg is higher than others slaughter weight (P<0.01). Percentage of fat tissue of fat tailed sheep rams slaughtered at 40 kg, 32.5 kg, and 25 kg was higher than slaughtered at 17.5 kg (P<0.01). Percentage carcass of fat tailed sheep was slaughtered at 40 kg, 32.5 kg, 25 kg, and 17.5 kg was 55.12%, 54.91%, 52.28%, and 48.74%.
Growth performance of weaner rabbits fed dried Moringa oleifera leaf meal
Authors: Zendrato D P , Ginting R , Warisman  , Siregar D J S , Putra A , Sembiring I , Hamdan  , Ginting J , Henuk Y L
Published: June 2019

An experiment was conducted to study growth performane of weaner rabbits fed dried Moringa oeifera leaf meal. Twenty weaner rabbits (New Zealand White breed) with an average live weight of 918.42 ± 6.84g were used to evaluate the growth performance, daily weight gain (DWG), feed convertion ratio (FCR), and income over feed cost (IOFC) of weaner rabbits fed diets containing graded levels of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal (MOLM) in diets. The study lasted for eight weeks.The rabbits were assigned into four treatment groups and five replicates consisting of four rabbits per group in a complete randomised design and fed four diets designated T0, T1, T2 and T3 with 0, 20, 40 and 60% MOLM, respectively. Result showed that the average of feed intake for each treatment T0; T1; T2 and T3 (g/head/day) were:104.96; 110.06; 109.34; 107.04, DWG (g/head/day):18.87; 22.35; 21.60; 21.5; FCR: 5.57; 4.95; 5.08; 5.06, and IOFC (Rp/head): 57,012.73; 73,197.77; 72,525.36; 74,435.32, respectively. The statistical analysis indicated that the utilization of MOLM in diets gaves not significantly different (P>0,05) on the productive performances of weaner rabbits. Utilization of MOLM can be used up to 60% on diets and increased income from diets of weaner rabbits.
Diversity of understorey at Singkil Swamp Wildlife Reserve
Authors: Onrizal O
Published: June 2019

Singkil Swamp Wildlife Reserve (SSWR) is the only conservation area in the coastal lowlands of Aceh as well as habitat of protected large mammals and migratory birds. Many publications related to Singkil swamp biodiversity have been published; however the understory communities were not studied. Understory communities are important part of peat swamp ecosystem. This study aimed to calculate the understory diversity and distribution using quadrat method. Nine sites were selected and 25 2m by 2m plots were established in each sites. All understorey species within plot were identified and measured their coverage. Overall, 134 species in 42 families were recorded which the community diversity in each site was categorized as moderate and high. Araceae was recorded as richest family (14 species), followed by Orchidaceae (10 species) and Annonaceae (8 species). Subsequently, there are 17 families (40.5%) categorized as very scare family which each family only contains 1 species. It means the vulnerability of the last family group is very high due to the ecosystem disturbance. Some invasive alien species were found at disturbed areas. Therefore, the pristine peatswamp ecosystem is needed to conserve as well as the disturbed area is needed to restore based on scientific approaches.
Profiles of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH in Tidal Lakes
Authors: Leidonald R , Muhtadi A , Lesmana I , Harahap Z A , Rahmadya A
Published: June 2019

Siombak Lake is a brackish or coastal lake in Medan, Indonesia. Water fluctuation in the lake was affected by sea tide, so it was more appropriately called tidal lake. Thus the influence of tides could affect the quality of water in the lake, especially temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH. The purposed of this study was to describe the profile of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH in the waters of Siombak. Lake. This study was conducted in June to July 2018. The data measured and were analyzed in the waters spatially (horizontally) and vertically. The results showed no significant difference of temperature distribution in surface between high tide and low tide. However, it was more influenced by daily time differences. While salinity was quite different between high tide and low tide. In the dry season (April to June) salinity values were higher during high tide compared to low tide. Conversely, during the rainy season (June to August) the salinity values in low tide were higher than when they were in high tide. The vertically distribution of temperature, oxygen, and pH decreases with respect to increasing depth. But the salinity value increases with depth increased.
Effect of ratio of andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium) with garlic and aging time on the quality of sambal tuk tuk
Authors: Sonangda M , Sinaga H , Limbong L N
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this research was to find the effect of ratio of andaliman with garlic and aging time on the quality of sambal tuk tuk stored at room temperature. This research was using completely randomized design with two factors, i.e.: ratio of andaliman with garlic (A): (100%: 0%; 75%: 25%; 50%: 50%; 25%: 75%; 0%:100%) and aging time (L): (0, 4 and 8 day). Parameters analysed were moisture content, total number of microbe, vitamin C content, pH, total soluble solids, colour values (Chromatometer), hedonic organoleptic score of colour, flavour, taste and texture. The results showed that the ratio of andaliman with garlic has highly significant effect on moisture content, total number of microbe, colour score (Chromatometer), score hedonic of organoleptic colour, flavour, texture and texture score. The ratio of andaliman with garlic of (25%:75%) the best quality of sambal tuk tuk based from score of organoleptic and total number of microbe stored for up to 8 days at room temperature.
Organoleptic properties of functional powdered drink products based on palm sugar
Authors: Rianse I S , Rianse U , Wahyuni S , Gusmiarty W , Faradilla RH F , Zulfikar  , Baka W K , Tamrin  , Fatmala K , Sarbia  , Nofiana  , Astuti K , Erawati  , Ramadhan A
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to characterize the organoleptic properties of functional powdered drinks based on palm sugar. The drinks were prepared with palm sugar as the main matrix and spices in several concentrations as additional flavour. The spices were cinnamon, clove, lemongrass, red ginger and ginger. Type and concentration of the spices greatly affected the sensory properties and hedonic level of the drink products. In general, panellists preferred products with darker brown colour and mild spice flavour. Some spices, such as cinnamon and lemongrass increased the brown colour intensity. Among all tested samples, only lemongrass and red ginger flavored palm sugar drinks were liked by panelists for all studied parameters (colour, aroma and taste). Ginger flavored samples also got relatively high preference score for almost all sensory categories. However, the taste of ginger was found to suppress the unique sweet taste of the palm sugar. Therefore, special attention should be made to the amount of added ginger to preserve the distinctive flavour of palm sugar.
The influence of solid and liquid palate cleansers toward the neutralization effectiveness of chili’s spicy sensation
Authors: Fibrianto K , Nurdiani K , Puanda N T , Wulandari E S
Published: June 2019

Capsaicin is a compound in chili which is able to bind with TRPV1 sensory nerve receptor. This sensory nerve receptor perceives pain as well as spicy sensation. Consumption of spicy foods will generally leave a residue on tongue and possibly irritate the papillae at a certain concentration. To reduce this effect, palate cleanser is required to normalize the oral cavity. Those are include, chocolate, cucumber, agar, milk and water which are normally being used as palate cleanser. The comparative study of the five palate cleanser was performed to evaluate the most effective palate cleanser in eliminating spicy sensations. This research was performed using Discrete Time Intensity (DTI) method with time interval of 30 second for 2 minutes. The data analysis was performed by GLM (General Linear Model) ANOVA and it was verified by residual saliva test on HPLC. It suggests that among the palate cleanser tested, cold fullcream milk (1.5°C-3°C) is the most effective palate cleanser for capsaicin-driven spicy sensation.
Potential of natural antioxidants of black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) and sesame seed (Sesamum indicum) extract by microencapsulation methods
Authors: Rusmarilin H , Lubis Z , Lubis L M , Barutu Y A P
Published: June 2019

This study was conducted to determine the bioactive components in food ingredients that have as potential natural antioxidants source, it can be used as an alternative to reduce degenerative diabetes mellitus. The potential natural antioxidant of black cumin seed and sesame seed extract by encapsulation methods was carried out by fermentation. This research used a complete randomized design, consisted of two factors: the ratio of black cumin seed extract with sesame seed extract (E) consist of 4 levels: 100:0; 75:25; 50:50; 25:75 and 0:100 (%) and type of coating material (N): maltodextrin-soy protein, maltodextrin-gelatine and maltodextrincasein. The best antioxidant activity (IC50) was 81.45 µg/mL, which found in the ratio of black-sesame cumin extract (75%:25%) with maltodextrin-soy protein coating material.
The influence of coagulants and cooking period on the quality of dali ni horbo
Authors: Pratiwi M B , Sinaga H , Julianti E
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of coagulants and cooking period on the quality ofdali ni horbo. This research was using group randomized design with two factors, such as: coagulants (G): (pineapple juice, lime juice, lemon juice, belimbing wuluh fruit) and cooking period (M): (40, 50 and 60 minutes). The results showed that the coagulants and cooking period gave a very significantly different effect (P<0.01) on pH, moisture and protein contents of thedali ni horbo, but had no significant different effect (P>0.05) on the ash content. Furthermore, the interaction of factors resulted in a significant different effect (P<0.05) on the ash and protein contents. The coagulants decreased the moisture and protein contents ofdali ni horboand increased the pH and ash contents of the products. Based on parameters protein, moisture, ash contents and pH, it was found that the best treatment wasdali ni horbocoagulated with lime juice for 40 min.
Phenotypic and genotypic correlation among taste attributes and weight of green bean in Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.)
Authors: Malau S
Published: June 2019

The coffee taste may primarily affect consumers in choosing coffee to drink. Information on phenotypic and genetic correlation of taste attributes of Arabica coffee is still lacking. The objective of this research was to determine the phenotypic and genotypic correlation among taste attributes and green bean weight of Arabica coffee. In this study, Nested design was used. The taste attributes and green bean weight of 28 genotypes of Arabica coffee growing in North Sumatra Province was analysed. In this research, it is hypothesized that taste attributes and green bean weight have significant phenotypic and genotypic correlation one another. The research result showed that total score performed significant genotypic correlation with fragrance, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, body and overall, respectively. Selection for aftertaste might be the first priority to get higher total score (rG = 0.953**). Sweetness had significant genetic correlation with green bean weight (rG = 0.420*). Total score of the taste attributes showed the highest phenotypic correlation with acidity (rP = 0.862**). Weight of green bean could not be used as selection parameter for better taste because no taste attribute did show phenotypic correlation with green bean weight. Breeding for taste quality through hybridization could be necessary in future research.
Effect of salinity on spore germination, hyphal length and root colonization of the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Delvian  , Rambey R
Published: June 2019

Various environmental factors influence the growth and development of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), one of which is salinity. Salinity can affect several stages of AMF growth. Theresearch aims to study the influence of salinity towards germination, growth, and performance of AMF, namely Gi. margarita and G. etunicatum. The level of salinity given ranges from 0 - 10,000 ppm with an interval of 2,000 ppm. Spore germination experiments were carried out in petri dish culture while evaluation was carried out in open pot culture with sorghum as host. The results showed that increasing salinity decreased the initial day of germination, the percentage of germination and hyphal growth. The effect is greater on Gi. margaritathanG. etunicatum on all parameters measured. An increase of salinity up to 10,000 ppm decreased the percentage of Gi. margarita root colonization by 69.07% and G. etunicatumby 37.78%. Nevertheless, the effect of salinity observed in this study towards germination and growth of AMF wasmore categorized as delaying rather than inhibiting or stopping.