bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of myopia and the effect of orthokeratology on controlling the disease
Authors: Gorecka Adrianna , Kaczyńska Agnieszka , Gorecka Dagmara , Chromiak Karol , Urbańska Katarzyna , Piecewicz-Szczęsna Halina
Published: March 2022

Introduction and objective

Myopia is a defect of vision, which makes it impossible to see remote objects clearly. The disease can also lead to serious ocular problems. Myopia affects about 30% of the world population and -according to the estimates- that percentage is about to increase up to 50% within the next 30 years. Orthokeratology is a relatively new method on non-surgical, reversible correction of myopia. Specially designed lenses, worn at night, affects the shape of the cornea, which results in proper vision during the day.

Review methods

The aim of the study was evaluation of effectiveness of wearing orthokeratology contact lenses based on a review of medical literature published on PubMed in the last 5 years.

Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge

Research results show that wearing orthokeratology lenses have beneficial effects. Reduction of axial length of the eyeball and curvature of the cornea were observed. Progression of myopia was five times slower in children study group and three times slower in adult study group compared to control groups. It was proved, that favourable health effects persist through the first eight years of treatment. Due to the fact, that cornea has a limited susceptibility, a decrease in efficiency occurs in the following years. Usually no undesirable side effects are reported, yet the possible side effects are mild and disappear after a short time.

Summary

According to the results of recent studies, we can assume that orthokeratology is a safe and effective method of inhibition of myopia progression. The method may be especially recommended to children, to people working in such conditions, that make wearing standard contact lenses impossible and to people not qualified for laser or surgical vision correction.
Advocating for carers: a qualitative study exploring the needs of UK carers of patients with an acoustic neuroma
Authors: Gilchrist Katie , Vindrola-Padros Cecilia
Published: March 2022

Research on the impact of caring for patients with an acoustic neuroma is scarce. Findings from 12 interviews with primary carers of this patient population highlight six key themes: life disruption, support, well-being, the carer role, lessons learned and the impact of COVID-19. Carers need more practical information and emotional support, starting from the diagnosis stage through to recovery. Recommendations include routine carer assessments, early signposting to auxiliary services and information materials about recovery. This study contributes to the UK literature gap of this under-studied population and demonstrates the importance of carer assessments, as set out in the Carers Act 2014.
Piezo-deformable mirrors for active mode matching in advanced LIGO
Authors: Srivastava Varun , Mansell Georgia , Makarem Camille , Noh Minkyun , Abbott Richard , Ballmer Stefan , Billingsley GariLynn , Brooks Aidan , Cao Huy Tuong , Fritschel Peter , Griffith Don , Jia Wenxuan , Kasprzack Marie , MacInnis Myron , Ng Sebastian , Sanchez Luis , Torrie Calum , Veitch Peter , Matichard Fabrice
Published: March 2022

The detectors of the laser interferometer gravitational-wave observatory (LIGO) are broadly limited by the quantum noise and rely on the injection of squeezed states of light to achieve their full sensitivity. Squeezing improvement is limited by mode mismatch between the elements of the squeezer and the interferometer. In the current LIGO detectors, there is no way to actively mitigate this mode mismatch. This paper presents a new deformable mirror for wavefront control that meets the active mode matching requirements of advanced LIGO. The active element is a piezo-electric transducer, which actuates on the radius of curvature of a 5 mm thick mirror via an axisymmetric flexure. The operating range of the deformable mirror is 120±8 mD in vacuum and an additional 200 mD adjustment range accessible out of vacuum. Combining the operating range and the adjustable static offset, it is possible to deform a flat mirror from −65 mD to −385 mD. The measured bandwidth of the actuator and driver electronics is 6.8 Hz. The scattering into higher-order modes is measured to be <0.2% over the nominal beam radius. These piezo-deformable mirrors meet the stringent noise and vacuum requirements of advanced LIGO and will be used for the next observing run (O4) to control the mode-matching between the squeezer and the interferometer.
Composite acousto-optical modulation
Authors: Liu Ruijuan , Ma Yudi , Ji Lingjing , Qiu Liyang , Ji Minbiao , Tao Zhensheng , Wu Saijun
Published: March 2022

We propose a composite acousto-optical modulation (AOM) scheme for wide-band, efficient modulation of CW and pulsed lasers. We show that by adjusting the amplitudes and phases of weakly-driven daughter AOMs, diffraction beyond the Bragg condition can be achieved with exceptional efficiencies. Furthermore, by imaging pairs of AOMs with opposite directions of sound-wave propagation, high contrast switching of output orders can be achieved at the driving radio frequency (rf) limit, thereby enabling efficient bidirectional routing of a synchronized mode-locked laser. Here we demonstrate a simplest example of such scheme with a double-AOM setup for efficient diffraction across an octave of rf bandwidth, and for routing a mode-locked pulse train with up to frep = 400 MHz repetition rate. We discuss extension of the composite scheme toward multi-path routing and time-domain multiplexing, so as to individually shape each pulses of ultrafast lasers for novel quantum control applications.
Reduced palmitic acid content in soybean as a result of mutation in FATB1a
Authors: Carrero-Colón Militza , Hudson Karen
Published: March 2022

The fatty acid component of commodity soybean seeds typically consists of approximately 12–15% saturated fatty acids in the form of palmitic acid and stearic acid. An important goal in soybean breeding is the reduction of saturated fats, in order to produce healthier vegetable oils for food applications. Genetic approaches have been instrumental in reducing levels of palmitic acid, which is the most abundant saturated fat in soybean seeds. In this study we describe a new mutant allele of the FATB1a gene that encodes a palmitoyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterase. The mutation is expected to result in early termination of the FATB1A protein and mutant seeds carrying this allele contain 5.5% palmitic acid. This new allele can be introduced into conventional soybean lines, alone or in combination with other modifications to generate soybean lines with improved oil composition.
Modeling latent spatio-temporal disease incidence using penalized composite link models
Authors: Lee Dae-Jin , Durbán María , Ayma Diego , Van de Kassteele Jan
Published: March 2022

Epidemiological data are frequently recorded at coarse spatio-temporal resolutions to protect confidential information or to summarize it in a compact manner. However, the detailed patterns followed by the source data, which may be of interest to researchers and public health officials, are overlooked. We propose to use the penalized composite link model (Eilers PCH (2007)), combined with spatio-temporal P-splines methodology (Lee D.-J., Durban M (2011)) to estimate the underlying trend within data that have been aggregated not only in space, but also in time. Model estimation is carried out within a generalized linear mixed model framework, and sophisticated algorithms are used to speed up computations that otherwise would be unfeasible. The model is then used to analyze data obtained during the largest outbreak of Q-fever in the Netherlands.
Genetic and chemical markers for authentication of three Artemisia species: A. capillaris, A. gmelinii, and A. fukudo
Authors: Lee Yun Sun , Woo Sunmin , Kim Jin-Kyung , Park Jee Young , Izzah Nur Kholilatul , Park Hyun-Seung , Kang Jung Hwa , Lee Taek Joo , Sung Sang Hyun , Kang Kyo Bin , Yang Tae-Jin
Published: March 2022

The genus Artemisia is an important source of medicines in both traditional and modern pharmaceutics, particularly in East Asia. Despite the great benefits of herbal medicine, quality assessment methods for these medicinal herbs are lacking. The young leaves from Artemisia species are generally used, and most of the species have similar morphology, which often leads to adulteration and misuse. This study assembled five complete chloroplast genomes of three Artemisia species, two accessions of A. gmelinii and A. capillaris, and one A. fukudo. Through comparative analysis, we revealed genomic variations and phylogenetic relationships between these species and developed seven InDel-based barcode markers which discriminated the tested species from each other. Additionally, we analyzed specialized metabolites from the species using LC-MS and suggested chemical markers for the identification and authentication of these herbs. We expect that this integrated and complementary authentication method would aid in reducing the misuse of Artemisia species.
Reproductive strategy of Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus and impacts of drought on reproductive performance
Authors: Kurobe Tomofumi , Hammock Bruce G. , Damon Lauren J. , Hung Tien-Chieh , Acuña Shawn , Schultz Andrew A. , Teh Swee J.
Published: March 2022

Understanding reproductive biology and performance of fish is essential to formulate effective conservation and management programs. Here, we studied reproductive strategies of female Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus, an endangered fish species in the State of California, the United States, focusing on (1) better understanding their distribution pattern during the winter and spring spawning season at very fine scale to predict their possible spawning grounds and (2) assessing impacts of a recent, severe drought on their reproductive performance. We formulated our hypotheses as follows; (1) female Delta Smelt migrate to particular locations for spawning so that mature females can be frequently found in those locations throughout the spawning season and (2) reproductive performance of individual female fish declined during the drought. To test the first hypotheses, we analyzed relationships between water quality parameters and maturity/distribution pattern of Delta Smelt. Salinity better explained the distribution pattern of Delta Smelt at subadult and adult stages compared with water temperature or turbidity. Although there are some freshwater locations where mature Delta Smelt can frequently be found during the spawning season, Delta Smelt at the final maturation stage (Stage 5: hydration) and post spawners appeared to be widespread in the area where salinity was below 1.0 during the spawning season. Therefore, Delta Smelt could theoretically spawn in any freshwater locations, with more specific spawning requirements in the wild (e.g., substrate type and depth) still unknown. Delta Smelt, which experienced dry and critically dry conditions (the 2013 and 2014 year-classes), showed smaller oocytes, and lower clutch size and gonadosomatic index compared with the fish caught in a wet year (2011 year-class) at the late vitellogenic stage (Stage 4 Late), suggesting reproductive performance was negatively affected by environmental conditions during the drought.
Cost and affordability of scaling up tuberculosis diagnosis using Xpert MTB/RIF testing in West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Nadjib Mardiati , Dewi Retno Kusuma , Setiawan Ery , Miko Tri Yunis , Putri Septiara , Hadisoemarto Panji Fortuna , Sari Euis Ratna , Pujiyanto  , Martina Rani , Syamsi Lusi Nursilawati
Published: March 2022

In Indonesia, a significant number of tuberculosis (TB) cases may be missed, due to the low sensitivity and specificity of the currently used diagnostic algorithm. In this regard, the rapid molecular test using Xpert MTB/RIF, which has recently been introduced in Indonesia, can improve case detection. Thus, this study determined the cost and affordability of incorporating Xpert MTB/RIF testing for TB diagnosis. For this purpose, we estimated the costs (from the health system and societal perspectives) of reaching the TB detection target in Depok municipality, and applied the findings to the West Java province of Indonesia. The resources available for the health and TB program were also analyzed to support the decision to scale up the TB diagnosis using Xpert MTB/RIF testing. According to the results, the unit cost for TB diagnosis per person was USD 27.22 and USD 70.16 from the health system and societal perspectives, respectively. To reach the target of 109,843 TB cases for the 2020–2024 time period, Depok municipality would need USD 2,989,927 and USD 2,549,455 from the health system viewpoint, assuming the machine’s lifespan of five and 10 years, respectively. Extrapolating these results to the West Java province, USD 56,353,833 would be necessary to test 2,076,413 cases from 2019 to 2024. However, in order to accelerate the case detection target up to 2024, West Java requires additional funds. The implication of the findings is that the central government must consider local capacity to accelerate TB case detection and ensure that the installation of Xpert MTB/RIF machines is included in the overall costs.
Identification of the shared gene signatures and pathways between sarcopenia and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Huang Shiyuan , Xiang Chunhua , Song Yi
Published: March 2022

Background

Sarcopenia is characterized by the age-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that develops progressively and plays an important role in the disability of the elderly. It has received growing attention over the last decade and has been implicated as both a cause and consequence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The existence of T2DM could increase the risk of developing sarcopenia through multiple mechanisms including advanced glycation end-product accumulation. Meanwhile, sarcopenia would alter glucose disposal and may contribute to the development and progression of T2DM due to reduced muscle mass.

Methods

We implemented transcriptomic analysis of skeletal muscle biopsy specimens in sarcopenia patients and proliferating myoblasts or differentiated myotubes from individuals with T2DM. Related microarray data were selected from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to screen the genes, which were differentially expressed for sarcopenia and T2DM. Multiple combinatorial statistical methods and bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the common DEGs. Meanwhile, functional enrichment analysis was also carried out. Furthermore, we constructed the protein-protein interaction (PPI), as well as transcription factor (TF)-gene interactions network and TF-miRNA coregulatory network. Finally, based on the common DEGs, drug compounds were speculated using the Drug Signatures database (DSigDB).

Results

A total of 1765 and 2155 DEGs of sarcopenia and T2DM were screened, respectively. 15 common genes (LXN, CIB2, PEA15, KANK2, FGD1, NMRK1, PLCB1, SEMA4G, ADARB1, UPF3A, CSTB, COL3A1, CD99, ETV3, FJX1) correlated with sarcopenia and T2DM simultaneously were then identified, and 3 genes (UPF3A, CSTB and PEA15) of them were regarded as hub genes. Functional enrichment analysis revealed several shared pathways between two diseases. In addition, according to the TF-gene interactions network and TF-miRNA coregulatory network, part of TF and miRNA may be identified as key regulator in sarcopenia and T2DM at the same time (e.g., CREM and miR-155). Notably, drug compounds for T2DM and sarcopenia were also suggested, such as coenzyme Q10.

Conclusion

This study revealed that sarcopenia and T2DM may share similar pathogenesis and provided new biological targets and ideas for early diagnosis and effective treatment of sarcopenia and T2DM.
An online identification approach for ship domain model based on AIS data
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zheng Jian , Xiao Yingjie
Published: March 2022

As an important basis of navigation safety decisions, ship domains have always been a pilot concern. In the past, model parameters were usually obtained from statistics of massive historical cumulative data, but the results were mostly historical analysis and static data, which obviously could not meet the needs of pilots who wish to master the ship domain in real time. To obtain and update the ship domain parameter online in time and meet the real-time needs of maritime applications, this paper obtains CRI as the weight coefficient-based PSO-LSSVM method and proposes to use short-term AIS data accumulation through the risk-weighted least squares method online rolling identification method, which can filter nonhazardous targets and improve the identification accuracy and real-time performance of nonlinear models in the ship domain. The experimental examples show that the method can generate the ship domain dynamically in real time. At the same time, the method can be used to study the dynamic evolution characteristics of the ship domain over the course of navigation, which provides a reference for navigation safety decisions and the analysis of ship navigation behavior.
DNA barcoding of the soft coral, Clavularia inflata, shows two major groups across Indonesian coral reefs
Authors: Subhan Beginer , Bengen Dietriech G. , Ferse Sebastian C. A. , Dzulfannazhir Fauzan , Izza Luzmi Malia , Anggraini Nurlita Putri , Santoso Prakas , Arafat Dondy , Sani Lalu M. Iqbal , Madduppa Hawis H.
Published: March 2022

Clavularia inflata was first described from Ternate Island, Indonesia in 1896 and later reported appeared from Japan and Taiwan in 1953.Clavularia (Blainville 1830) soft corals exhibit complex morphological traits that are difficult to differentiate, thus complicating their identification. DNA barcoding has been envisioned and actively pushed as a credible method for assigning unidentified specimens to known species by comparison to a molecular reference data database. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use molecular methods to confirm the identity of 25 colonies taken from 13 Indonesian coral reef sites and putatively identified as Clavularia inflata. All specimens were identified as Clavularia inflata molecularly using the mitochondrial DNA mtMuts gene. Although a comparison of the nucleotide base chains to Genbank data indicates that the samples belong to a single species, two clades in the phylogenetic tree and data from the Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) indicate that there are two major groups of C. inflata in Indonesia, implying cryptic species.
The Abundance of Gonyaulax polygramma and Chaetoceros sp. Causing Blooming in Ambon Bay, Maluku
Authors: Kesaulya Irma , Rumohoira Delta R. , Saravanakumar A.
Published: March 2022

This study examines the first occurrence of non-toxic dinoflagellate blooming of Gonyaulax polygramma and Chaetoceros sp in Ambon Bay that occurred for almost three weeks in January 2019 and it caused the watercolor became red brown. The objective of this study was to identified phytoplankton species and their abundance that cause red tide in the Inner Ambon bay.  Phytoplankton samples were collected, temperature, salinity and Secchi depth were measured simultaneously on the 11th and 21st January 2019 (nortwest monsoon) at fifteen sampling stations in Inner Ambon Bay. The results show that the maximum abundance of Gonyaulax polygramma, Chaetoceros affinis, C. danicus and C. decipiens were found in the greatest concentration up to 20×109, 9.0x106, 5.8x106 and 3.8x105 cells.L-1, respectively. They were found either in the form of a single cell or in chains. The very high abundance of cells of those species made the waters become red brown but there was no reports of fish killed during this red tide phenomena. This is the first time report of blooming phytoplankton Gonyaulax polygramma, Chaetoceros affinis, C. danicus and C. decipiens occurred in Ambon bay during the dry season where the recorded waters temperature and salinity ranged from 30-32ºC and 29-33 psu, respectively and the secchi depths ranged from 2 to 6m.
Community Structure of Seagrass in Harapan Island, Seribu Islands, Indonesia
Authors: Adharini Ratih Ida , Yuniarga Tesya Ranma , Prasetya Nindya Larasaty , Rachman Faizal
Published: March 2022

Seagrass is an aquatic biota that is ecologically and economically beneficial. This study aims to determine the community structure of seagrass in Harapan Island, Seribu Islands, Indonesia. The research was conducted using purposive sampling method, that divided into two sites which is considered to represent the ecology’s condition of Harapan Island. The site 1 was located adjacent to the mangroves area, while the site 2 was placed near a reclamation development and ship anchoring. Every site had three subsites as replications, each was 50 meters apart. Water parameters temperature, salinity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), depth, and organic compound of each site were measured. The results showed that coverage of seagrass in site 2 is higher than site 1 that categorized as frequent-common coverage. The site 2 had the density of 220 individuals seagrass per square meter that dominated by Cymodocea rotundata. The highest diversity index was found in the site 1 at 1.15, with the lowest dominance index being 0.39. The distribution pattern in site 1 is clustered and uniform, while site 2 is uniform. The Importance Value Index in site 1 was 114,8 by Halodule uninervis, while site 2 was 125,5 by C. rotundata. It is thought that the low diversity of seagrass at the site 2 due to it was near a reclamation development and ship anchoring that disturb the abundance and community structure of seagrass in Harapan Island. Habitat destruction and anthropogenic impact of seagrass need to be minimized to support environmental coastal and fisheries sustainability.
Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Properties of Soft Coral Nepthea sp.
Authors: Sadarun Baru , Rahmatika Nur Syifa , Yodha Agung Wibawa Mahatva , Fristiohady Adryan , Sundowo Andini , Baharum Syarul Nataqain , Sahidin Idin
Published: March 2022

Soft coral Nepthea sp. grows in the seas of South-East Sulawesi, Indonesia. However, information on the chemical and pharmaceutical aspects of this genus is still limited. Therefore, this research aims to explore the chemical contents and biological activities of Nepthea sp. The sample was collected from the waters of Saponda Island by SCUBA diving. It was extracted by ethyl acetate and fractionated using vacuum liquid chromatography. The chemical content was analyzed by phytochemical screening, LC-MS/MS analysis, Total Phenolics Content and Total Flavonoids Contents. Antioxidant potency was evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals and ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid). Cytotoxicity property was analyzed by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays. The result showed that the fractionation of Nepthea ethylacetate extracts produced six fractions (A-F). Fractions A and B contain non-polar compounds. Based on LC-MS/MS data, the non-polar compounds in Fraction A and B include achillin, atractylenolide II, buthyl isobuthyl phthalate, rengyolester, 2a-acetoxycostic acid, ocotillol acetate, petasitolone and some unidentified compounds that are C33H58O4, C15H21NO, C21H33NO, and C16H20O4. In general, the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of all samples are in the weak category, however, when examined for each sample, the antioxidant properties of fraction B is slightly better than fraction A based on the IC50 value of DPPH and ABTS. Cytotoxicity of Fraction A is better than Fraction B against Breast Cancer cell lines MCF-7. The non-polar fraction of Nepthea sp. can be developed as raw material for the discovery of new compounds, antioxidant and anticancer agents, especially breast cancer.
Proximate Analysis of Bycatch Fish and Probiotics Treatments towards the Good Aquaculture Practices
Authors: Adibrata Sudirman , Astuti Rufti Puji , Bahtera Novyandra Ilham , Lingga Rahmad , Manin Fahmida , Firdaus Maulana
Published: March 2022

Bycatch small pelagic fish during the fishing season can be oversupplied so that its price goes down.  The study aims to analyze the proximate of local fish powder from the by-catch and probiotics of Probio_FM in the fish feed in Bangka Belitung. The method was the data compared with the Indonesian National Standard, SNI 01-2715-1996/Rev: 92 about the raw material of animal feed as fish powder and fish feed with six different treatments. The study found that the bycatch or trash from small pelagic fish could be used as a fish powder or fish feed. The proximate analysis on fish powder and fish feed with probiotics Probio_FM included as the quality of SNI. Crude protein values from 25.75% until 66.96% that was above SNI standard I (1.5%), II (2.5%), and III (3.0%) could be followed up into an economical business. Fermented activity from Probio_FM could degrade the protein and other components proximate such as ash content, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, calcium, Phosphor, and NaCl. The amino acids from protein were getting simpler and easier being absorbed by fish in culture or livestock farms. Probio_FM was assumed to degrade the protein value and other components proximate due to the utilization of nitrogen and ammonia derived from the process fish protein hydrolyzation of probiotic bacteria. The production of local feed should be implemented to reach feed security and very important to be developed into a community business. Proximate analysis of bycatch could support sustainable good aquaculture practices in the future.
Bacteriological Study of Ballast Water at Tanjung Emas Port, Semarang
Authors: Iksiroh Husna El , Anggoro Sutrisno , Abdurachim Henna Rya , Subagiyo Subagiyo , Ighwerb Mostafa Imhmed
Published: March 2022

The D-2 Ballast Water Management Convention standard regulates the requirements for the disposal of ballast water, which must not contain pathogenic bacteria, which are harmful to health and pollute the environment and the sustainability of local ecosystems. Tanjung Emas was chosen because it is one of the busiest ports in Indonesia to serve domestic shipping. In addition, there has never been a study examining the composition of bacteria carried through ballast water at the port of Tanjung Emas. This study aims to determine the content of pathogenic bacteria carried by the ballast water of ships docked at Tanjung Emas Port compared to the waters around the disposal and river flows around Tanjung Emas Port, Semarang. The samples were taken from 4 ships, 5 waters, and 2 rivers in Tanjung Emas area. The samples were analyzed biochemically to obtain the morphology of the bacteria present. The results showed that ballast water from the ships (KVOG, KMPS, and M) contains pathogenic bacteria: V. cholerae, E. coli, enterococci, S. typhii, S. desenteriae, Klebsiella, S. epidermidis, B. subtilis, and Actinobacteria. All types of that bacteria were also found in the Tanjung Emas waters except Actinobacteria. For three bacteria i.e. V. cholerae, E. coli, and enterococci whose levels exceed the threshold required by the BWM Convention and have the potential to pollute the Tanjung Emas environment. The water from the river did not contribute to the presence of V. cholerae bacteria in port waters, so the ballast water must be treated before being disposed of.
Presence of Microplastics in Windowpane Oyster Placuna placenta and the waters from the Tambak Lorok Coastal Area in Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Tielman Eduard Meirenno , Indriana Lisa F. , Widowati Ita , Ambariyanto Ambariyanto
Published: March 2022

Indonesia is the second-largest contributor of plastic debris in the world. The abundance of plastic debris and the bioavailability of its fragmented form known as Microplastics (MPs; < 5 mm of size) can be dangerous for marine environments. This study investigates the presence of MPs in the sea water and marine organisms (Placuna placenta) at Tambak Lorok Waters located at the coast of Semarang city, Central Java, Indonesia. All of the microplastics collected from both samples were identified by their shape, color, size (using Olympus Stereo Microscope), and polymer type (using Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy/FTIR). The study found that the Microplastic concentration in the water samples had an average of 12.6 particles.L-1, where the color and size distribution were predominantly blue colored fragments sized less than 50 µm. Examination of the study area showed that microplastics concentration in P. placenta was 1 item and 0.033 items.g-1 for each of the organism. Whereas for physical aspects of microplastics found in the oysters showed the blue colored fibers with range size 300-1000 µm were mostly present. Majority of the polymer types of microplastics found in this study were low-density polyethylene, nylon, polystyrene, and polypropylene. Data from this study shows that microplastics were present in the Tambak Lorok coastal waters. However, there was no significant statistical correlation between the concentration of microplastics in the seawater and the P. placenta, the presence of microplastics in the seawater were found to be ingested by the P. placenta.
Evaluability Assessment of Indonesian Marine Conservation Areas for Management Effectiveness Evaluation
Authors: Soemodinoto Arisetiarso , Pedju Mirza
Published: March 2022

The management effectiveness evaluation of marine conservation areas (MCAs) in Indonesia is often conducted assuming that they are likely to be evaluated periodically. However, for good and reliable results, it is recommended to perform the evaluability assessment prior to any evaluation to determine whether an MCA can be evaluated or not. This study aims to assess the evaluability of MCAs managed by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) by reviewing their management plans and effectiveness evaluation tools. By employing a qualitative approach, this study found that (i) the management plans are not conceived to support an effective management of MCAs in the field or the evaluation of management effectiveness; and (ii) the current guidelines for evaluating MCA management effectiveness do not evaluate the expected achievements of management actions relative to biodiversity conservation goals and objectives. As a result, MCAs under MMAF direct supervision are not evaluable, and hence, the evaluations are pointless from a biodiversity conservation perspective. To address this discrepancy, it is recommended that the management effectiveness evaluation should only be applied to MCAs with an effectiveness-oriented management plan and should employ tools or guidelines that are devised to evaluate the achievement of MCA conservation goals and objectives.
Potential Radiological Dose of 210Po to Several Marine Organisms in Coastal Area of Coal-Fired Power Plant Tanjung Awar – Awar, Tuban
Authors: Aryanti Chairun Annisa , Suseno Heny , Muslim Muslim , Prihatiningsih Wahyu Retno , Aini Siti Nurul
Published: March 2022

NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) is a radionuclide element that naturally already exists in the earth. Its concentration can be increased by industrial activities, such as coal-fired power plant (CFPP). Coal-fired power plant activities produce fly ash and bottom ash which will be carried away by the wind and then can enter the CFPP environment, one of which is marine waters and can affect the existence of marine biota. The determination of the radiation dose rate is essential in assessing the risk of radionuclide exposure to the marine environment. This study aims to determine and evaluate the total dose rate of 210Po to marine biota taken from the Karangsari fish market with catchment areas around the waters of CFPP Tanjung Awar – Awar, Tuban, East Java. This research was conducted in April 2021 in the waters of CFPP Tanjung Awar – Awar.  210Po measurement activity was carried out using alpha ray spectrometry at the Marine Radioecology Laboratory of PTKMR-BATAN, then the radiation dose rate was calculated using the ERICA Tool software. The value of the total radiation dose of 210Po on marine biota ranges from 2.70E-1 µGy.hr-1 to 39.70E+0 µGy.hr-1. The radiation dose of 210Po on marine biota measured in the waters of CFPP, has a lower value range than the research result carried out in other countries. Based on the Erica Tools software analysis, the total radiation dose measured on marine organisms in the waters of CFPP Tanjung Awar – Awar, does not give a negatively impact to the marine ecosystems and the sustainability of marine organisms in the study area.
Hydrodynamic Modelling of Tidally-Influenced Fluvial Zone, a study case of Palembang, Indonesia
Authors: Kurniawan Alamsyah , Egon Andi , Sujatmiko Karina Aprilia , Malakani Ardi Iman
Published: March 2022

The development planning of a tidally-influenced fluvial zone poses a complex interaction between river discharge and its effect on the tidal patterns, especially in the dense population and high economic activity like Palembang located in South Sumatra Indonesia. Previous studies on numerical modelling in this area have focused on the flood; however, the hydrodynamic modelling described interaction between river discharge and tidal is not described in more detail. The present study aims to better understand the zone by using a combination of numerical modelling and qualitative assessment of in situ measurement data. Hence, the water level condition in the study area is a mix of tidal and river discharge. A 2D-hydrodynamic modeling has been successfully conducted to assess their interaction in this zone properly by using the commercial software, called MIKE21 FM. This study describes setting up the computational model, boundary location, type of forcing (tidal and non-tidal), bedform roughness, turbulent viscosity and extensive calibration and validation. In situ measurement indicates that the site's water level and flow characteristic is complex, a mixture of tidal force from the downstream and river flows from the upstream in which seasons play an important role. It is found that comparing model outputs and the measurement data in the study area for the validation and verification process effectively describes the hydrodynamic condition in the fluvial-estuarine transition area of Palembang. As the model shows good reliability, the long term hydrodynamic in line with transport model should be developed to support the Palembang area rapid development.
Endoscopic Resection of Upper Gastrointestinal Subepithelial Tumours: Our Clinical Experience and Results
Authors: Buldanlı Mehmet Zeki , Yener Oktay
Published: March 2022

Upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumours (SETs) are generally asymptomatic and clinically insignificant and have malign, borderline and benign variants. In advanced endoscopic procedures, histopathological diagnosis and endoscopic resection are possible and feasible. In this study, we examined our approach to upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumours and our clinical results. Adult patients who applied to Surgical Endoscopy unit between January 2014 and January 2015 were included in the study. The patients’ files and final histopathological diagnoses were recorded and analysed retrospectively for this single-center study. SET lesion lower than 30 mm and the lesion whose endoscopic submucosal dissection attemption was included in the study. The total of 8 patients were four female (50%) and four male (50%), aged 31–66 years (median, 53 years). The tumoral lesions were located 4 (50%) patients in esophagus, 3 (37.5%) patients in stomach and one (12.5%) patient in duodenum and their diameter ranged from 5 to 30 mm (median, 14 mm). Post-interventional no complications or abdominal symptoms were encountered. Also, in early follow-ups for six months, no recurrence was observed. Our experiences together with literature reported here, indicated endoscopic resection is a safe and effective method of treatment for most patients with upper gastrointestinal SETs.
POEMS Syndrome Diagnosis in a Patient with Mixed Polyneuropathy: Case Report
Authors: Ocampo-Navia María Isabel , Noreña María Andrea Negret , Santos Luis Rafael Chaparro , Afanador José Ricardo Morera , Farías Ricardo Andrés Quintero , Sánchez José Luis Bustos
Published: March 2022

POEMS syndrome is a rare condition of paraneoplasic origin characterized by the presence of a sensorimotor polyneuropathy associated with the presence of a proliferative disorder of plasmatic monoclonal cells and overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor. The acronym “POEMS” represents multisystem findings including polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder and skin changes; nevertheless, clinical presentation is heterogeneous. We describe a clinical case, the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in a patient with sensorimotor polyneuropathy in whom POEMS syndrome was diagnosed; to understand this pathology, its clinical and paraclinical manifestations in order to make a diagnosis or to avoid a delayed one and to provide an adequate treatment.
Effective Treatment of a Melanoma Patient with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis after Nivolumab and Ipilimumab Combined Immunotherapy
Authors: Pacholczak-Madej Renata , Grela-Wojewoda Aleksandra , Lompart Joanna , Żuchowska-Vogelgesang Beata , Ziobro Marek
Published: March 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have significantly improved the prognosis of melanoma patients. However, these therapies may trigger unexpected immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which are challenging in making the proper diagnosis and providing treatment. Hematological toxicities are possible irAEs, but were poorly evaluated in clinical trials and treatment recommendations of this specific complications are limited. We present a stage IV melanoma patient who developed an extremely rare toxicity – hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) after the 4th course of combined immunotherapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab. The patient was steroid resistant and only the treatment with various immunosuppressive agents provided control of the disease and finally melanoma regression. In this report, we evaluated the methods of HLH treatment and described our modification of available protocols. Immediate immunosuppression can be life-saving and due to rarity of this condition as well as lack of specific recommendations, every report is valuable for clinicians, especially when treatment was effective.
Pneumomediastinum: A Rare Complication of Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration
Authors: Saha Biplab K.
Published: March 2022

Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a commonly performed outpatient procedure used for the diagnosis, staging of lung cancer, and the evaluation of thoracic lymphadenopathy of unknown origin. With the advent of this minimally invasive technology, mediastinoscopy, once the gold standard, has fallen out of favour. Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of EBUS-TBNA and can often be managed conservatively. We present a case of a 52-year-old female who developed pneumomediastinum following EBUS-TBNA and improved with expectant management in the emergency department. We discuss the proposed pathophysiology of this rare occurrence that usually follows a benign course. Severe complications, such as mediastinitis and tracheal tear, need to be excluded promptly.
Parvovirus B19 Intrauterine Infection and Eventration of the Diaphragm
Authors: Mitsiakos Georgios , Gavras Christoforos , Katsaras Georgios N. , Chatziioannidis Ilias , Mouravas Vasilios , Mitsiakou Christina , Lampropoulos Vasilios , Nikolaidis Nikolaos
Published: March 2022

Parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy may have a poor outcome for the fetus. Ocular anomalies, brain damage with hydrocephalus and central nervous system (CNS) scarring, cleft lip and hypospadias, as well myocarditis and congenital heart disease have been reported. We present a case of a preterm female neonate born with ascites, hydrothorax and congenital diaphragmatic eventration (CDE), with a prenatal diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The neonate was born prematurely at 32 weeks gestation with caesarean section due to a previous caesarean delivery. She was immediately intubated in the delivery room, transferred in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and supported with high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). The diagnosis of CDH was sonographically estimated from the 20thweek of gestation and surgical correction was decided. During surgery CDE was diagnosed instead of CDH and despite postoperatively care the neonate developed disseminated intravascular coagulation and finally died in the 40thhour of life. Along with the identification of parvovirus B19 in the pleural fluid by PCR, the biopsy of the diaphragm revealed connective tissue, full of vasculature and absence muscle tissue. Although only cytomegalovirus, rubella, and toxoplasmosis were considered to be associated with CDE, parvovirus B19 might also be related to this congenital diaphragmatic malformation. In CDE, the function of the lungs can be compromised as a consequence of the compression applied by the abdominal organs. The neonatologists should include this condition in their differential diagnosis for a more direct and effective management.
Morphological and horticultural characteristics of some commercial banana (Musa spp.) cultivars of Kerala
Authors: Malikongwa Thatayaone , Gomez Saji , Joseph Meagle , Netravati  , Kuruvila Bintu
Published: March 2022

Morphological and horticultural characteristics of six cultivars of banana fruits (Musa spp.) that are commercially grown in Kerala, belonging to different genomic groups viz. Nendran (AAB), Pisang Lilin (AA), Karpooravalli (ABB), Njalipoovan (AB), Grand Naine (ABB) and Yangambi (KM-5) (AAA) were evaluated. The morphological traits were characterized using Banana Descriptors established by IPGRI (1996), from which 9 characters were selected for quantitative analysis. Horticultural characters on variables such as number of fruits per bunch, fruit length (cm), fruit pedicel length (mm), fruit pedicel width (mm), peel thickness (mm), pulp weight (g), fruit to peel ratio, fruit flesh firmness (cm2kg-1) were analysed and subjected to one way ANOVA to determine the significance (p=.05). The cultivar Nendran (AAB) exhibited large morphological and horticultural traits, particularly for the fruit length (22.07cm), pulp weight (89.20g) and peel weight (49.30g). The cultivar Karpooravalli (ABB) was smaller in terms of the fruit length (10.67 cm) and peel weight (9.65g), but had a large (4.81) fruit: pulp ratio compared to other cultivars studied. The present work reveals substantial morphological and horticultural variation among banana cultivars of different genomic groups, with an overlap of similarities and differences even in banana cultivars having the same genomic group.
Genetic Transformation of Arachis hypogaea Using Novel Genes Conferring Fungal Resistance-A Review
Authors: Chowdhury Shahana , Datta Anamika , Ferdous Manzur-E-Mohsina , SINHA DWAIPAYAN
Published: March 2022

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) or the common ‘peanut’ is a worldwide popular, affordable food containing high protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals. Several biotic and abiotic stresses are responsible for reaching the expected production of peanuts worldwide. Especially, the fungi are the major constraints that not only hamper the production but also that is deadly health hazardous for both human consumption and poultry-livestock. Approaches from various dimensions like cultural management, diseases free cultivar development, hybridization, tissue culture, and genetic transformations have been tried to overcome such challenges. This review epitomizes the total scenario from the plant physiological basis of fungal diseases to the peanut development approaches, which aimed to develop a concrete understanding of sustainable management of peanut production. Comparisons of Genetic Engineering methods such as Agrobacterium-mediated and direct gene gun (particle bombardment- mediated) with traditional hybridization have been compiled here, furthermore, candidate genes transformed to achieve fungus-resistance in peanuts have been listed up to provide an overview. Along with, the limitations of transformation attempts and the techniques for improvisation of transformation techniques have been discussed in sustainable peanut production. This study provides, comprehensive information on fungal-resistant peanut development so that, further research in this arena could be guided in an integrated way, which may serve for the thrust of sustainable improvisation in peanut cultivation.
Towards resolving Keller’s cube tiling conjecture in dimension seven
Authors: Kisielewicz Andrzej P.
Published: March 2022

A cube tiling of ℝ
d
is a family of pairwise disjoint cubes [0, 1)
d
+ T = {[0, 1)
d
+ t: t ∈ T} such that ∪
t∈T
([0, 1)
d
+ t) = ℝ
d
. Two cubes [0, 1)
d
+ t, [0, 1)
d
+ s are called a twin pair if |t

j
−s

j
| = 1 for some j ∈ [d] = {1, ⋅, d} and t

i
= s

i
for every i ∈ [d]∖{j}. In 1930, Keller conjectured that in every cube tiling of ℝ
d
there is a twin pair. For x ∈ ℝ
d
and i ∈ [d], let L(T, x, i) be the set of all ith coordinates t

i
of vectors t ∈ T such that ([0, 1)
d
+ t)∩([0, 1]
d
+ x)≠∅ and t

i
≤ x

i
. Let

r
−

(
T
)
=

min

x
∈

R

d

max

1
≤
i
≤
d

|

L
(
T
,
x
,
i
)

|

$r^-(T)=\min_{x\in \mathbb{R}^d} \max_{1\leq i\leq d}|L(T,x,i)|$

and

r
+

(
T
)
=

max

x
∈

R

d

max

1
≤
i
≤
d

|

L
(
T
,
x
,
i
)

|

$r^ + (T)=\max_{x\in \mathbb{R}^d} \max_{1\leq i\leq d}|L(T,x,i)|$

. Before 2019 it was known that Keller’s conjecture is true for dimensions d ≤ 6 and false for all dimensions d = 8. Moreover, in dimension 7 it was known to be true if r
−(T) ≤ 2 or r
+(T) = 5. The present paper resolves the case r
+(T) = 4.
At the end of 2019, when the paper was still under review, Brakensiek et al. resolved the cases r
+(T) ∈ {3, 4, 6}, proving thereby Keller’s conjecture in dimension 7.
Uncertainty Shocks, Innovation, and Productivity
Authors: Bonciani Dario , Oh Joonseok
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we argue that macroeconomic uncertainty shocks cause a persistent decline in economic activity, investment in R&D, and total factor productivity. After providing empirical evidence, we build a DSGE model with sticky prices and endogenous growth through investment in R&D. In this framework, uncertainty shocks lead to a short-term fall in demand because of precautionary savings and rising markups. The reduction in the utilised aggregate stock of R&D determines a fall in productivity, which causes a long-term reduction in the main macroeconomic aggregates. When households feature Epstein–Zin preferences, they become averse to these long-term risks affecting their consumption process (long-run risk channel), which severely exacerbates the precautionary savings motive and the overall adverse effects of uncertainty shocks.
Leaded or unleaded? Homemade microscale tin electroplating
Authors: Herrera-Loya Maite R. , Cervantes-Herrera L. Mariana , Gutierrez-Vallejo Sofia , Ibanez Jorge G.
Published: March 2022

Social distancing measures due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus have profoundly challenged the educational experimental work. We have sought to remediate this issue by designing a series of low cost, low risk, quick, and qualitative electrochemistry and corrosion experiments to be performed in the student’s homes at the microscale with a kit provided by the teacher. One such experience is the electroplating of Sn from an aqueous chloride solution using readily available soldering wires (e.g., Sn–Pb alloy, or Sn–Ag–Cu alloy). This process catches students’ attention due to its simplicity and variety of possible applications that include corrosion protection, fabrication of electronic components, plating of cooking utensils, lithium batteries, etc.