bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamical quantum phase transition in periodic quantum Ising chains
Authors: Cao Kaiyuan , Zhong Ming , Tong Peiqing
Published: July 2022

The dynamical quantum phase transitions (DQPTs) after a sudden quench in periodic quantum Ising chains (QICs) are studied. We obtain the formulas of the Loschmidt echo and the Fisher zeros of the Loschmidt amplitude in the periodic QIC. It is found that for the quench across the quantum phase transitions (QPTs), the periodic QICs have richer DQPTs than that in the homogeneous QIC, and the number of critical times of the DQPTs are dependent on the specifical parameter of the pre- and post-quench Hamiltonian. For instance, in the period-two QIC, there is one critical time for the quench from the FM phase to the PM phase, and three critical times for the quench from the PM phase to the FM phase. In the period-three QIC, there may have three or four critical times for the quench from FM phase to the PM phase, but may have two or three critical times for the quench from PM to the FM phase. The reason is that the periodic QICs have multiple quasiparticle excitation spectra, and the Fisher zeros of the periodic systems consist of several separated branches, which is different from that in the homogeneous QIC. For different quenches across the QPTs, different branches will intersect with the imaginary axis, which correspond to different critical times. Our conclusion also provides insight in the property of the DQPT in the inhomogeneous systems.
Utilization of Altimetry Satellites Microwave Radiometer for Atmospheric Observation over Indonesia
Authors: Nurzaman Fathin , Wijaya Dudy D. , Tanuwijaya Zamzam A. J. , Kuntjoro Wedyanto
Published: July 2022

Altimetry satellites have an on-board microwave radiometer whose original function is to measure the Tropospheric Wet Delay (TWD) for their main sea level measurement using radar altimeter. The TWD, as it reflects the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, could be used to derive the Precipitable Water Vapor (PWV) which would be a good parameter to study the atmosphere variability, especially in Indonesia where rainfall is the main variable of its climate. Studies on altimetry-derived PWV are conducted, which include: analyzing their correlation with rainfall observation dataset, and assessing how well they could capture some key atmospheric phenomena in Indonesia. The results show that there are fairly high correlation between the altimetry-derived PWV and the rainfall data in monthly-scale with 0.63 Pearson correlation coefficient. Moreover, they could very well capture some key phenomena in Indonesia such as the monsoon and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variation. Thus, a new way of utilizing altimetry satellite data is introduced in this paper: to observe the atmosphere using its water vapor data derived from the microwave radiometer. This open the possibility of utilizing altimetry satellites for both oceanographic and meteorological studies as it could measures both oceanic and atmospheric parameter, with its radar altimeter and microwave radiometer, respectively.
Multivariate statistical analysis for sedimentary characteristics in an estuarine environment of the east flood canal river, Semarang
Authors: Marantika Y , Nugroho S H , Kurniasih A , Putra P S , Lestari  , Wibowo S P A , Kaisupy M T , Amar  , Jakah
Published: July 2022

The East Flood Canal River stretches across the eastern part of Semarang, an area that is densely populated with residential and industrial areas. There are many human and industrial activities around this watershed, including the textile industry, food factories, and fish auction sites. Therefore, this river becomes an interesting research object to examine the influence of industrial activities around the river on the characteristics of the sediment. This research was conducted by examining sediment core samples from the estuary of the East Flood Canal. The research aims to reveal the relationship between the characteristics and distribution of sediments and geochemical trace elements. A total of 31 samples of sediment core slices with an interval of 1 cm were analyzed. The granulometric analysis was conducted by Mastersizer 2000, to determine the grain size parameters that were used as the basis for the clustering. Geochemical analysis was conducted by the XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) to determine the trace elements concentration. The study is interpreted using compositional data analysis associated with a grain size trend analysis (GSTA) and cluster analysis (CA). The GSTA value showed generally dominated by medium to very fine silt. The cluster showed that four lithofacies zones have different sedimentary characteristics. The distribution of the characteristics of the large grain size of the seafloor sediment in the East Flood Canal indicates that as the deposition is farther from the river mouth, the poorer it’s sorting. It was recorded that, at a depth of 19 to 27 cm from the surface there was an increase in fine to very fine sand accompanied by an increase in the Fe and Mn which indicated that there was a supply of sediment that occurred from land caused by human activities and flood events.
The Spatial and Temporal Impacts of Mixed Layer Depth (MLD) variations in West Sumatera Coastal Area
Authors: Utari Putri Adia , Saputra Okta Fajar , Lestiana Hilda
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates sea surface height to geoid (SSHG) and mixed layer depth (MLD) variations in the West Sumatera Coastal Area dominated Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) evolutions using the data of MLD and (SSHG) from 2004 to 2017. The MLD variations in West Sumatera Coastal Area are explicitly investigated through spatial and temporal variations Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOF). In the previous research, MLD variations in these extensive ocean-atmospheric circulations mainly focused on seasonal variations. The first results of EOF mode indicate 12% of the variability and show MLD variations in West Sumatera Coastal area during boreal fall (September – November). This result indicates that seasonal variation of MLD is slightly weak to the IOD event caused by ENSO signals from atmospheric teleconnection. On the other situation, the seasonal variations of SSHG is tightly related to the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) evolutions. The EOF results of SSHG shows 30% variabilities and is stronger than the MLD. The weak (dominant) pattern of these MLD and SSHG variations affects a shoaling layer over the west Sumatra coastal area associated with the negative Indian Ocean during 2010. We suggest that this MLD and SSHG product could be used as a reference for future studies and predict fish productivity.
Seismic Hazard Potential in Yogyakarta Based on HVSR Curve Estimation
Authors: Zega B.N. , Zulfakriza Z. , Rosalia S. , Puspito N.T.
Published: July 2022

In 2006, the Special Region of Yogyakarta was shaken by a destructive earthquake. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded that the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.3 Mw at a depth of 12.5 km below the surface that was triggered by strike slip fault activity. The severe damage occurred in Bantul district and Klaten district, where the Klaten area location were far from the earthquake epicenter. This proves that the magnitude and the earthquake source distance are not the only parameters for seismic hazard potential, but rather the presence of local site effects and building conditions. The present study aims to determine the characteristics of the soil and estimate the seismic hazard potential by using HVSR method. Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) is one method that can be used to obtain the subsurface information from single station measurements. Furthermore, the inversion of Rayleigh wave ellipticity curve is used to obtain 1-D of shear wave velocity (Vs). The parameters from HVSR calculation and Rayleigh wave inversion were mapped to understand the subsurface structure beneath the Yogyakarta area. Based on the soil classification to Vs, Yogyakarta area is categorized to SD (Stiff soil/soft soil) and SC (Very dense soil and soft rock). The results of the mapping analysis indicated that Bantul district is an area with the highest potential of seismic hazard.
The Projections of Climate Change using Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM) in Bali - Indonesia
Authors: Toersilowati L , Siswanto B , Maryadi E , Susanti I , Suhermat M , Witono A , Sipayung S B , Rahayu S A , ‘Adany F , Aminuddin J , Lubis R F
Published: July 2022

Research on climate change was conducted in Bali, Indonesia, using the Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM), which works with the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5. The history data means average data from 1971 to 2000, climate projections with RCP4.5 scenario means average data from 2040 to 2069, and anomaly (climate change) is RCP4.5 minus history. The results represent the history of temperature between 22.5-27.5 0C and the projection between 25.5-29.5 0C. Temperature anomalies can be observed in much of northern Bali, which has increased from about 1.6 to 2.9 0C. There is a trend towards reduced (drier) humidity in most parts of Bali, particularly in the northern part of Bali. In contrast, a small amount in the south increases the (wetter) humidity. The comfort index of the Bali region in history is still relatively comfortable (20-26 0C). The projection condition RCP 4.5, there is no comfortable area with an index of more than 26 0C (hot and dry).
Impact of natural conditions and anthropogenic activities on groundwater quality in Puntang volcanic area, West Java, Indonesia.
Authors: Maria R. , Iskandarsyah T.Y.W.M , Suganda B.R. , Rusydi A.F. , Hendarmawan Hendarmawan
Published: July 2022

The Puntang area in the southern mountains of West Java has potential water resources that are used to fulfill the community's raw water. The rapid development of the region and tourism will affect the quality of groundwater. This research was conducted on the slopes of Mount Puntang with the aim of analyzing natural and anthropogenic conditions on groundwater quality. Measurements and groundwater samples are taken from 5 springs, 10 dug wells and 8 drilling wells. The research method begins with a literature study followed by data collection in the field and laboratory analysis. Data analysis used statistical analysis and hydrogeochemical spatial analysis. Hydrogeochemical analysis using Piper diagrams. Based on the analysis results, it is known that the groundwater facies are CaCl, CaMgCl CaHCO3, and NaHCO3. The CaCl facies, enrichment of Cl- is caused by contamination of volcanic domain. The CaMgCl facies has enrichment of Mg2+ cations in the process of groundwater and rock water interactions. The high Cl- value in the proximal area is influenced by volcanic domain, while the Cl- value in the medial and distal areas may be influenced by anthropogenic. The CaHCO3 facies is influenced by local meteoric water, with a high structural control that shows water flowing through the fracture. The NaHCO3 facies is a wellbore in the intermediate groundwater flow and anthropogenic influences have occurred. The hydrochemical evolution that occurs is that Ca2+ becomes Mg2+ and then turns into Na+. The CaMgHCO3 facies dominates the proximal to distal area. The presence of HCO3
- indicates that groundwater mixing has occurred and is influenced by the decomposition of organic matter. Indications of groundwater mixing can be seen in groundwater with NaKHCO3 facies in the distal area. The medial and distal areas are densely populated areas which also affect groundwater. Geological and environmental conditions around the water resources are one of the supporting data to determine polluting sources.
Real-time Measurement of Cutting Width on a Mini Rice Combine Harvester
Authors: Putri R E , Putri I , Arlius F , Ade S , Geraldo J P
Published: July 2022

Variability of yield could be measured during harvesting, data could be used to evaluate management of the field and provide useful information for planning fertilizer applications for the next coming season. Measurement of cutting width is a one of parameter to get the instantaneous yield. In order to obtain an accurate instantaneous yield when harvesting rice, a proper cutting width measurement method is needed during the harvesting process. This research aim is to develop real time of cutting width during system using US-100 ultrasonic sensor on a mini combine harvester. The developed system comprises a cutting width sensor, GPS receiver and a computer installed with customized software, which, when assembled on a local rice combine. The performance of the developed system was evaluated that the sensor is working well to measure real time of cutting width during operation with a value of R2 = 1. The system also provides the variability map of the cutting width within the field.
Detection of Paddy Leaves Healthiness Area Using UAV and Rasberry Pi 4
Authors: Hasan A , Fahmy K , Putri I
Published: July 2022

This research is aimed to detect the area in the paddy field that have damage leaves. It is hard to check the disease and pest infestation by human vision. Position of the viewer into the damaged leaves does ensure to see intact field. In this research UAV was utilized to detect take picture the healthy leaves area from above. Aerial position of the UAV will have the benefit to check paddy field completely seen. To check the healthiness paddy leave area, the UAV was attached by the Rasberry Pi 4, and installed by the image processing program using python as language program. The Rasberry Pi connected by VNC to the laptop. The program using HSV(Hue, Saturation, Value) to distinguish the colour of heathiness of paddy leaves. The UAV was flied by using software mission planner. The paddy field could be seen on map of mission planner software, and user can select the designated field which would be detected of its paddy leave healthiness. The waypoint of the flying plan could be determined. The user hit the “C” (Capture) in laptop keyboard to take the image when the UAV will remain stop in every waypoint as long as 10 second. And The image will show the percentage of the condition of healthiness of paddy in real time at the moment. The altitude of the UAV was 8 meter from the land. The average healthiness of paddy leave in 3 way points were 9.53 m2, 10.40m2 and 11.86m2. Meanwhile in the second flight acquired 4.58 m2, 3.99 m2 and 3.54 m2. And for damaged leaves, the experiment released that 0 m2, 0.22m2 and 0m2 and for second filght were 0.108m2, 0.18m2 and 0.359m2. In this reseach use the t-paired- test, and released that significant difference for both flight. In conclusion, the UAV obtained inconsistent data for taking real time information of paddy leaves healthiness area.
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among Oil Palm Settlers in Felda Wilayah Alor Setar, Kedah: A Survey
Authors: Adnan S S , Zaman N B K , Othman N M I
Published: July 2022

In today’s age of modernization, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been a part and play a great role in the development of agriculture sector. The ICT revolution has brought significant implication in agricultural development where farmers can directly communicate with traders, government and buyers. However, due to lack of knowledge and information, oil palm settlers are not getting the benefits from these technologies. To further understand this, a study was conducted to find out the adoption, usage level and factor influence the adoption of ICTs among oil palm settlers. This article proposed a conceptual framework that was constructed from two main constructs such as technology and demographic factors. The proposed framework underpinned diffusion of innovation framework that was introduced by Rogers’ (2003) which five major attributes: relative advantages, compatibility, simplicity, trialability, and observability. 211 respondents were answering the questionnaire in this study and the measurement of internal consistency shows the Cronbach’s alpha result α = 0.933, which considered as accepted reliability value. All constructs show a positive significant coefficient of multiple correlations result, r = 0.87, which means all constructs have strong positive multiple correlations with the ICT adoption except complexity. Results revealed that majority of the respondents were males (84.4%), a high percentage (65.4%) of adoption level and usage level (76.8%). As a conclusion, the proposed conceptual framework may consider as a basic foundation for general ICT adoption overview in the perspective of Malaysia agriculture industry.
Potential of Millet Grains as Alternative Media for Preservation of Fungal Pathogen
Authors: Noor N M , Galea V , Aani S N A
Published: July 2022

Crop losses due to pathogen attacks had increased tremendously from year to year and this situation is very alarming. Among important pathogen, fungi are dominant causal agents of plant disease that manage to colonize the host with various strategies and finally kill them. Identification based on laboratory investigations become vital since there are many kinds of fungi linked to plant disease. Laboratory investigations might take a long period thus effective storage and preservation of fungal cultures are critical to ensuring their viability and maintaining their genetic integrity. Conventional agar medium preservation is not really ideal for long-term study since it requires repetitive sub-culturing, which can change the pathogen’s characteristics and contaminate the fungal cultures. This study has determined the potential of millet grains as alternative media for preservation of fungal pathogen using three different drying process. Two species of fungi that related with dieback disease of woody plants such as Parkinsonia, mango, cocoa and apple have been used in this study namely Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae and Neoscytalidium novaehollandiae. The effectiveness of the millet grains as culture media were assessed based on viability and contamination rates. Millet grains that have been cultured with the fungal pathogen were dried using three drying process which are air drying, oven drying and freeze drying. Viability test revealed that both fungi produced high viability rates even after 8 weeks of storage period in the millet grains. The least contamination rate recorded by millet grains that have been dried using oven drying. The findings indicate that millet grains habe a great potential as an alternative media for preservation of fungal pathogen.
Design of Green Tea Drying System Using Smoke and Temperature Sensors Based on Microcontroller
Authors: Mulianda P , Fahmy K , Andasuryani
Published: July 2022

The green tea drying process still uses wood as its fuel because it can reduce production costs. However, the smoke produced by the bottom firewood enters the drying chamber, thus affecting the quality of the green tea produced. Therefore, it is necessary to have a drying system that can detect and control the smoke entering the drying chamber and control the temperature during the drying process. The tea drying system is designed using a smoke sensor and a temperature sensor based on a microcontroller. This system is also equipped with an RH sensor that can monitor the RH value during the drying process. From the device performance test results, it was found that the system designed can control the smoke and temperature in the drying chamber to be applied to the green tea drying process in tea factories.
Changes in soil microstructure and physical characteristics of peat soils under pineapple plantation
Authors: Azmi I A , Kassim N Q B
Published: July 2022

In Malaysia, peat soils have been successfully planted with various crops such as pineapple, oil palm, and sago. However, the development of peat soils to plantations may raise problems to the environment and alter their physical and morphological characteristics. Hence, this study was conducted to differentiate peat soils microstructure between natural peat and pineapple cultivated peat. The soil samples were taken at 0-50 cm, 50-100 cm, and 100-150 cm depth, and the Von post scale method was conducted in the field. The samples were tested in the water content, organic content, and rubbed fiber content for physical analysis. The samples were then sent to the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis to determine peat soil microstructure and elemental analysis. The results showed that the pineapple cultivated peat has a higher humification degree than natural peat. The fast degradation process of cell walls also can be seen in SEM images in higher humification degrees. It is concluded that the disturbance of peatlands due to human activities may accelerate the decomposition process in peat soils.
Assessment of water resources for water irrigation purposes in Bintan island
Authors: Marganingrum D , Santoso H , Mulyono A
Published: July 2022

The raw water for irrigation must meet the minimum requirements of class IV water quality. This study aims at presenting a water quality assessment of several raw water sources in Bintan Island for irrigation purposes. The methods used are Standardized Precipitation Index, Pollution Index, and Sodium Adsorption Ratio. A climate analysis showed that the potential high risk of the flood was 16 events in 22 years, and severe-to-extreme dry soil moisture and streamflow were 8 to 10 events in 22 years, with durations of every event varying from 1 to 6 months. Severe-to-extreme reduction of reservoir level was five events in 22 years, with a duration of every event varying from 2 to 13 months. The water quality analysis showed that all water sources meet the quality standard to irrigation as a class IV water quality. While based on SAR values, all water sources have excellent categories and good categories, except Dompak pond and Kolong 6 reservoirs that are doubtful categories. The availability of raw water mainly causes the problem of water sources, so better surface water management is necessary for Bintan Island to support food resilience.
The Producing of Fermented Milk as an Application of Alternative Halal Culture Medium for the Growth of Lactobacillus plantarum TMW 1.1623 and Streptococcus thermophilus
Authors: Riftyan E , Rossi E , Efendi R , Marcellina Z
Published: July 2022

The halal food industry is increasing in conjunction with the world’s Muslim population growth. Microbial bioprocess-based is an option for producing a wide range of high-quality and nutritional foods. This study aimed to evaluate fermented milk using Lactobacillus plantarum TMW 1.1623 and Streptococcus thermophilus as starter cultures propagated on halal media. The catfish was used as the primary raw material for preparing peptone to formulate the halal medium. The papain enzyme was occupied during the hydrolysis process of peptone extraction. Experimental studies used a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and four replications. The treatment in this study was to produce fermented milk with the concentration of starter cultures 3, 5, 7, and 9% (V/V). The ratio of L. plantarum TMW 1.1623 and S. thermophilus is 1:1. The results indicated that the starter concentration of the cultures significantly affects the pH, titratable acidity, Viscosity, total sugar, and total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of fermented milk. The best quality fermented milk was obtained with a 9% culture starter of L. plantarum TMW 1.1623 and S. thermophilus. The pH was 4.88, total acid 0.74%, total sugar 0.53%, viscosity 1043.17cP, and total LAB 11.49 log CFU/mL.
Effect of storage time of halal peptone at refrigerator temperature on bacterial growth
Authors: Rossi E , Efendi R , Rahmayuni  , Reval O
Published: July 2022

Protein hydrolysate, such as peptone, is a protein molecule that contains amino acids and is one source of nitrogen used for microbial development. Commercial peptone is usually derived from animals; however, if it is not slaughtered according to Islamic law, it is not halal, except for pigs and dogs. Pangasius fillet waste (P) and pineapple core (C) are agro-industrial wastes with great potential as raw materials to produce halal peptone. This study aimed to evaluate halal peptone made from P and C with a ratio of 3:1 stored in cold temperatures as a medium for the growth of microorganisms. The research treatment was the storage of halal peptone for four storage periods, namely T1 = 0 wk, T2 = 1 wk, T3 = 3 wk, and T4 = 4 wk at 4°C. At each storage time, peptone was inoculated with L. plantarum strain TMW 1.1623, S. thermophilus, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Total L. plantarum strain TMW 1.1623 and S. thermophilus at 0 wk were 10.14 and 11.17 log CFU/mL, respectively, which were significantly different (P<0.05) with total LAB in other treatments for each LAB strain. On the other hand, the growth of pathogenic bacteria was not affected (P>0.05) by the storage time of halal peptone at 4°C. This study concludes that the halal peptone solution stored at 4°C can still be used as a growth medium for LAB or pathogenic bacteria.
Phytochemical screening, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid content of Jupiter variety leaves extract and their antioxidant and insecticidal activity
Authors: Zain W Z W M , Hamid N A , Nazihah N , Izzah N , Azaman N , Ramli N W , Yamin B , Musa S A N C
Published: July 2022

Grapes are one of the most widely grown fruit around the world but is not for tropical climates area. However, currently in Malaysia the grapes planting become more popular due to the successful production from the local farmers. Due to this situation, the researchers start to focus on the product development from the grapes. This research is to screen the phytochemical compound of grapes leaves extract from Jupiter variety and their antioxidant and insecticidal activity. The DPPH test method was used to determine the antioxidant level. Folin-Ciocalteau assay and aluminium chloride colorimetric assay were used to assess total phenolic and flavonoid content, respectively. The phytochemical was also screened to determine the compound presented in extract. Then, the extract was tested on the Sitophilus oryzae to examine the insecticidal activity in stored rice. The result showed that extract of has a good potential in order to control Sitophilus oryzae and has a high amount of antioxidant. The various compounds presented in the extract that led to the high insecticidal activity. Thus, this result is very significant to help the rice producer in order to control the beetles in rice storage without reducing the quality of rice.
Characteristics of the Chemical Physical Properties of Cassava Flour Modification (Mocaf) with the Use of Blondo or Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) Dregs
Authors: Harni M , Putri S K , Gusmalini  , Handayani T D
Published: July 2022

Mocaf (Modified Cassava Flour) is a yam flour that has been modified by fermentation using Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) that is sold freely in the community. The use of blondo is expected to replace the use of LAB because it is from VCO that has not been utilized properly. The LAB used in the production is from the production of VCO by fermentation. The study was conducted by using a Complete Randomized Design (RAL) with 5 treatments and 3 repetation, as mocaf control used BIMO bacteria. Advanced testing used the Duncan New Mutiple Range Test (DNMRT) at a real level of 5%. Observations on mocaf flour include, pH flour, WHC, swelling and whitish flour. The observation resulted in a pH value of mocaf 6.43-5.44, WHC mocaf 207.7-231.3%, swelling mocaf 551-1650.33% and whitish mocaf 90.77-91.68.
Study on the Use of Food Additives in Local Food Products Marketed in the Tourist Area of Padang City
Authors: Ismanto S D , Taib G
Published: July 2022

The main problem with culinary in Padang City is related to quality standards. This relates to processing standards and material standards used. One of the materials that have not been used according to the standard is the use of food additives. The use of these food additives should be changed with the use of natural ingredients. For this reason, it is necessary to study the problem of using food additives so that the products produced are safe for consumers, especially for tourists who buy them. In this study, the data obtained were analyzed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process method. From the results of data analysis, it can be concluded that the reason for using food additives is for cost efficiency with a weight of 0.587, product taste 0.218, product appearance 0.123 and product expiration 0.072. In addition, several things that become obstacles to the use of natural ingredients are the production cost factor with a weight of 0.460, product appearance 0.325, product taste 0.149 and risk of loss 0.067. Based on this existing data, it is necessary to design the most appropriate pattern so that local food producers can minimize the use of food additives.
Diversity of Termite (Insecta: Isoptera) at the Forested Area of Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Mairawita  , Herwina H , Rahman T , Janra M N
Published: July 2022

The termites are ubiquitous whenever their food available. Hence, they can be found almost in every place where woods or wooden structure exist. This research intended to do the inventory on termite (Isoptera) diversity at the Biological Education and Research Forest (BERF), Medicinal Plant Garden and Animal Husbandry Faculty’s Field Station; all of them are forested parts of Universitas Andalas in Limau Manis Padang, West Sumatra. These forested sections of the campus area have purposes for maintaining some ecological functions as well as to become site where the practice of research and education implemented. The research had been conducted from March to July 2020. Termites were sampled along the transect using direct collecting method. As result, it was recorded a total of 12 species belonged to nine genera, four subfamilies and two families. Termitidae had the highest records with 11 species identified, while Rhinotermitidae was termite family with only one species recorded. Nasutitermitinae, with seven species, became subfamily with the most members found, followed by Termitinae with three species, Macrotermitinae and Rhinotermitinae with one species each. The forested area of Universitas Andalas had moderate termite diversity (H’ = 2.08).
Tunable elastomer materials with vascular tissue-like rupture mechanics behavior
Authors: Corti Andrea , Shameen Tariq , Sharma Shivang , De Paolis Annalisa , Cardoso Luis
Published: July 2022

Purpose. Laboratory models of human arterial tissues are advantageous to examine the mechanical response of blood vessels in a simplified and controllable manner. In the present study, we investigated three silicone-based materials for replicating the mechanical properties of human arteries documented in the literature. Methods. We performed uniaxial tensile tests up to rupture on Sylgard184, Sylgard170 and DowsilEE-3200 under different curing conditions and obtained their True (Cauchy) stress-strain behavior and Poisson’s ratios by means of digital image correlation (DIC). For each formulation, we derived the constitutive parameters of the 3-term Ogden model and designed numerical simulations of tubular models under a radial pressure of 250 mmHg. Results. Each material exhibits evident non-linear hyperelasticity and dependence on the curing condition. Sylgard184 is the stiffest formulation, with the highest shear moduli and ultimate stresses at relative low strains (μ
184 = 0.52–0.88 MPa, σ
184 = 15.90–16.54 MPa, ε
184 = 0.72–0.96). Conversely, Sylgard170 and DowsilEE-3200 present significantly lower shear moduli and ultimate stresses that are closer to data reported for arterial tissues (μ
170 = 0.33–0.7 MPa σ
170 = 2.61–3.67 MPa, ε
170 = 0.69–0.81; μ
dow = 0.02–0.09 MPa σ
dow = 0.83–2.05 MPa, ε
dow = 0.91–1.05). Under radial pressure, all formulations except DowsilEE-3200 at 1:1 curing ratio undergo circumferential stresses that remain in the elastic region with values ranging from 0.1 to 0.18 MPa. Conclusion. Sylgard170 and DowsilEE-3200 appear to better reproduce the rupture behavior of vascular tissues within their typical ultimate stress and strain range. Numerical models demonstrate that all three materials achieve circumferential stresses similar to human common carotid arteries (Sommer et al 2010), making these formulations suited for cylindrical laboratory models under physiological and supraphysiological loading.
An organic synaptic circuit: toward flexible and biocompatible organic neuromorphic processing
Authors: Mirshojaeian Hosseini Mohammad Javad , Yang Yi , Prendergast Aidan J , Donati Elisa , Faezipour Miad , Indiveri Giacomo , Nawrocki Robert A
Published: July 2022

In the nervous system synapses play a critical role in computation. In neuromorphic systems, biologically inspired hardware implementations of spiking neural networks, electronic synaptic circuits pass signals between silicon neurons by integrating pre-synaptic voltage pulses and converting them into post-synaptic currents, which are scaled by the synaptic weight parameter. The overwhelming majority of neuromorphic systems are implemented using inorganic, mainly silicon, technology. As such, they are physically rigid, require expensive fabrication equipment and high fabrication temperatures, are limited to small-area fabrication, and are difficult to interface with biological tissue. Organic electronics are based on electronic properties of carbon-based molecules and polymers and offer benefits including physical flexibility, low cost, low temperature, and large-area fabrication, as well as biocompatibility, all unavailable to inorganic electronics. Here, we demonstrate an organic differential-pair integrator synaptic circuit, a biologically realistic synapse model, implemented using physically flexible complementary organic electronics. The synapse is shown to convert input voltage spikes into output current traces with biologically realistic time scales. We characterize circuit’s responses based on various synaptic parameters, including gain and weighting voltages, time-constant, synaptic capacitance, and circuit response due to inputs of different frequencies. Time constants comparable to those of biological synapses and the neurons are critical in processing real-world sensory signals such as speech, or bio-signals measured from the body. For processing even slower signals, e.g., on behavioral time scales, we demonstrate time constants in excess of two seconds, while biologically plausible time constants are achieved by deploying smaller synaptic capacitors. We measure the circuit synaptic response to input voltage spikes and present the circuit response properties using custom-made circuit simulations, which are in good agreement with the measured behavior.
Variation in reproductive mode across the latitudinal range of invasive Russian knapweed
Authors: Gaskin John F , Littlefield Jeffrey L , Rand Tatyana A , West Natalie M
Published: July 2022

For invading species, reproduction is a critical determinant of population establishment as well as spread into new areas. When species have multiple modes of reproduction, the prevalence of different modes can influence management decisions. We used genetic markers to determine the prevalent method of recruitment for invasive Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens). This species forms patches and can spread by both rhizomic growth and seed from outcrossing. We found no shared genotypes between 41 western North American populations, indicating at the macroscale, Russian knapweed is spreading via seed to distant locations. We also examined drivers of reproductive mode by comparing clonality with large-scale environmental factors across the invasion. We found a correlation between latitude and clonal versus seed reproduction, with clonality higher in northern latitude populations. This trend was associated most parsimoniously with decreasing maximum annual temperature and 30-year average of available growing degree days, and increasing soil organic carbon content. These results have management implications: if not properly temporally implemented, grazing or herbicide applications that create open spaces for recruitment may increase the likelihood of Russian knapweed patch persistence through seed, and recently released galling biological control agents in North America may be less effective in northern latitudes where Russian knapweed spread by seed is less prevalent.
Designing three-level cluster randomized trials to assess treatment effect heterogeneity
Authors: Li Fan , Chen Xinyuan , Tian Zizhong , Esserman Denise , Heagerty Patrick J , Wang Rui
Published: July 2022

Cluster randomized trials often exhibit a three-level structure with participants nested in subclusters such as health care providers, and subclusters nested in clusters such as clinics. While the average treatment effect has been the primary focus in planning three-level randomized trials, interest is growing in understanding whether the treatment effect varies among prespecified patient subpopulations, such as those defined by demographics or baseline clinical characteristics. In this article, we derive novel analytical design formulas based on the asymptotic covariance matrix for powering confirmatory analyses of treatment effect heterogeneity in three-level trials, that are broadly applicable to the evaluation of cluster-level, subcluster-level, and participant-level effect modifiers and to designs where randomization can be carried out at any level. We characterize a nested exchangeable correlation structure for both the effect modifier and the outcome conditional on the effect modifier, and generate new insights from a study design perspective for conducting analyses of treatment effect heterogeneity based on a linear mixed analysis of covariance model. A simulation study is conducted to validate our new methods and two real-world trial examples are used for illustrations.
A flexible approach for predictive biomarker discovery
Authors: Boileau Philippe , Qi Nina Ting , van der Laan Mark J , Dudoit Sandrine , Leng Ning
Published: July 2022

An endeavor central to precision medicine is predictive biomarker discovery; they define patient subpopulations which stand to benefit most, or least, from a given treatment. The identification of these biomarkers is often the byproduct of the related but fundamentally different task of treatment rule estimation. Using treatment rule estimation methods to identify predictive biomarkers in clinical trials where the number of covariates exceeds the number of participants often results in high false discovery rates. The higher than expected number of false positives translates to wasted resources when conducting follow-up experiments for drug target identification and diagnostic assay development. Patient outcomes are in turn negatively affected. We propose a variable importance parameter for directly assessing the importance of potentially predictive biomarkers and develop a flexible nonparametric inference procedure for this estimand. We prove that our estimator is double robust and asymptotically linear under loose conditions in the data-generating process, permitting valid inference about the importance metric. The statistical guarantees of the method are verified in a thorough simulation study representative of randomized control trials with moderate and high-dimensional covariate vectors. Our procedure is then used to discover predictive biomarkers from among the tumor gene expression data of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients enrolled in recently completed clinical trials. We find that our approach more readily discerns predictive from nonpredictive biomarkers than procedures whose primary purpose is treatment rule estimation. An open-source software implementation of the methodology, the uniCATE R package, is briefly introduced.
The role of sexual selection in flowering plant origin and evolution and the potential significance of female competition and selection in ovules
Authors: Bachelier Julien B
Published: July 2022

Ever since Erasmus and Charles Darwin laid down the foundations of the concept, sexual selection has largely been regarded as a matter of male competition and female selection. While their role in plant evolution and the elusive origin of flowering plants has largely been neglected in contrast to the situation with animals, there is a growing body of evidence accumulated over the past 50 years supporting the hypothesis that, together with the flower and the carpel, increased pollination has led to an intensification of the competition between the fittest (and faster) pollen tubes and their selection by the surrounding maternal tissue. In contrast, the potential role of female competition was historically seldom considered but started to re-emerge a decade ago in both animal and plant evolution. Here, I review a large body of the vast embryological literature to re-evaluate unusual developmental traits in the plant female germline, traditionally considered as teratological occurrences of mere systematic interest, in the light of the current phylogenetic framework for flowering plants. After a summary of the basic tenets of sexual selection and the role of male competition and maternal selection in shaping plant evolution and diversity, I show how recent insights into the deepest nodes of flowering plant phylogeny and confirmation of their systematic relationships over the past 30 years have led to major shifts in our understanding of the reproductive biology of their most recent common ancestor. I also show that a re-evaluation of these unusual developmental traits in the female germline, especially in early-diverging lineages of flowering plants, may potentially be correlated with some floral structural traits. On the basis of these results, I argue that there is circumstantial evidence for mechanisms of female intrasexual competition and selection in individual ovules of flowering plants that are similar to those between pollen tubes competing inside the carpel. I also argue that although they may have evolved independently multiple times in unrelated lineages, they could also be the ‘burning embers’ of plesiomorphic traits that would have been largely selected against after the evolution of their most recent common ancestor.
Implications of leg length for metabolic health and fitness
Authors: Shirley Meghan K , Arthurs Owen J , Seunarine Kiran K , Cole Tim J , Eaton Simon , Williams Jane E , Clark Chris A , Wells Jonathan C K
Published: July 2022

Background and objectives

Several studies have linked longer legs with favorable adult metabolic health outcomes and greater offspring birth weight. A recent Mendelian randomization study suggested a causal link between height and cardiometabolic risk; however, the underlying reasons remain poorly understood.

Methodology

Using a cross-sectional design, we tested in a convenience sample of 70 healthy young women whether birth weight and tibia length as markers of early-life conditions associated more strongly with metabolically beneficial traits like organ size and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) than a statistically derived height-residual variable indexing later, more canalized growth.

Results

Consistent with the ‘developmental origins of health and disease’ hypothesis, we found relatively strong associations of tibia length—but not birth weight—with adult organ size, brain size, SMM and resting energy expenditure measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and indirect calorimetry, respectively.

Conclusions and implications

Building on prior work, these results suggest that leg length is a sensitive marker of traits directly impacting metabolic and reproductive health. Alongside findings in the same sample relating tibia length and height-residual to MRI-measured pelvic dimensions, we suggest there may exist a degree of coordination in the development of long bone, lean mass and pelvic traits, possibly centered on early, pre-pubertal growth periods. Such phenotypic coordination has important implications for fitness, serving to benefit both adult health and the health of offspring in subsequent generations.
Transcriptomic analysis of deceptively pollinated Arum maculatum (Araceae) reveals association between terpene synthase expression in floral trap chamber and species-specific pollinator attraction
Authors: Szenteczki Mark A , Godschalx Adrienne L , Gauthier Jérémy , Gibernau Marc , Rasmann Sergio , Alvarez Nadir
Published: July 2022

Deceptive pollination often involves volatile organic compound emissions that mislead insects into performing nonrewarding pollination. Among deceptively pollinated plants, Arum maculatum is particularly well-known for its potent dung-like volatile organic compound emissions and specialized floral chamber, which traps pollinators—mainly Psychoda phalaenoides and Psychoda grisescens—overnight. However, little is known about the genes underlying the production of many Arum maculatum volatile organic compounds, and their influence on variation in pollinator attraction rates. Therefore, we performed de novo transcriptome sequencing of Arum maculatum appendix and male floret tissue collected during anthesis and postanthesis, from 10 natural populations across Europe. These RNA-seq data were paired with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses of floral scent composition and pollinator data collected from the same inflorescences. Differential expression analyses revealed candidate transcripts in appendix tissue linked to malodourous volatile organic compounds including indole, p-cresol, and 2-heptanone. In addition, we found that terpene synthase expression in male floret tissue during anthesis significantly covaried with sex- and species-specific attraction of Psychoda phalaenoides and Psychoda grisescens. Taken together, our results provide the first insights into molecular mechanisms underlying pollinator attraction patterns in Arum maculatum and highlight floral chamber sesquiterpene (e.g. bicyclogermacrene) synthases as interesting candidate genes for further study.
Sex-biased admixture and assortative mating shape genetic variation and influence demographic inference in admixed Cabo Verdeans
Authors: Korunes Katharine L , Soares-Souza Giordano Bruno , Bobrek Katherine , Tang Hua , Araújo Isabel Inês , Goldberg Amy , Beleza Sandra
Published: July 2022

Genetic data can provide insights into population history, but first, we must understand the patterns that complex histories leave in genomes. Here, we consider the admixed human population of Cabo Verde to understand the patterns of genetic variation left by social and demographic processes. First settled in the late 1400s, Cabo Verdeans are admixed descendants of Portuguese colonizers and enslaved West African people. We consider Cabo Verde’s well-studied historical record alongside genome-wide SNP data from 563 individuals from 4 regions within the archipelago. We use genetic ancestry to test for patterns of nonrandom mating and sex-specific gene flow, and we examine the consequences of these processes for common demographic inference methods and genetic patterns. Notably, multiple population genetic tools that assume random mating underestimate the timing of admixture, but incorporating nonrandom mating produces estimates more consistent with historical records. We consider how admixture interrupts common summaries of genomic variation such as runs of homozygosity. While summaries of runs of homozygosity may be difficult to interpret in admixed populations, differentiating runs of homozygosity by length class shows that runs of homozygosity reflect historical differences between the islands in their contributions from the source populations and postadmixture population dynamics. Finally, we find higher African ancestry on the X chromosome than on the autosomes, consistent with an excess of European males and African females contributing to the gene pool. Considering these genomic insights into population history in the context of Cabo Verde’s historical record, we can identify how assumptions in genetic models impact inference of population history more broadly.