bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of magnetic GAC adsorbent for the removal of COD and BOD parameters in tofu wastewater
Authors: Zaman B , Hardyanti N , Purwono  , Saputra A T , Aprianto R , Zulhizah H
Published: December 2023

The tofu industry in Indonesia has mainly not processed its waste before it is discharged into the environment. This study seeks to ascertain the effectiveness of granular activated carbon magnetic adsorbents in removing pollutant characteristics from tofu wastewater. The effectiveness of the allowance resulting from the processing procedure will be assessed using variations in the mass of magnetic granular activated carbon and adsorption time. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and magnetic GAC production are activated using a modified green coprecipitation approach. Tofu wastewater samples used in this study contained COD of 5080 mg/L and BOD of 828 mg/L. The magnetic GAC variations with an adsorbent mass of 7.5 g/L and an absorption duration of 60 minutes, a COD value of 2930 mg/L, and an allowance ability of 42.32%, have the best ability to remove COD, according to the research done for the COD test. The allowed for the BOD parameters that produced the best results was 345 mg/L, and the 45-minute absorption time treatment with a GAC concentration of 10 g/L resulted in a removal efficiency of 58.38%.
LUSI sediment characteristics and its distribution pathway in the porong river
Authors: Yanti R M K , Soemitro R A A , Maulana M A , Satrya T R , Warnana D D , Muntaha M
Published: December 2023

The Porong River has been utilized to remove mud from the Sidoarjo mud volcano through the spillway since September 2006. The existence of Sidoarjo Mud (LUSI) in the river adds to the source of sediment, resulting in high-capacity sediment transport and increased sediment concentration, affecting the ecosystem and river capacity. To determine sediment deposition around the LUSI outfall area, this study analyzed nine sections to obtain bed material data. Each section has three observation points to collect material samples to produce comprehensive data. The cross-section stretches from the LUSI outfall area downstream, with a cross-sectional distance of 1 km, so the total length is 9.5 km. The study found clear changes in sediment composition across the analyzed area, with sand dominating the sediment profile in the upper reaches of the LUSI outfall. Sand dominance is due to local scour on the bridge pillars and groundsills on the river bed. In addition, these muds show characteristic depositional pathways, concentrated mainly along the river banks. This study highlights the importance of understanding sediment dynamics, influenced by variations in sediment sources, in disaster management and mitigation.
Physical and Chemical Treatability Study in Wastewater Treatment Plant Design (Case Study: Leather Tanning Industry)
Authors: Junaidi  , Sudarno  , Santoso Rena
Published: December 2023

The leather tanning industrial is one of the industries that produces wastewater from its production process which contains several contaminants. In wastewater treatment plant design, the treatability study is important because it becomes a consideration in selecting treatment units in wastewater treatment plant based on the characteristics of the wastewater produced. Two methods were carried out in this treatability study, the physical method with imhoff cone sedimentation and the chemical method with jar test. The results of imhoff cone test found that the removal efficiency for wastewater samples was 80% of COD, 72% of BOD, 64.6% of TSS, 72% of total chromium, and 80% of color with the optimum sedimentation time of 50 minutes. Furthermore, the waste water sample was tested by the jar test by adding PAC and FeCl3. The results of the jar test obtained the optimum coagulant dose of 3000 mg/L with PAC coagulant, it was capable of removing 77% of COD, 33% of BOD, 92.68% of TSS, 33% of total chromium, and 98% of color. Based on the results achieved from this study, the physical and chemical treatment can be considered for use in WWTP planning in the leather tanning industry.
Potential of aerobic granular sludge technology for domestic wastewater treatment of high ammonia from urea fertilizer industry
Authors: Intan B L , Setianingsih N I , Sudarno  , Sumiyati S , Purba R
Published: December 2023

Fertilizer is the main element that has an essential role in the sector of agriculture. Urea fertilizer has a source of Nitrogen with 46.04%. Ammonia is a chemical complex that is used and produced from the processing of urea fertilizer. A specific domestic wastewater quality standard for industry explains that the maximum level of ammonia allowed in effluent water was 10 mg/l. In the urea fertilizer industry wastewater treatment results were found to be in the range of 19.49 - 42.4 mg/l. Activated sludge technology is considered fairly effective in wastewater treatment but requires a large amount of energy and additional land for handling excess sludge. From the disadvantages, it is necessary to conduct research related to the effectiveness of high ammonia wastewater treatment that is environmentally friendly. Aerobic granule is characterized by a compact and dense structure, high biomass residence time, resistance to shock loading and toxic compounds, and a high settling speed so that it can produce a compact reactor design. Aerobic granule allows ammonia removal to reach more than 97%. This article aims to review the potential of implementing the use of aerobic granular sludge technology for ammonia removal in the wastewater of the urea fertilizer industry.
Is bio-labeled material always environmentally friendly? Investigation of 5 types of shopping bags in Indonesia by impact assessment
Authors: Abidin A Z , Steven S , Trirahayu D A , Yemensia E V , Soekotjo E S A , Sasongko N A , Nathania M
Published: December 2023

From the outdated understanding, bio-labeled materials seem always environmentally friendly even though it does not necessarily true. A new approach by impact assessment should be performed to meet sustainability. It examines the impact from its cradle, gate, and grave. In this study, an impact assessment was conducted for 5 types of shopping bags that are often used in Indonesia, i.e. virgin HDPE plastic, oxo-biodegradable plastic, goodie bag, bioplastic, and recycled plastic, in a sequential term. The analysis started with raw material, production process, product distribution and storage, product usage, and disposal/recycling. The functional unit was based on 1 kg of product. Based on the results, the total energy requirements are 6.16 kWh/kg, 6.17 kWh/kg, 6.16 kWh/kg, 12.04 kWh/kg, and 1.10 kWh/kg. Meanwhile, global warming potential as CO2 equivalent is 4.80 kg/kg, 4.81 kg/kg, 4.80 kg/kg, 10.43 kg/kg, and 0.80 kg/kg. Although bioplastic is easy to degrade in the landfill, it consumes intense land use and water requirements compared to other types of plastic. Therefore, it is summarized that the most environmentally friendly plastic is recycled plastic and then followed by virgin HDPE plastic, oxo-biodegradable plastic, goodie bag, and bioplastic. Consequently, bio-labeled materials are not always more environmentally friendly than others.
Implementation of strategic alliance in developing supplier relationships for sustainable procurement
Authors: Suliantoro H , Ardyansyah H R
Published: December 2023

The relationship between economic development and environmental pollution has become a crucial global concern. In the last three decades, the manufacturing sector has witnessed a growing need for preserving resources, adopting renewable energy sources, enhancing water infrastructure, and minimizing the release of greenhouse gases due to its escalating environment impact. The ability of decision-makers to analyse complicated cause and effect linkages between criteria and take appropriate actions based on such analysis is critical to decision-making efficiency. This research integrates DEMATEL and ANP methods that support decision-making by evaluating 3 factors and 15 selected subfactors. First, the DEMATEL method is used to determine the interrelationships between the predetermined main criteria. The ANP methodology is then used to determine the local weights of the components and subfactors based on the cause-and-effect correlations derived via the DEMATEL method. The local weights are input into the ANP matrix, and the calculation is run to determine a supplier relationship management strategy. The ANP calculation resulted in the alliance strategy as the priority strategy. This study contributes to finding key factors in evaluating sustainable supplier criteria for supply chain sustainability in the leather products industry, including cost, quality, financial capability, labour practices, green competence, and green image. Strategy implementation is provided based on the selected strategy concept.
A comparative study of two types of anode electrodes in a microbial fuel cell for producing bioelectricity from residential wastewater
Authors: Munfarida I , Munir M , Nilandita W
Published: December 2023

The increasing of population growth is positively correlated with the energy demand which leads to fossil fuel depletion. New renewable energy is one of the solutions to address the future energy crisis. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is one of the renewable energy sources since this device is able to convert chemical energy into electrical energy by using microorganisms. Many researchers have studied MFCs from wastewater as a medium for producing electricity through MFC systems. MFC performance depends on microbe metabolism, membrane, and electrodes. This study compared bioelectricity generation on a Batch System of Microbial Fuel Cell from residential wastewater using two types of anode electrodes (zinc plate and graphite rod). The consortium of indigenous wastewater bacteria has been used for MFC. An artificial membrane was made in the laboratory derived from the chitosan-jelly combination. Chitosan was extracted from crustacean shells. The research was conducted in the laboratory by directly measuring the voltage on the MFC system for three (3) days. This research reveals that the MFCs with zinc plate anode electrodes generated higher voltage throughout the days evaluated, with peaks of 970 mV. Meanwhile, MFC with graphite rod anode resulted in 880 mV maximum. This research finding of MFCs with zinc plate as electrode materials could be the key to sustainable bioelectricity generation from wastewater.
Pyrolysis of polypropylene plastic waste: An analysis of oil quantity, density, viscosity, and calorific value
Authors: Khair H , Listiany B , Utami R
Published: December 2023

Owing to the inability of the material to biodegrade, the handling of plastic waste presents a considerable challenge. Pyrolysis is a plastic waste management method that solves the problem of plastic waste volume through chemical recycling. This study aims to assess the quantity and quality of the density, viscosity, and calorific value of oil produced from the pyrolysis of polypropylene (PP) plastic and compare it to commercial oils. This research used 15 kg of PP plastic waste. The pyrolysis process was conducted at temperatures ranging from to 250-350°C. The amount of extracted PP pyrolysis oil was 12.730 L. The oil derived from the pyrolysis of PP plastic had a density of 811 kg/m3 at 250°C and 782 kg/m3 at 350°C. The PP plastic had the highest viscosity at 250°C, and 2.02cP, and the lowest viscosity at 350°C, and 0.86cP. The oil from PP plastic pyrolysis had a maximum calorific value of 10, 870 kcal/g at 350°C and the lowest calorific value of 10, 386 kcal/g at 250°C. Compared with open burning, the pyrolysis treatment of plastic waste can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 99 percent. However, the energy required for the pyrolysis process is 400 times greater than that provided by the pyrolysis oil product.
Analysis of the Potential of Watersheds as a Source of Raw Water in the Batang Integrated Industrial Area (KITB) in Cluster 1
Authors: Amartia N. U. , Syafrudin  , Sarminingsih A.
Published: December 2023

The Batang Integrated Industrial Area (KITB) is located in Banyuputih District, Batang Regency, Central Java, with a total area of 4,300 Ha and currently what has been developed is cluster 1 covering an area of 3100 Ha. Water has a central role in human and industrial activities, with potential impacts on health, worker safety, and the environment. The main problem is the uncertainty of raw water supply which poses a risk to Environment Health Safety (EHS). Therefore, this research aims to identify and analyze water sources, by EHS objectives, because safe water supply is key to environmental and worker safety. The water balance method is used to analyze water needs and availability. Analyze water needs in industrial areas by taking into account data for each type of industry. Water availability analysis includes the identification of raw water sources, including groundwater and surface water, taking into account that excessive exploitation of groundwater can hurt EHS. In contrast, surface water and rainwater collection are sustainable alternatives that are relevant to environmental and safety concerns. The research involved calculations using rainfall data from the Subah Rain Station and climatology data from the Central Java Climatology Station during the 2021-2022 period, as well as discharge analysis using the Mock Method. The research results display the potential of the river basin and show that rainwater collection can effectively overcome EHS challenges related to water availability in the Batang Integrated Industrial Area.
Micro and Macro Scale Policy Framework to Decrease Risk of Flood Disasters in Central Java Province
Authors: Muktiali Mohammad , Sudharto Hadi P. , Purnaweni Hartuti
Published: December 2023

Flood disasters dominate disaster events in Central Java Province, as many as twenty-three out of thirty-five regencies/cities in Central Java Province fall into the category of high-level flood disaster areas. The potential population exposed to floods is 25,463,472 people. Physical loss and the economy due to the flood 79,846.4 million rupiah so there are in the high class while environmental damage is 1,080 hectares which is also in the high class. The purpose of this study is to examine macro and micro scale policies to increase flood resilience in Central Java Province. The research approach was conducted using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. A quantitative approach is used to evaluate the determinants of flood disaster resilience on a micro scale; while the qualitative approach is used to find patterns relationship of flood disaster resilience that is interactive on a macro scale. The results of the research show that the macro aspects of policy are related to technology, infrastructure, ecology, and socio-political aspects related to flood disaster management. While the micro aspect is related to community livelihood assets in the form of human resource assets. Implementation of macro & micro scale policies in Central Java (in this case Semarang City) is closely related to increasing community resilience to reduce the risk of flooding in the region.
Field Survey Analysis of CO2 Concentration and Its Impact on Sleep Efficiency in University Dormitory
Authors: Budiawan Wiwik , Prastawa Heru , Merdeka Gusti Fattahillah Putra , Ari Shania Mustika , Phommachak Tammany
Published: December 2023

This study aims to investigate the impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels on sleep efficiency in university dormitories. The quality of the indoor environment, including CO2 concentrations, can significantly influence the health and comfort of dormitory occupants. Poor sleep efficiency can lead to long-term cognitive disturbances and health problems. Therefore, understanding the relationship between CO2 levels and sleep efficiency in the university dormitory environment is crucial to improving the living conditions of students. The study was carried out through field surveys at Diponegoro University Dormitory. The real-time CO2 data in the rooms was measured using a logger monitoring device. In addition, the sleep efficiency of the students was evaluated using sleep tracking devices and sleep journals filled out by the participants. Other data, such as ventilation rates and room temperature, were also collected as determinants of environmental quality. The results of the analysis revealed a significant association between CO2 levels (665.33 ± 207,20 ppm) and sleep efficiency (86,71 ± 3,11 %). High levels of CO2 were found to be associated with lower sleep efficiency, leading to sleep disturbances and irregular sleep patterns. Other environmental factors, such as ventilation rates, were also relevant to sleep efficiency.
Model of settlement carrying capacity in Semarang Regency in 2021-2040
Authors: Sinuraya Bramuli Aidi Nisura , Septiarani Bintang , Yesiana Reny , Astuti Khristiana Dwi , Anggraini Pratamaningtyas
Published: December 2023

Semarang Regency is one of the regencies/cities in Central Java Province which is incorporated into the KEDUNGSEPUR regional system. Semarang Regency has a population of 1,053,094 in 2020 with a population growth rate of 1.28%. The increasing population from year to year will certainly affect the environment quality. The population that exceeds the environment carrying capacity can result in limited availability of infrastructure and natural resources. In regional development, the environment carrying capacity is a benchmark for creating a sustainable environment. The aim of this research is to compile a model of the settlement carrying capacity for the next 20 years so that it is known when the settlement carrying capacity in Semarang Regency is exceeded. The research method used in this study is a quantitative method through spatial analysis and population projections. The results of the analysis show that the land area suitable for settlement areas in Semarang Regency is 23,864.4 hectares. The recommended treatment measures to overcome the low settlements carrying capacity of Semarang Regency are population distribution that leads to six districts that still have a DDPm value of >1, controlling population growth, the direction of vertical housing development, and optimizing regional development in each urban center.
Nonlinear dynamics of the reversed shear Alfvén eigenmode in burning plasmas
Authors: WANG 王 Tao 涛 , WEI 魏 Shizhao 士朝 , BRIGUGLIO Sergio , VLAD Gregorio , ZONCA Fulvio , QIU 仇 Zhiyong 志勇
Published: December 2023

In a tokamak fusion reactor operated at steady state, the equilibrium magnetic field is likely to have reversed shear in the core region, as the noninductive bootstrap current profile generally peaks off-axis. The reversed shear Alfvén eigenmode (RSAE) as a unique branch of the shear Alfvén wave in this equilibrium, can exist with a broad spectrum in wavenumber and frequency, and be resonantly driven unstable by energetic particles (EP). After briefly discussing the RSAE linear properties in burning plasma condition, we review several key topics of the nonlinear dynamics for the RSAE through both wave-EP resonance and wave-wave coupling channels, and illustrate their potentially important role in reactor-scale fusion plasmas. By means of simplified hybrid MHD-kinetic simulations, the RSAEs are shown to have typically broad phase space resonance structure with both circulating and trapped EP, as results of weak/vanishing magnetic shear and relatively low frequency. Through the route of wave-EP nonlinearity, the dominant saturation mechanism is mainly due to the transported resonant EP radially decoupling with the localized RSAE mode structure, and the resultant EP transport generally has a convective feature. The saturated RSAEs also undergo various nonlinear couplings with other collective oscillations. Two typical routes as parametric decay and modulational instability are studied using nonlinear gyrokinetic theory, and applied to the scenario of spontaneous excitation by a finite amplitude pump RSAE. Multiple RSAEs could naturally couple and induce the spectral energy cascade into a low frequency Alfvénic mode, which may effectively transfer the EP energy to fuel ions via collisionless Landau damping. Moreover, zero frequency zonal field structure could be spontaneously excited by modulation of the pump RSAE envelope, and may also lead to saturation of the pump RSAE by both scattering into stable domain and local distortion of the continuum structure.
OpenStreetMap for multi-faceted climate risk assessments
Authors: Mühlhofer Evelyn , Kropf Chahan M , Riedel Lukas , Bresch David N , Koks Elco E
Published: December 2023

Natural hazards pose significant risks to human lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Understanding risks along all these dimensions is critical for effective adaptation planning and risk management. However, climate risk assessments mostly focus on population, economic asset values, and road or building infrastructure, because publicly available data on more diverse exposures are scarce. The increasing availability of crowd-sourced geospatial data, notably from OpenStreetMap, opens up a novel means for assessing climate risk to a large range of physical assets. To this end, we present a stand-alone, lightweight, and highly flexible Python-based OpenStreetMap data extraction tool: OSM-flex. To demonstrate the potential and limitations of OpenStreetMap data for risk assessments, we couple OSM-flex to the open-source natural hazard risk assessment platform CLIMADA and compute winter storm risk and event impacts from winter storm Lothar across Switzerland to forests, UNESCO heritage sites, railways, healthcare facilities, and airports. Contrasting spatial patterns of risks on such less conventional exposure layers with more traditional risk metrics (asset damages and affected population) reveals that risk hot-spots are inhomogeneously and distinctly distributed. For instance, impacts on forestry are mostly expected in Western Switzerland in the Jura mountain chain, whereas economic asset damages are concentrated in the urbanized regions around Basel and Zurich and certain train lines may be most often affected in Central Switzerland and alpine valleys. This study aims to highlight the importance of conducting multi-faceted and high-resolution climate risk assessments and provides researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers with potential open-source software tools and data suggestions for doing so.
B and N substitutional co-doping in 7AGNRs
Authors: Menchón Rodrigo E , Delgado-Enales Iñigo , Sánchez-Portal Daniel , Garcia-Lekue Aran
Published: December 2023

On-surface synthesis of graphene nanoribbons enables engineering their electronic and magnetic properties, which sensitively depend on their precise bonding structure, morphology and chemical composition. Here, we investigate nitrogen and boron co-doping in order to better understand the effects of simultaneous chemical substitution in sites along the backbone of 7AGNRs. In a comparative analysis with the pristine system, the origin of the impurity bands that nitro-borylated systems exhibit was addressed. In addition to this, we studied the appearance of an electric dipolar moment, the charge transfer mechanism behind it and its dependence on the distance between BN centres. The high defect concentration limit and the dilute limit were investigated, along with various doping schemes with four substitutional doping sites and the possible emergence of magnetism in these systems.
Robust security model utilizing 4D hyper-digital chaotic sequence for joint-polar coding and SCMA scheme-based IoT applications
Authors: Muhammed Younus Ameen , Al-Maqdici Raghad Zuhair Yousif
Published: December 2023

The rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, driven by the emergence of 5G technology, necessitates faster and more secure connections for real-time data transfer. To address this, a combined approach called JPC-SCMA, which involves integrating Polar Code (PC) with sparse code multiple access (SCMA), is proposed to ensure efficient and reliable communication while minimizing errors. PC enhance hardware efficiency and throughput in 5G networks, serving as effective channel coding. SCMA enables users to decode shared resource communications, but this method introduces security concerns, especially for untrusted users. This study introduces a novel security technique for JPC-SCMA in IoT systems. It employs lightweight cipher-based security methods and a 4D-hyperdigital chaotic key generator to create necessary key sets. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed secure system, achieving zero Bit Error Rate (BER) at SNR = 9 with a small SNR penalty (1.5 dB at 10−4 BER) compared to the less secure system. The security model generates a robust key space (∼10220 bits), thwarting exhaustive attacks. Model efficiency is validated through metrics such as Entropy, Similarity, correlation, Number of Pixel Changes Rate, and stands for Unified Average Change Intensity, especially when transmitting multiple digital images.
What is comparative law?
Authors: Ragone Sabrina , Smorto Guido
Published: December 2023

Chapter 1 introduces the origins, content, and main targets of comparative law. It situates legal comparison as a latecomer vis-à-vis other comparative disciplines, drawing inspiration from fields such as those of linguistics and religion, which set the standards of comparative methodologies. The chapter also presents the two-fold dimension of legal comparison, combining purely theoretical purposes and practical targets aimed at international integration, imitation, and conflict resolution. In both dimensions, comparative studies have embraced an increasingly relativistic and open-minded approach to the sources of law. This attitude has grown as the scope of comparative law has moved further away from its focus on Western standards.
Revolutions: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Goldstone Jack A.
Published: December 2023

In the 20th and 21st century revolutions have become more urban, often less violent, but also more frequent and more transformative of the international order. Whether it is the revolutions against Communism in Eastern Europe and the USSR; the “color revolutions” across Asia, Europe and North Africa; or the religious revolutions in Iran, Afghanistan, and Syria; today’s revolutions are quite different from those of the past. Modern theories of revolution have therefore replaced the older class-based theories with more varied, dynamic, and contingent models of social and political change. This new edition updates the history of revolutions, from Classical Greece and Rome to the Revolution of Dignity in the Ukraine, with attention to the changing types and outcomes of revolutionary struggles. It also presents the latest advances in the theory of revolutions, including the issues of revolutionary waves, revolutionary leadership, international influences, and the likelihood of revolutions to come. This volume provides a brief but comprehensive introduction to the nature of revolutions and their role in global history.
Color revolutions: the Philippines, Eastern Europe and the USSR, and Ukraine
Authors: Goldstone Jack A.
Published: December 2023

In the late twentieth century, non-violent revolutions became far more common, with many regimes falling in the face of widespread peaceful protests. These became known as “colour revolutions” after the colourful ribbons worn by protestors to identify their cause. Among the best known are the People Power revolution that drove Ferdinand Marcos from power in the Philippines, the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia, and the Orange Revolution in Ukraine. Non-violent protests also toppled the communist regimes in Poland, East Germany, and Hungary and led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Such revolutions continued into 2014 in Ukraine and 2018 in Armenia.
An assessment of worker exposure to respirable dust and crystalline silica in workshops fabricating engineered stone
Authors: Weller Michael , Clemence Dennis , Lau Abe , Rawlings Mark , Robertson Amy , Sankaran Bhoopathy
Published: December 2023

There is a significant silicosis risk for workers fabricating engineered stone (ES) products containing crystalline silica. The aims of this study by SafeWork NSW were to: (i) assess current worker exposure to respirable dust (RD) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) following a 5-y awareness and compliance program of inspections in ES workshops and (ii) to identify improvements in work practices from the available evidence base to further reduce exposures. One hundred and twenty-three personal full shift samples taken on as many workers and 34 static samples across 27 workshops fabricating ES were included in the final assessment.

The exposure assessment was conducted using Casella Higgins–Dewell cyclones (Casella TSI) placed in the breathing zone of workers attached to SKC Air Check XR 5000 or SKC Chek TOUCH sampling pumps. Sample filters were sent to an ISO (2017) 17025:2017 accredited laboratory for gravimetric analysis for RD and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis to determine the amount of deposited RCS i.e. alpha-quartz and cristobalite.

All workshops used wet methods of fabrication. The geometric mean (GM) of the pooled result for respirable dust (RD) was 0.09 mg/m3 TWA-8 h and 0.034 mg/m3 TWA-8 h for RCS. The highest exposed workers with a GM RCS of 0.062 mg/m3 TWA-8 h were those using pneumatic hand tools for cutting or grinding combined with polishing tasks. Workers operating semiautomated routers and edge polishers had the lowest GM RCS exposures of 0.022 mg/m3 TWA-8 h and 0.018 mg/m3 TWA-8 h respectively. Although ES workers remain exposed to RCS above the workplace exposure limit (WEL) of 0.05 mg/m 3 TWA-8 h, these results point to a very substantial reduction in exposures compared to poorly controlled dry methods of fabrication. Therefore, the wearing of respiratory protection by workers remains necessary until further control measures are more widely adopted across the entire industry e.g. reduction in the crystalline silica content of ES.
Valine improves mitochondrial function and protects against oxidative stress
Authors: Sharma Shakshi , Zhang Xiaomin , Azhar Gohar , Patyal Pankaj , Verma Ambika , KC Grishma , Wei Jeanne Y
Published: December 2023

Among the branched-chain amino acids, leucine and isoleucine have been well studied for their roles in improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress. However, role of valine in mitochondrial function regulation and oxidative stress management remains elusive. This study investigated valine effect on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in vitro. Valine increased expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. It upregulates mitochondrial function at complexes I, II, and IV levels of electron transport chain. Flow cytometry studies revealed, valine reduced oxidative stress by significantly lowering mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and protein expression of 4-hydroxynonenal. Functional role of valine against oxidative stress was analyzed by XFe96 Analyzer. Valine sustained oxidative phosphorylation and improved ATP generation rates during oxidative stress. In conclusion, our findings shed more light on the critical function of valine in protecting mitochondrial function thereby preventing mitochondrial/cellular damage induced by oxidative stress.
Clumppling: cluster matching and permutation program with integer linear programming
Authors: Liu Xiran , Kopelman Naama M , Rosenberg Noah A
Published: December 2023

Motivation

In the mixed-membership unsupervised clustering analyses commonly used in population genetics, multiple replicate data analyses can differ in their clustering solutions. Combinatorial algorithms assist in aligning clustering outputs from multiple replicates so that clustering solutions can be interpreted and combined across replicates. Although several algorithms have been introduced, challenges exist in achieving optimal alignments and performing alignments in reasonable computation time.

Results

We present Clumppling, a method for aligning replicate solutions in mixed-membership unsupervised clustering. The method uses integer linear programming for finding optimal alignments, embedding the cluster alignment problem in standard combinatorial optimization frameworks. In example analyses, we find that it achieves solutions with preferred values of a desired objective function relative to those achieved by Pong and that it proceeds with less computation time than Clumpak. It is also the first method to permit alignments across replicates with multiple arbitrary values of the number of clusters K.

Availability and implementation

Clumppling is available at https://github.com/PopGenClustering/Clumppling.
Phenotyping of heart failure with preserved ejection faction using electronic health records and echocardiography
Authors: Pierre-Jean Morgane , Marut Benjamin , Curtis Elizabeth , Galli Elena , Cuggia Marc , Bouzillé Guillaume , Donal Erwan
Published: December 2023

Aims

Patients presenting symptoms of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are not a homogenous population. Different phenotypes can differ in prognosis and optimal management strategies. We sought to identify phenotypes of HFpEF by using the medical information database from a large university hospital centre using machine learning.

Methods and results

We explored the use of clinical variables from electronic health records in addition to echocardiography to identify different phenotypes of patients with HFpEF. The proposed methodology identifies four phenotypic clusters based on both clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, which have differing prognoses (death and cardiovascular hospitalization).

Conclusion

This work demonstrated that artificial intelligence–derived phenotypes could be used as a tool for physicians to assess risk and to target therapies that may improve outcomes.
Chromosome-level genome of the transformable northern wattle, Acacia crassicarpa
Authors: Massaro Isabelle , Poethig Richard Scott , Sinha Neelima R , Leichty Aaron R
Published: December 2023

The genus Acacia is a large group of woody legumes containing an enormous amount of morphological diversity in leaf shape. This diversity is at least in part the result of an innovation in leaf development where many Acacia species are capable of developing leaves of both bifacial and unifacial morphologies. While not unique in the plant kingdom, unifaciality is most commonly associated with monocots, and its developmental genetic mechanisms have yet to be explored beyond this group. In this study, we identify an accession of Acacia crassicarpa with high regeneration rates and isolate a clone for genome sequencing. We generate a chromosome-level assembly of this readily transformable clone, and using comparative analyses, confirm a whole-genome duplication unique to Caesalpinoid legumes. This resource will be important for future work examining genome evolution in legumes and the unique developmental genetic mechanisms underlying unifacial morphogenesis in Acacia.
Single-vessel access venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and Impella technique for acute cardiogenic shock complicated by lung congestion
Authors: Tadokoro Naoki , Tonai Kohei , Kainuma Satoshi , Fukushima Satsuki
Published: December 2023

The combination of the Impella and peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (Ecmella) is a promising treatment for critically ill patients. We report a single-access Ecmella approach using the brachiocephalic artery. A 65-year-old woman with acute myocardial infarction involving the left main coronary artery underwent intra-aortic balloon pump and peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) placement. Given the progression of pulmonary congestion and lower limb ischaemia, and an axillary artery diameter of 4.9 mm, we decided to perform a single Ecmella approach. A Y-shaped 9-mm Dacron woven graft was anastomosed to the brachiocephalic artery through a reverse T-shaped partial sternotomy. The Impella 5.5 and arterial cannula of VA-ECMO were introduced through each graft. Six days after, VA-ECMO was removed. Sixty-two days after the surgery, the patient received durable left ventricle assist device implantation. In conclusion, haemodynamic support using a single-access Ecmella through brachiocephalic artery allows for managing patients with narrow peripheral arteries.
Riding the Wave of Renewable Energy: Exploring the Power of Carry Arrangements in the Green Industry
Authors: Adekanye Iyunola , Sobande Temitayo
Published: December 2023

This article will explore how Carry Arrangements, a sophisticated financing technique commonly used in oil and gas projects, can be adapted, and applied in the renewable energy industry. It will highlight the importance of oil and gas companies’ involvement in the low-carbon energy transition and how they can leverage their expertise in supply chain and market development to promote the deployment of low-carbon energy solutions. The article will discuss the potential of Carry Arrangements to facilitate collaboration between traditional energy players and renewable energy developers and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. It will also examine the challenges and opportunities of applying Carry Arrangements in the renewable energy industry and provide recommendations for their successful implementation.
Liquid biopsy in H3K27M diffuse midline glioma
Authors: Patel Jina , Aittaleb Rayan , Doherty Robert , Gera Ananya , Lau Benison , Messinger Dana , Wadden Jack , Franson Andrea , Saratsis Amanda , Koschmann Carl
Published: December 2023

Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) with H3K27M mutation is an aggressive and difficult to treat pediatric brain tumor. Recurrent gain of function mutations in H3.3 (H3.3A) and H3.1 (H3C2) at the 27th lysine to methionine (H3K27M) are seen in over 2/3 of DMGs, and are associated with a worse prognosis. Due to the anatomical location of DMG, traditional biopsy carries risk for neurologic injury as it requires penetration of vital midline structures. Further, radiographic (MRI) monitoring of DMG often shows nonspecific changes, which makes therapeutic monitoring difficult. This indicates a critical need for more minimally invasive methods, such as liquid biopsy, to understand, diagnose, and monitor H3K27M DMG. Here, we review the use of all modalities to date to detect biomarkers of H3K27M in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, and urine, and compare their effectiveness in detection, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment response. We provide specific detail of recent efforts to monitor CSF and plasma H3K27M cell-free DNA in patients undergoing therapy with the imipridone ONC201. Lastly, we discuss the future of therapeutic monitoring of H3K27M-DMG, including biomarkers such as mitochondrial DNA, mutant and modified histones, and novel sequencing-based approaches for improved detection methods.
Rule by the Horse
Authors: Miller Bryan K.
Published: December 2023

This chapter surveys the social and economic institutions that the Xiongnu further developed in order to manage and maintain their expansive empire. In addition to practices of accounting and resource extraction, it divulges an array of common rites and materials that formed the core political culture of the empire—ornate belts being some of the most conspicuous accoutrements of elite constituents of the empire. The most substantial portion of the chapter presents the structured body of the Xiongnu entity, dissecting it into its peripheral regions of colonial enterprise, its interior regional networks, and its varied individual communities that served as the building blocks of empire. The picture gleaned from the full corpus of historical records and archaeological remains across Inner Asia exhibits an economically and sometimes culturally diverse yet politically cohesive empire.
Hunnic Heritage
Authors: Miller Bryan K.
Published: December 2023

This chapter probes those vestiges of the Xiongnu Empire that lived on in the culture, politics, and folklore of Eastern Eurasia. Archaeological remains exhibit straggling adherences to materials and practices of Xiongnu political culture, while historical accounts demonstrate the use of the Xiongnu name and its affiliated institutions in subsequent regimes established by groups from Inner Asia. Last, the chapter provides an overview of the longer history of Asia to demonstrate the persistent potency of the model of empire formulated by the Xiongnu and of the primacy of the Xiongnu legacy in literature and folk tales, just as in diplomacy and policy.
Epilogue
Authors: Miller Bryan K.
Published: December 2023

This final brief chapter revisits the problematic assumptions of nomads as the antithesis of the state, of political progress and of cultural sophistication. It argues that nomadic regimes, like many states, should not be analyzed according to notions of polities as systematic static machines but as living organic entities. The chapter also brings to bear the legacy of influence and pride associated with the Xiongnu, or Hunnu, in modern Mongolia as a catalyst for redressing prevailing portrayals and advocating for a greater place of the Xiongnu entity in world history.
Enter the Musical
Authors: Savran David
Published: December 2023

Although music theatre in Germany dates back hundreds of years, Broadway musicals were not imported until after World War II, when they were seen as being, like operetta, trivial entertainment. In 1961, however, My Fair Lady became a sensational success in West Berlin shortly after the erection of the Berlin Wall. In response, the East Germans started developing their own musicals, which supposedly demonstrated the decadence of the West. The first homegrown West German musical hit was Linie 1 (Subway Line #1) in 1986, which toured widely and was later adapted around the world, including South Korea. With the cultural shake-up that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, German directors in state-subsidized theatre developed their own hybrids, such as Robert Wilson and Tom Waits’s The Black Rider, that mixed Broadway conventions with the experimental theatre idioms that had been evolving in Germany since the 1960s.
Afterword
Authors: Savran David
Published: December 2023

The Broadway-style musical functions globally as a lingua franca that is decipherable cross-culturally. It is, however, not one language but a compilation of as many idiolects as there are subcultures and ethnicities. It will be different each time it is extemporized, but it still manages to communicate not only information but also a rich tapestry of emotions. Its comprehensibility was proven to me when I saw Seopyeonje in Seoul, South Korea, and understood it despite my scant knowledge of Korean. It was also proven to me when I saw a summer production of La Cage aux Folles in a small German town that managed to challenge and transform one man’s homophobic response.
Punctuation—Who Needs It?
Authors: Spector Stephen
Published: December 2023

Let’s face it: writing isn’t a natural act. Our ancestors may have started speaking between fifty thousand and two million years ago, but it was only five thousand years ago that people started to write. Three thousand more years passed before they began to use a system of little points that eventually evolved into our modern punctuation. Then it took centuries for those punctuation practices to develop. To put that in perspective, let’s say that humanity has existed for twenty-four hours. By traditional estimates, more than twenty-three of those hours passed before people invented writing. And punctuation didn’t come along until closer to midnight.1
The Oxford Comma
Authors: Spector Stephen
Published: December 2023

A lot of people go a little crazy about whether to use the Oxford comma. Roy Peter Clark, the author of The Glamour of Grammar, told me that if he blogs about the conflict in Syria, he might get three responses. But if he defends the Oxford comma, his readers will fight about it for weeks. Mignon Fogarty, aka Grammar Girl, says that this is the comma that people ask her about the most.1 And when people learned that I was writing a book on punctuation, several of them immediately asked me one burning question: Where do I stand on the Oxford comma? Obviously it’s a celebrity punctuation mark.
Using Commas in a Series
Authors: Spector Stephen
Published: December 2023

This passage passes both tests, so the comma definitely should stand between fuzzy and adorable. Apply the same rule to decide whether to put commas between two adverbs that modify an adjective.
Parentheses and Square Brackets
Authors: Spector Stephen
Published: December 2023

The word parentheses originally referred to words that were inserted into texts as examples, explanations, or asides. By the late sixteenth century, though, the term came to refer to the curved upright lines that were placed around those inserted words. The British call them round brackets or just brackets.
Periods
Authors: Spector Stephen
Published: December 2023

Men want to make women happy. We want to do it. We don’t know how to do it. Sometimes we do it and we don’t know how we did it. . . . We can’t do nothing. If you do nothing, she says, “I can’t believe you’re doing that.” We say, “I’m not doing anything.” She starts crying.
Question Marks
Authors: Spector Stephen
Published: December 2023

You might think it would be pretty hard to say anything interesting about question marks, but Roy Peter Clark makes this intriguing observation: the question mark may be the most profoundly human form of punctuation. That’s because it imagines the other person, the one the writer or speaker is talking to, in a way that no other punctuation mark does.1
Phonological Grammars
Authors: Archibald John
Published: December 2023

This chapter explores the construct of a phonological grammar with specific reference to syllable structure and stress. The background literature in the L2 acquisition of sub-syllabic constituents (e.g. onset and coda) is summarized, with illustrations of how differing repair strategies can reveal the influence of markedness and universals. Through the construct of ultimate attainment, the idea of full transfer / full access in phonology is explored. The chapter presents a critique of the influential stress ‘deafness’ literature and its oversimplification of the phonology of stress. The discussion of phonological licensing reveals how the interface of segments and syllables is important in understanding phonological parsing.
The Sedleian Professors of the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Aston Nigel
Published: December 2023

The four Sedleian Professors between 1704 and 1782—James Farrer, Charles Bertie, Joseph Browne, and Benjamin Wheeler—were not mathematicians and they had limited claims to being, as contemporaries would have understood the phrase, ‘natural philosophers’. None of them were Fellows of the Royal Society. Yet all were, in various ways, significant figures within eighteenth-century Oxford (Browne was Vice-Chancellor between 1759 and 1765), whose appointments to the chair are explicable given the workings of the patronage system at a time when personal connection rather than innate talent was the overriding decider in advancement. Their careers and, by extension, their attitudes to the remit of the professorship merit recovery from any dismissive notice.