bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flood River Water Level Forecasting using Ensemble Machine Learning for Early Warning Systems
Authors: Faruq Amrul , Hussein Shamsul Faisal Mohd , Marto Aminaton , Abdullah Shahrum Shah
Published: November 2022

Flood forecasting is crucial for early warning system and disaster risk reduction. Yet the flood river water levels are difficult and challenging task that it cannot be easily captured with classical time-series approaches. This study proposed a novel intelligence system utilised various machine learning techniques as individual models, including radial basis function neural network (RBF-NN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), support vector machine (SVM), and long short-term memory network (LSTM) to establish intelligent committee machine learning flood forecasting (ICML-FF) framework. The combination of these individual models achieved through simple averaging method, and further optimised using weighted averaging by K-nearest neighbour (K-NN) and genetic algorithm (GA). The effectiveness of the proposed model was evaluated using real case study for Malaysia’s Kelantan River. The results show that ANFIS outperforms as individual model, while ICML-FF-based model produced better accuracy and lowest error than any one of the individuals. In general, it is found that the proposed ICML-FF is capable of robust forecasting model for flood early warning systems.
Community based index of coastal erosion using ahp analysis
Authors: Khairuddin Wan Norshuhada Binti Wan , Rambat Shuib Bin , Harun Aizul Nahar Bin
Published: November 2022

Coastal erosion can be seen on practically every beach in Malaysia, but it is especially common on the country’s east coast. Depending on the severity of the erosion, coastal erosion has been addressed using a variety of methods and treatments. However, it is critical for coastal managers and responsible authorities to have an erosion index that can be used to determine the level of erosion so that suitable mitigation and treatment methods may be designed. The factors that contribute to coastal erosion must be identified and classified, and this study will use a literature review and community feedback questionnaires to identify the primary factors that contribute to coastal erosion. The AHP method will be used in this paper to assess the level of contribution of each parameter influencing coastal erosion. According to the findings of the AHP analysis, coastal structure was the most influential factor in coastal erosion, followed by human activity, waves, and wind, with weights of 0.5333, 0.2404, 0.1804, and 0.0459, respectively. This weighting of factors will be supplementary to existing guidelines such as NCES in making quick decisions, particularly in coastal areas that require immediate mitigation, and will serve as an additional guide to local agencies in planning.
The effect of LEDs on Galdieria sulphuraria cultivation at indoor and outdoor condition.
Authors: Jusoh N , Lee Y S , Teo Y C , Othman F S , Mohamad S E
Published: November 2022

Conventional methods for recovering heavy metals from industrial waste stream often involve significant energy consumption and chemical use. Hence, using microalga as a biosorbent material can be a low-cost and eco-friendly solution. Galdieria sulphuraria is a red microalga which is known to be capable of recovering heavy metals. This algal species is resistant to extreme temperatures and acidic environment. It is also well-established that light emitting diodes (LED) is effective at promoting algal growth. Our research objectives were to study the effects of LED lightings (red, blue, green, and white) on the growth of G. sulphuraria and to compare the growth in indoor and outdoor cultivations. In this work, the culture medium was the modified 2x Allen’s with pH 2.5. To promote the rapid growth of G. sulphuraria, the culture medium was supplemented with 2% CO2. Algal growth was determined by measuring the optical density at 750nm (OD750) using UV-vis spectrophotometer. Results have shown that in indoor cultivation, the growth rate of G. sulphuraria was highest under red light (μ= 0.06 day−1) and lowest under blue light (μ= 0.02 day−1). For outdoor cultivation, algal growth rate increased by 2 to 6-fold higher compared to that in indoor cultivation. Algal cultivation in outdoors was best with white light (OD = 2.46 ± 0.09; μ = 0.13 day−1). Although the use of LEDs enhanced algal growth, we found it did not make a significant difference statistically when compared to the set without LEDs. This may be attributed to the Malaysia’s environment (photoperiods, temperatures, etc.). This paper will serve as a foundation for future research on cultivating G. sulphuraria indoors and outdoors using various LED lights.
Sustainable indicators for designing the wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Sembuil Azila , Nor Aznah , A-Halim Md. Hakim
Published: November 2022

As rapid population and urbanisation in our country have put pressure on our water resources, it is vital to consider sustainable solutions in water and wastewater system, especially to our wastewater treatment plant design. Several studies have shown the importance of having an indicator in both plannings, designing and operating a wastewater treatment plant to help develop a sustainable method in wastewater treatment plants. Therefore, this paper presents a study of crucial sustainable indicators for designing Malaysia’s sewage wastewater treatment plant. This paper focused on three (3) aspects: environment, social and economic, followed by significant data to emphasise sustainable indicators. This study was conducted using a quantitative methodology (survey questionnaire online form) and distributed to wastewater engineers or any groups related to the wastewater treatment plant in Malaysia. The survey conducted showed that most crucial sustainable indicators in sewage WWTPs design were (i) nutrient removal, (ii) worker’s health and safety, (iii) public health and safety, (iv) operational and maintenance costs, (v) energy consumption and (vi) greenhouse gases emissions.
To Optimize Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) and Monitor Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) Development for Domestic Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Kassim Norazah Mohd , Anuar Aznah Nor , Halim Hakim , Sharani Noor Atiqah , Md Aris Alijah , Chin Khor Bee
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study is to determine design and process parameters of the aerobic granular sludge system to treat actual domestic wastewater. The aerobic granular sludge was developed in a 2.5 L lab-scale bioreactor which uses the operational system based on the sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The bioreactor was fed with influent from local sewerage treatment plant and seeding with fresh inoculums (seed sludge) from activated sludge tank. The operation of the reactor was based on the SBR system with a complete cycle time of 4 hours and specifically designed to be operated for 24 hours continuously. Two sets of experiments were carried out in a single-walled cylindrical glass column bioreactor. These two sets of experiments are referred to as SBRA and SBRB with different time setting. SBR systems have four stages which is feeding, aeration, settling and decant. It was carried out in sequence: (1) ‘feeding with aeration’ for SBRA (feed and aerate pumps operated simultaneously); ‘feeding without aeration’ for SBRB (feed and aerate pumps operated separately), (2) ‘aeration only’, (3) ‘settling’, and (4) ‘discharge’. Removal performance of the SBR such as BOD, COD, AMN, NO3−, TSS, VSS and TP along with the other several parameters of the SBR such as DO, SOUR, ORP and settling profile are monitored daily. Starting from day 1 until day 26 the average DO values were around 1 - 2 mg/l but after 1.5 hours the DO values increased drastically. It shows that the microbe did not consumed air during the process. Day 13 onwards SOUR profiles show that the microbe consumed oxygen slowly. These results suggest that low amount of readily oxidized organic available in the bioreactor. The SVI reading shows good settling performance which is less than 100 mL/g. The settling profile shows the sludge has been further compact day by day. From the finding, it is suggested that it would be better for feed and aerate pumps to be operated separately.
Current state and the application of energy conversion of sewage sludge treatment in Malaysia
Authors: Quan L M , Warmadewanthi I , Helmut Y
Published: November 2022

Following the rapid growth of Malaysia’s population, the sewage sludge disposal capacity makes a big movement up to 7 million m3 annually. It proves that the conventional method, landfilling, causes negative issues related to the secondary pollution as well as high electricity consumption of sewage sludge treatment unit at 544,900 GWh in 2016-2019. The energy consumption also plays important role in the high fossil fuel-dependent energy production in Malaysia. The integration of energy conversion with sludge treatment is the potential method solving problems and global warming prevention. Thanks to the relative high heating value of sludge, the integration of energy conversion with sewage sludge treatment was suitable to reach two purpose including total waste destruction and energy generation through heat recovery, that results in the operating cost reduction and decrease of carbon footprint. The paper provided the overview of sewage sludge disposal and treatment status in Malaysia, it came with the potential of sludge treatment such as anaerobic digestion, combustion, gasification into useful energy was presented.
Agroforestry Farming System: Measuring its Development in Financial Feasibility Aspects
Authors: Suparwata D O , Indrianti M A , Mokoginta M M , Mokoolang S , Ulfiasih
Published: November 2022

Paradigm contradictions, conflicts of interest, and the synchronization of agricultural development that occurs also affect the irregularity of progress, which creates an agricultural system that is less environmentally friendly. Thus, the presence of the Agroforestry paradigm provides alternative solutions that are synthesized on economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The purpose of the study was to determine the financial feasibility of several combined agroforestry patterns. The study was conducted in Boalemo Regency in April 2018. The data were analyzed based on the value of NPV, BCR, and IRR (16.23%). The results show that the combinations that are feasible with NPV, BCR and IRR values are Food-Plantation-Forestry (Rp.388,425,185), (1.77), (87.65%); Food-Plantation-Forestry-Horticulture (Rp.1,253,822,148), (4.50), (216.58%); Plantation-Forestry (Rp.144,707,388), (1.52), (56.48%); Plantation-Forestry-Horticulture (Rp.718,374,087), (3.77), (129.57%) and those that are not suitable for cultivation are Food-Forestry combinations (Rp.- 52,006,231), (0.49), and (5.71%). To make it feasible to cultivate, farmers can choose types of plants that have commercial value. This indicates that the accuracy in choosing the pattern of plant combinations and the suitability of adapting to the agroecosystem will increase the success of the applied agroforestry system.
Vasodilatation Effects of Portulaca Oleracea L. Ethanol Extract on Animal Models
Authors: Sutjiatmo Afifah Bambang , Azhari Fithriyani , Vikasari Suci Nar
Published: November 2022

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is also can be used as medicine such as to help treat hypertension. This study aims to prove the effect of purslane ethanol extract as vasodilator agent on animal model Bufo melanostictus using kymograph. Purslane herb extract was prepared using 50% ethanol as solvent. The concentrations of the extracts were 61.4, 123.2 and 246.4 g/mL, with diltiazem 1 mg/mL used as a comparison. The parameters measured were heart rate and heart contraction. Based on observations, it was known that the administration of the extract at all doses decreased heart rate and heart contractions in animal models when compared to the control group induced by epinephrine (p<0.05), although the effect was not as good as diltiazem.
Evaluation Teratogenicity of Phyllanthus Acidus (L.) Skeel Leaf Ethanol Extract in Pregnant Wistar Rats
Authors: Suryani  , Sutjiatmo A B , Sukandar E Y , Anisa I N , Vikasari S N
Published: November 2022

The Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels has been used as traditional medicine. It has been proved to have hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties. Toxicology data in pregnant women are still unknown. The purpose of this study is to assess the safety of an ethanol extract of Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels leaves (EEPA) on pregnant women and fetuses. The pregnant Wistar rats were divided into five groups: a negative control (vehicle), a positive control (5-fluorouracil 10 mg/kg), and three experiment groups (22.5, 90, and 1000 mg/kg). The extract was given orally between the 6th and 15th days of pregnancy, during the organogenesis phase of fetal growth. The EEPA found light maternal toxicity. It was demonstrated by the lower weight of fetuses from rats given EEPA and the lower number of fetuses than the vehicle. EEPA did not cause abnormalities in the skeleton or organs of the fetus, but the pale color and smaller size of the fetal's kidneys, heart, and lungs were observed after a dose of 1000 mg/kg. Although the EEPA affected fetal weight during pregnancy and the genetic disorders require further research.
Identification of Several Aspergillus Isolates Candidates for Bio Fertilizer Agents Using Molecular Markers
Authors: Sutarman
Published: November 2022

This research is an activity to characterize and determine several types of soil-borne fungi based on the use of DNA sequences. This study aims to determine the species name and genealogy of four selected fungal isolates from the genus Aspergillus isolated from horticultural fields in Bumiaji, Batu, East Java. The identification of biocontrol agents begins with macroscopic and microscopic morphological observations, followed by DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction application using ITS 1 and ITS 4 primers. Sequencing is done using Sanger sequencing. The nucleotides generated from the sequencer machine (ABI 3730XL sequencer) were compared with the gene bank using the BLAST-NCBI program, and their relationships were analyzed using MEGA X software. The results showed that based on BLAST analysis of the nucleotide sequences of Aspergilus spp. isolates 6, 7, 17, and 21 were compatible with Aspergillus tamarii with 100% Query Cover and 100% identical rate. These four Aspergillus isolates have the potential as bofertilizer agents and can be used for various industrial purposes.
The Development of Sustainable Energy Briquettes Using Coconut Dregs Charcoal and Tapioca Flour as Adhesives
Authors: Chusniyah Dina Asmaul , Pratiwi Reno , Benyamin  , Suliestiyah
Published: November 2022

The growing human population results in an increase in energy needs and consumption. Energy is one of the basic needs of human life. An example of this case is the increase in the need for fuel. Biomass is an alternative energy source that is processed from solid waste and used as a fuel source. In this study, researchers used coconut dregs charcoal and tapioca flour as materials and went through several processes. The first was the drying process of raw materials (coconut dregs). The second was the carbonization process of coconut dregs which took about 1 hour until the dregs turned into black like charcoal. The third was the process of grinding and filtering. The fourth was the process of mixing adhesive materials and molding briquettes. The fifth was the drying process using an oven with a temperature of 100°C. The sixth was the drying process and determining the quality of briquettes based on moisture content, ash content, and density. The percentage composition between coconut dregs charcoal and tapioca flour as adhesives was set into several formulas starting from formula 1 to formula 6. In the measurement of moisture content with the ASTM D-3173-03 standard, the researchers obtained the lowest moisture content value of 4.459 and a highest moisture content value of 13.216. Meanwhile, in the measurement of ash content with the ASTM D-3174-04 standard, the researchers obtained the lowest value of 4.459 and the highest value of 10.113. Furthermore, in the measurement of the density, the researchers obtained the lowest value of 0.521237 and the highest value of 0.970579.
Determination of Polymer Injection Method to an Oil Field Using Screening Criteria: Literature Review
Authors: Ummah Hayafa Fakhriyatul , Setiati Rini
Published: November 2022

The amount of oil reserves in Indonesia is currently still large, but has not been able to meet the needs of enegi. To overcome this imbalance, one of the efforts that the government has made in improving oil lifting is through Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). The purpose of this research, is to determine the right EOR method for a reservoir by conducting a screening criteria on one of the fields in Indonesia. EOR is a method of increasing the volume of oil that previously could not be produced. This condition usually occurs in heavy crude oil, poor permeability and irregular faultlines. EOR is applied to fields that have been produced long enough (mature field) with the aim of taking the remaining oil that cannot be produced by primary and secondary (water flooding) methods. Some of the EOR techniques that are widely known to date are steam flooding, chemical flooding, and gas injection (gas flooding). The study is a reservoir X that has a six-aspect match from seven aspects suggested by Taber et al. namely polymer injection as an EOR method. The six aspects are the magnitude of oil gravity, oil viscosity, porosity, permeability, depth and temperature. From this research it can be concluded that, in Field X is very suitable for the EOR Method with the Chemical Flooding Method, by injecting polymer compounds.
Clean energy-based teaching industry development policy in the Pelalawan technopark area
Authors: Tamtomo T D , Warseno  , Soewargono B D , Wiratmoko A , Suhendra A , Dwiananto Y I
Published: November 2022

The Teaching Industry (TI) is an institutionalized R&D and innovation activity with a collaborative business model involving local governments, universities, and industry. The development of a TI by ST2P at Technopark Pelalawan based on palm oil as commodities are important to accelerate the downstream of Palm oil product, considering the potential for Palm oil plantations in Pelalawan around 393,330 hectares. The purpose of developing this TI is to encourage local government policies in developing clean energy-based industries through the development of the CPO TI at Technopark Pelalawan. This study is a qualitative descriptive analysis method, which analyzes, describes, and summarizes various conditions, and situations from various data from interviews and field observations. The result is a CPO Teaching Industry, which produces RBDPO (Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized Palm Oil) palm oil which undergoes a refining process to remove free fatty acids and purification to remove color and odors. The challenges faced by the development of the Teaching Industry are then formulated. The recommendations for the development of the Teaching Industry at Techno Park Pelalawan include accelerating the formation of managers, preparing SOPs and blueprints, and implementing CPO refinery technology as an early stage of development.
Design a library information system for a green library in Bangka Regency
Authors: Budianto T H , Vista U F , Putra G B
Published: November 2022

A library is organized for reading, counselling, research, and research purposes for information resources managed by librarians and staff, and then maintained to provide services for meeting. A place for collecting or collecting books or other materials that will be published. Needs of Reitz users. The Bangka Regency Regional Library is a library with a huge collection of books and till has many drawbacks, especially services that do not use manual information technology. So it becomes a digital library and needs to be developed to compete today. In addition, the use of paper materials can reduce the environmental problems required for papermaking. Build a computerized internet-based library information system application to run the lending process anytime, anywhere while connected to the internet and to support the Bangka Regency Regional Library and reduce excessive paper consumption. By not using paper for the data collection process, it is complete and economical in the local library. The phases that the method goes through are the planning phase, the analysis phase, the design phase, the application phase, the testing phase, and the use and maintenance phase. The library information system in the area was built open source using Slims to facilitate library management.
The kinetic adsorption of zinc metal ions in Bangka post tin mining water on chitosan from shrimp shells waste
Authors: Aldila H , Indriawati A , Kusmita T , Rahmadyani H , Ramadhani F , Rokar R K , Dalimunthe D Y
Published: November 2022

The effect of deproteinization temperature on chitosan extraction process from shrimp shells waste used variation of temperature: 30, 60 and 90°C was studied. The results shown that the degree of deacetylation of chitosan (DD) decreased with increasing deproteinization temperature. This is probably due to excess polymerization reaction when the deproteinization temperature increases, thereby destroying the chitin structure. The highest chitosan DD achieved was up to 79.72% at temperature deproteinization of 30°C and the occurrence of deacetylation structurally demonstrated by the Fourier transform infrared characterization. The chitosan adsorption for zinc metal ions in Bangka post tin mining water shown that the systems of adsorption follow the pseudo second order kinetic model. Based on the equation of kinetics adsorption shown that the increase of chitosan DD causes the adsorption rate and maximum adsorption capacity increased. The increase of chitosan DD which is an indicator of the transformation of chitin into chitosan represents an increase in the number of amine groups which have a stronger metal ion adsorption. The highest of adsorption rate coefficient and maximum adsorption capacity was up to 1.215 g mg−1 min−1 and 0.15 mg g−1 respectively achieved at temperature deproteinization of 30°C.
Fatty acid profile of Spirulina sp cultivated in Bangka Seawater
Authors: Mahardika R G , Fadiyah I , Sunanda W
Published: November 2022

Microalgae can be used as a good biodiesel raw material because there are quite a lot of oil microalgae, one of which is Spirulina sp. Cultivation Process of Spirulina sp. using seawater media produces more optimal biomass than freshwater media. This study used Bangka Seawater as a growth medium for Spirulina sp., and identification fatty acid of Spirulina extract by GC-MS methode. cell growth of Spirulina sp. on media Bangka seawater using Walne fertilizer can experience an exponential phase until the 9th day due to the addition of Walne fertilizer. Culture with 1 ml of Walne fertilizer had the best growth. The use of Bangka sea water without fertilizer can also grow Spirulina sp with a peak on day 5. The total fatty acid in the hexane extract of Spirulina in this study was 69.60% with similarity indeks above 70%. As many as 33.78% are Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA) such as docosanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and hexanedioic acid. While 35.82% are Unsaturated Fatty Acids (UFA). The profile of fatty acid from Bangka seawater media showed that the largest fatty acids contained in Spirulina sp. is palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid) with presentage 25.21%.
Characterizing Nanoparticle Release Patterns of Laser Powder Bed Fusion in Metal Additive Manufacturing: First Step Towards Mitigation Measures
Authors: Pernetti Roberta , Galbusera Francesco , Cattenone Alberto , Bergamaschi Enrico , Previtali Barbara , Oddone Enrico
Published: November 2022

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) is a well-known Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology with a wide range of industrial applications. Potential occupational exposures to metal nanoparticles (NP) as by-products could occur in these processes, and no cogent occupational exposure limits are available. To contribute to this assessment, a monitoring campaign to measure the NP release pattern in two metal L-PBF facilities was carried out in two academic laboratories adopting L-PBF technology for research purposes. The monitored processes deal with two devices and three feedstock types, namely stainless steel (AISI 316L), aluminium-silicon alloy (A357) and pure copper, which are associated with different levels of industrial maturity. Prolonged environmental and personal real-time monitoring of NP concentration and size were performed, temperature and relative humidity were also measured during environmental monitoring. The measurements reveal a controlled NP release of the monitored processes, resulting in an average reduced exposure of the operators during the whole working shift, in compliance with proposed limit values (20 000 n cm−3 for density >6000 kg m−3 or 40 000 n cm−3 for density <6000 kg m−3). Nonetheless, the monitoring results show release events with an increase in NP concentration and a decrease in NP size corresponding with several actions usually performed during warm-up and cleaning, leading to exposures over 40–50 000 n cm−3 during a considerable time interval, especially during the manufacturing of pure copper powder. The results show that the actions of the operators, boundary conditions (relative humidity) and set-up of the L-PBF device have an impact on the amount of NP released and their size. Several release events (significant increase in NP concentration and decrease in NP size) are identified and associated with specific job tasks of the workers as well as building conditions. These results contribute to the definition of NP release benchmarks in AM processes and provide information to improve the operational conditions of L-PBF processes as well as safety guidelines for operators.
Concise synthesis of amino acid component of amicoumacins via dihydrooxazine formation through intramolecular conjugate addition
Authors: Matsushima Yoshitaka , Ogawa Yukako , Nishi Katsuya , Nakata Kyosuke
Published: November 2022

Amicoumacins are a family of antibiotics with a variety of important bioactivities. A concise and efficient method was developed for synthesizing the amino acid component of amicoumacins via the corresponding dihydrooxazine intermediate. The dihydrooxazine ring was formed with complete stereoselectivity through an intramolecular conjugate addition of a δ-trichloroacetimidoyloxy-α,β-unsaturated ester, which was obtained from a known 4,6-O-p-methoxybenzylidene-protected d-glucose. The synthesis developed in this study can be used to synthesize the building blocks of amicoumacins and can likely be adapted for the synthesis of other types of molecules possessing dihydrooxazine rings or amino alcohol moieties.
Integrating heterogeneous knowledge graphs into drug–drug interaction extraction from the literature
Authors: Asada Masaki , Miwa Makoto , Sasaki Yutaka
Published: November 2022

Motivation

Most of the conventional deep neural network-based methods for drug–drug interaction (DDI) extraction consider only context information around drug mentions in the text. However, human experts use heterogeneous background knowledge about drugs to comprehend pharmaceutical papers and extract relationships between drugs. Therefore, we propose a novel method that simultaneously considers various heterogeneous information for DDI extraction from the literature.

Results

We first construct drug representations by conducting the link prediction task on a heterogeneous pharmaceutical knowledge graph (KG) dataset. We then effectively combine the text information of input sentences in the corpus and the information on drugs in the heterogeneous KG (HKG) dataset. Finally, we evaluate our DDI extraction method on the DDIExtraction-2013 shared task dataset. In the experiment, integrating heterogeneous drug information significantly improves the DDI extraction performance, and we achieved an F-score of 85.40%, which results in state-of-the-art performance. We evaluated our method on the DrugProt dataset and improved the performance significantly, achieving an F-score of 77.9%. Further analysis showed that each type of node in the HKG contributes to the performance improvement of DDI extraction, indicating the importance of considering multiple pieces of information.

Availability and implementation

Our code is available at https://github.com/tticoin/HKG-DDIE.git
Bench to Bedside: Modelling Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Chidomere Chiamaka I , Wahid Mussarat , Kemble Samuel , Chadwick Caroline , Thomas Richard , Hardy Rowan S , McGettrick Helen M , Naylor Amy J
Published: November 2022

Inflammatory arthritides such as rheumatoid arthritis are a major cause of disability. Pre-clinical murine models of inflammatory arthritis continue to be invaluable tools with which to identify and validate therapeutic targets and compounds. The models used are well-characterised and, whilst none truly recapitulates the human disease, they are crucial to researchers seeking to identify novel therapeutic targets and to test efficacy during preclinical trials of novel drug candidates.

The arthritis parameters recorded during clinical trials and routine clinical patient care have been carefully standardised, allowing comparison between centres, trials, and treatments. Similar standardisation of scoring across in vivo models has not occurred, which makes interpretation of published results, and comparison between arthritis models, challenging. Here, we include a detailed and readily implementable arthritis scoring system, that increases the breadth of arthritis characteristics captured during experimental arthritis and supports responsive and adaptive monitoring of disease progression in murine models of inflammatory arthritis.

In addition, we reference the wider ethical and experimental factors researchers should consider during the experimental design phase, with emphasis on the continued importance of replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal usage in arthritis research.
Vaccination barriers and drivers in Romania: a focused ethnographic study
Authors: Dube Eve , Pistol Adriana , Stanescu Aurora , Butu Cassandra , Guirguis Sherine , Motea Oana , Popescu Anca Elvira , Voivozeanu Alexandra , Grbic Miljana , Trottier Marie-Ève , Brewer Noel T , Leask Julie , Gellin Bruce , Habersaat Katrine Bach
Published: November 2022

Background

In 2016–18, a large measles outbreak occurred in Romania identified by pockets of sub-optimally vaccinated population groups in the country. The aim of the current study was to gain insight into barriers and drivers from the experience of measles vaccination from the perspectives of caregivers and their providers.

Methods

Data were collected by non-participant observation of vaccination consultations and individual interviews with health workers and caregivers in eight Romanian clinics with high or low measles vaccination uptake. Romanian stakeholders were involved in all steps of the study. The findings of this study were discussed during a workshop with key stakeholders.

Results

Over 400 h of observation and 161 interviews were conducted. A clear difference was found between clinics with high and low measles vaccination uptake which indicates that being aware of and following recommended practices for both vaccination service delivery and conveying vaccine recommendations to caregivers may have an impact on vaccine uptake. Barriers identified were related to shortcomings in following recommended practices for vaccination consultations by health workers (e.g. correctly assessing contraindications or providing enough information to allow an informed decision). These observations were largely confirmed in interviews with caregivers and revealed significant knowledge gaps.

Conclusions

The identification of key barriers provided an opportunity to design specific interventions to improve vaccination service delivery (e.g. mobile vaccination clinics, use of an electronic vaccination registry system for scheduling of appointments) and build capacity among health workers (e.g. guidance and supporting materials and training programmes).
A West German Civil Movement in the 1970s: Opposition to the kooperative Schule in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Authors: Choi Jae-Ho
Published: November 2022

This study examines the popular petition of 1978 against the introduction of the kooperative Schule in Nordrhein-Westfalen. As a result of this campaign, reforms initiated by the SPD were halted. The reforms had been directed at the eventual introduction of a comprehensive school system, which would have replaced Germany’s traditional three-track school system. Previous studies have usually presented the popular petition as either a reactionary movement against the reform or a victory for conservatives, including the CDU. However, the opposition movement represented a wide range of public opinion, with supporters of the SPD also participating in the movement. Furthermore, when the introduction of the kooperative Schule was abandoned, no positive impact was seen on the CDU’s election results. The event marked a change in the political culture of West Germany, as a sign of a new trend. With greater democratization and modernization in the 1960s and 1970s, civil society became more politically active. Such a pattern promoted the political participation of the public in West German society. In addition, the change was linked to the development of Western civil movements characterized by autonomy and non-partisanship.
The Political Economy of Chinese Debt and International Monetary Fund Conditionality
Authors: Kern Andreas , Reinsberg Bernhard
Published: November 2022

Developing and emerging market economies have increased their debt exposure to China in recent years. Despite its initial promise, many borrowers of Chinese loans face difficulties in meeting these loan obligations. Under what circumstances do Chinese borrowers in debt distress turn to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)? Our starting point is that Chinese loans are tied into projects that promise to generate sufficient revenue to repay these loans. We expect that governments turn to the IMF for bailout funding when a severe shock erodes the value of the underlying loan collateral, requiring mobilizing revenues and implementing austerity measures. Without alternative financing options, the IMF becomes the most viable option to weather financial distress. We expect governments to accept a ‘whatever-it-takes’ number of loan conditions. Using cross-country time-series analysis for up to 162 countries between 2000 and 2018, we show that defaults on Chinese debt trigger IMF programs only when a country experiences a severe adverse shock. Countries tapping the IMF also accept a greater number of loan conditions. From a policy perspective, current financial distress in borrowing countries underscores the urgency to design and deploy targeted governance reform measures beyond program safeguards and loan conditions to mitigate the built-up of macro-financial vulnerabilities, independent of where the money is coming from.
Gaps in antimicrobial stewardship programmes in Asia: a survey of 10 countries
Authors: Chang Feng-Yee , Chuang Yin Ching , Veeraraghavan Balaji , Apisarnthanarak Anucha , Tayzon Maria Fe , Kwa Andrea L , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Deris Zakuan Zainy , Amir Husin Suraya , Hashim Hazimah , Karuniawati Anis , Ahmed Altaf , Matsumoto Tetsuya , Nguyen Van Kinh , Dinh Thi Thu Huong
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To determine antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programme practices in Asian secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals.

Methods

AMS programme team members within 349 hospitals from 10 countries (Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam) completed a questionnaire via a web-based survey link. The survey contained questions as to whether 12 core components deemed essential for AMS programmes were implemented.

Results

Overall, 47 (13.5%) hospitals fulfilled all core AMS programme components. There was a mean positive response rate (PRR) of 85.6% for the responding countries in relation to a formal hospital leadership statement of support for AMS activities, but this was not matched by budgeted financial support for AMS activities (mean PRR 57.1%). Mean PRRs were ≥80.0% for the core AMS team comprising a physician or other leader responsible for AMS activities, a pharmacist and infection control and microbiology personnel. Most hospitals had access to a timely and reliable microbiology service (mean PRR 90.4%). Facility-specific antibiotic treatment guidelines for common infections (mean PRR 78.7%) were in place more often than pre-authorization and/or prospective audit and feedback systems (mean PRR 66.5%). In terms of AMS monitoring and reporting, PRRs of monitoring specific antibiotic use, regularly publishing AMS outcome measures, and the existence of a hospital antibiogram were 75.1%, 64.4% and 77.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Most hospitals participating in this survey did not have AMS programmes fulfilling the requirements for gold standard AMS programmes in hospital settings. Urgent action is required to address AMS funding and resourcing deficits.
Bar formation in submaximal discs: a challenge for ΛCDM
Authors: Kashfi Tahere , Roshan Mahmood , Famaey Benoit
Published: November 2022

Bar formation in cosmological simulations of galaxy formation remains challenging. It was previously shown that the fraction of barred galaxies at low stellar masses (M* < 1010.5 M⊙) in TNG50 is too low compared to the observations. Here, we highlight another tension, also observed at higher stellar masses, namely that barred galaxies in TNG50 appear to be maximal discs, in the sense that the majority of the gravitational acceleration is accounted for by baryons at the peak radius of the baryonic rotation curve, while observations account for a substantial fraction of barred submaximal discs. In this letter, we compare the barred fraction of submaximal discs in the local Universe from the SPARC catalogue with that in the TNG50 simulation. We show that, although SPARC tends to select against barred galaxies, the fraction of barred submaximal discs in this data set is significantly larger than in TNG50. This result adds to the list of challenges related to predicting the right statistics and properties of barred galaxies in ΛCDM simulations of galaxy formation.
Esca grapevine disease involves leaf hydraulic failure and represents a unique premature senescence process
Authors: Bortolami Giovanni , Ferrer Nathalie , Baumgartner Kendra , Delzon Sylvain , Gramaje David , Lamarque Laurent J , Romanazzi Gianfranco , Gambetta Gregory A , Delmas Chloé E L
Published: November 2022

Xylem anatomy may change in response to environmental or biotic stresses. Vascular occlusion, an anatomical modification of mature xylem, contributes to plant resistance and susceptibility to different stresses. In woody organs, xylem occlusions have been examined as part of the senescence process, but their presence and function in leaves remain obscure. In grapevine, many stresses are associated with premature leaf senescence inducing discolorations and scorched tissue in leaves. However, we still do not know whether the leaf senescence process follows the same sequence of physiological events and whether leaf xylem anatomy is affected in similar ways. In this study, we quantified vascular occlusions in midribs from leaves with symptoms of the grapevine disease esca, magnesium deficiency and autumn senescence. We found higher amounts of vascular occlusions in leaves with esca symptoms (in 27% of xylem vessels on average), whereas the leaves with other symptoms (as well as the asymptomatic controls) had far fewer occlusions (in 3% of vessels). Therefore, we assessed the relationship between xylem occlusions and esca leaf symptoms in four different countries (California in the USA, France, Italy and Spain) and eight different cultivars. We monitored the plants over the course of the growing season, confirming that vascular occlusions do not evolve with symptom age. Finally, we investigated the hydraulic integrity of leaf xylem vessels by optical visualization of embolism propagation during dehydration. We found that the occlusions lead to hydraulic dysfunction mainly in the peripheral veins compared with the midribs in esca symptomatic leaves. These results open new perspectives on the role of vascular occlusions during the leaf senescence process, highlighting the uniqueness of esca leaf symptoms and its consequence on leaf physiology.
Phosphite Is More Effective Against Phytophthora Crown Rot and Leather Rot Caused by Phytophthora cactorum than P. nicotianae
Authors: Marin Marcus V. , Baggio Juliana S. , Melo Paulo P. , Peres Natalia A.
Published: November 2022

Phytophthora crown rot (PhCR) and leather rot (LR) caused by Phytophthora spp. are major threats to strawberry production worldwide. In the United States, these diseases are mainly caused by Phytophthora cactorum; however, P. nicotianae has also been recently reported causing PhCR. Growers have relied on three different chemical products (i.e., mefenoxam and phosphites for PhCR and LR, and azoxystrobin for LR). Because resistance to mefenoxam and azoxystrobin has been reported, this study aimed to assess the in vitro sensitivity of Phytophthora spp. isolates from strawberry to phosphites and investigate its efficacy on in vivo assays. In vitro sensitivity of P. cactorum (n = 128) and P. nicotianae (n = 24) isolates collected from 1997 to 2018 was assessed for phosphite at 10, 50, 100, 150, and 300 µg/ml. Regardless of the Phytophthora sp. and isolation organ, most of the isolates (75% for P. cactorum and 54.2% for P. nicotianae) had effective concentration that inhibits pathogen growth by 50% (EC50) values ranging from 50 to 100 µg/ml. In vivo tests with strawberry fruit and plants revealed that commercial formulations of phosphite applied at the highest field rate controlled P. cactorum isolates but failed to control PhCR and LR caused by some isolates of P. nicotianae. In this study, EC50 results from in vitro assay did not truly translate the efficacy of phosphites on controlling LR and PhCR caused by P. cactorum and P. nicotianae. Our findings support the hypothesis that the product acts in a dual way: direct on the pathogen and stimulating the plant immune system. Moreover, this has important implications for disease management, highlighting the importance of a correct diagnosis before phosphite recommendations, because its efficacy varies within Phytophthora spp.
Toxicological Emergencies
Authors: Azharuddin Syed , Ogbebor Osakpolor , Shuster Mareena , Smith Bridget , Arshad Hammad , Cheema Tariq
Published: November 2022

Poisoning, drug overdose, and adverse drug effects continue to be a common encounter, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients are often critically ill or have a potential to rapidly deteriorate and warrant ICU admission. Adults suffering from overdoses rarely give a complete and accurate description of the quantity or type of medications ingested. In most adult cases, multiple substances are involved. A tentative diagnosis in most overdose and poisoning cases can be made by physical examination and simple laboratory tests (electrolyte panel, creatinine, serum osmolarity, urinalysis, etc). Supportive care, with particular attention to airway management, oxygenation, and circulation, is the mainstay of treatment. Basic treatment principles include limiting the amount of toxin absorbed, enhancing the elimination of ingested toxin, and preventing the conversion of non-toxic compounds to toxic metabolites. Drugs or poisons, where specific antidotes or effective therapies exist (especially acetaminophen, salicylates, methanol, ethylene glycol, and digitalis), should be aggressively sought and treated after initial stabilization has been accomplished. For those drugs or poisons where specific quantitative tests are available, levels should be obtained before treatment and may be repeated as clinically indicated.
Utilization of the Pedicled and Free Fibula Flap for Ankle Arthrodesis
Authors: Gupta Rohun , Pfennig Mitchell , Gannon James , Young Devin , Gupta Monik , Chaiyasate Sean , Stieg Gretchen , Kissel Brian G. , Kissel Erik C. , Fortin Paul , Chaiyasate Kongkrit
Published: November 2022

Background:

Ankle arthrodesis has become a common surgical procedure for individuals with end-stage ankle arthritis, chronic infection, and bony misalignment. Although arthrodesis is typically managed with arthrodesis in situ or realignment, reconstruction may be utilized for patients with more complicated cases that involve metatarsal defects. Our institution utilizes both the pedicled and free fibula flaps for surgical management pertaining to ankle arthrodesis. Our study looks to evaluate the work of a single plastic surgeon and identify patient postoperative outcomes.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted at Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, for patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis with a pedicled fibula flap for nonunion or avascular necrosis of the talus between the years 2014 and 2022. Demographic data, operative details, complications, medical comorbidities, and patient outcomes were retrospectively gathered and analyzed.

Results:

A total of six patients were isolated, with three patients undergoing a free fibula approach and three patients undergoing the pedicled fibula approach. All patients were found to have tolerated the procedure well and had no intraoperative complications. In addition, all patients had clinically viable flaps and were satisfied with their surgical result.

Conclusions:

Both free and pedicled free fibula flaps may be used effectively in the management of ankle arthrodesis in patients who have failed prior therapy. In our study, free fibula flaps were utilized in a medial approach, while the pedicled fibula flap was utilized in a lateral approach. With the right expertise and patient population, the free and pedicled fibula flaps can be highly successful in the repair of ankle defects.
Promoting a culture of reciprocity to build social capital in advanced practice nursing students
Authors: Goldin Deana , Sherman Dana , Roche Rosa
Published: November 2022

A virtual activity integrating the evidence-based Reciprocity Ring model was designed to enhance confidence and skills for building social capital for advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) students. The central objective of the activity was to reduce the stigma of asking for help by providing a framework for the balanced exchange of favors, thus supporting new connections and feelings of trust among APRN students. Students from two APRN practice tracks (N = 44) participated in a virtual Reciprocity Ring activity where they could post and respond to requests for help. On average, students posted 2.5 requests and received three offers for assistance; 220 connections were made overall with the major theme requests related to stress management. A retrospective survey was administered at the conclusion of the activity. Questions inquired about student confidence before, and then after, the activity for identifying resources, providing help to others, finding personal support when needed, accessing resources related to academic success, and finding solutions to problems. Student mean confidence scores were significantly higher after the activity compared with mean confidence scores before the activity (p = .01). Additionally, the effect size was large (Cohen d = 0.89). Therefore, we suggest that integrating Reciprocity Ring exercises into nursing curricula and practice can be a useful tool for promoting skills related to productive help-seeking that will support APRN students' academic and professional success.