bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hardware open cyber-design
Authors: Shukalov A V , Kabanova N V , Zharinov I O
Published: November 2020

A relevant method of development of hardware equipment is an open cyber-design (OCD) to provide a collective method of the improvement of item constructive features. An OCD is an initiative interaction of qualified co-designers of the same product where all of the item constructive defects are revealed and corrected publicly. The OCD service tools support special digital platform (DP) solutions done on the basis of a communication net and containing a multi-user interface. There is an interaction scheme given for the open project (OP) co-designers and DP solutions. A collective way to design a product helps to implement some artful ideas from a third party specialist using the working space editors, which develop project works multi-system automatizing methods. The OP administrating is based on the designing stable mechanisms management, which may help to develop in several parallel products with a DP solution. The OCD results are the product itself, which technical specifications correspond to the co-designers independent group requirements. The OCD is an Industry 4.0 sub-technology to modify the existing project technologies and their application ways in the industry.
CAM-spring mechanisms for pantographs of electrically propelled vehicles
Authors: Sopov V I , Rykov A A , Malozyomov B V , Druzhinina N S
Published: November 2020

The process of current collection with a non-autonomous power source used for electric motors of a rolling stock occurs in a contact pair: pantograph’s skid (head) - contact wire. The main indicator of the quality of current collection is the contact pressure, which depends on many factors. The dominant factor is static pressure generated by spring mechanisms of the pantograph. The pressure is a result of dynamic and other random factors. It is difficult to keep it constant. One of the solutions for optimizing contact pressure can be a cable cam-spring mechanism installed in the lifting unit of the contact part of the pantograph. Due to the special cam shape, it is possible to stabilize forces of the contact insert. Static pressing does not depend on its altitude. Dynamic forces can be smoothed.
Fuzzy sets visualization for decision-making processes in social studies
Authors: Berestneva O , Marukhina O , Romanchukov S
Published: November 2020

This paper is devoted to visualization of multidimensional fuzzy series and describes analysis methodology based on images that can be built after the initial time series transformation. It is shown that the most rigid structure of a fuzzy number is the number of components with the highest value of membership function. Built in accordance with the proposed method a series of visual images reflect the tendency of the fuzzy time series. The application of fuzzy time series visualization facilitates the identification of high-quality bonds in the consideration of dynamical semi-system (including social and economic). The proposed approach allows a qualitative level to solve the problem of grouping, structuring and forecasting in such systems, but there are doubts in numerical accuracy and quality.
Design of AIS control movement of raw materials in the industrial enterprise’s warehouse
Authors: Movchan I N , Belousova I D , Makhmutova M V
Published: November 2020

The article presents one of the possible solutions to the problem of controlling the movement of raw materials in the warehouse of an industrial enterprise. A solution to the problem is proposed by designing an automated information system for controlling the receipt and movement of raw materials in the warehouse, which will greatly facilitate the work of employees, provide an opportunity to reduce management costs by freeing up human resources, allow monitoring the process of accepting and storing raw materials, and storing and analyzing data for any period time, search for the necessary information according to various selection criteria. Testing of the research results was carried out by introducing AIS control of the movement of raw materials in the warehouse of an industrial enterprise.
Creation of a mobile application for digitizing technological processes of a railway station
Authors: Olentsevich V A , Konyukhov V Yu , Olentsevich A A , Lysenko D A
Published: November 2020

The article considers the main directions of improving the traffic safety management system in railway transport in the context of the transition to a higher level of reliability. The transition of the railway industry from information control systems to fully control systems can be ensured by combining automated information systems that are integrated on the road network into production processes. Within the framework of the project to ensure the safety of the transportation process, it is advisable to provide for the implementation of work on equipping the infrastructure of JSC Russian Railways with modern innovative technical means - automated systems for inspecting trains and wagons using laser scanners. The work of the complex to identify and prevent situations that threaten the safety of traffic along the route is considered, the introduction of which will ensure the transition to unmanned technologies when organizing the control of goods and rolling stock at loading stations and along the route. The use of the resource mobile workstation of a cargo and baggage pick-up unit at a railway station will speed up the process of accepting wagons for transportation, reduce the time for processing transportation documents, improve the quality of the railway station, significantly optimize the work process of a cargo and baggage pick-up unit, increase labor productivity, eliminate the influence of the human factor in carrying out this type of work. The technical and economic result of using this complex at the railway stations of Russian Railways is the provision of an increased level of safety on the railways.
Application of geoinformation systems to ensure sustainable development of the city transport system
Authors: Poltavskaya J O , Lebedeva O A
Published: November 2020

Population increase and urbanization of cities in all countries in recent decades, therefore, ensuring the development of the urban environment has become an important and relevant issue. The article considers the possibility of using a geographic information system (GIS) to ensure the functioning of the city’s transport systems and the selected basic tools of spatial analysis: transport accessibility of the area, air pollution (emissions), noise pollution, energy consumption, route and transport network, traffic and transport network infrastructure. The main components of GIS in the field of transport are analyzed. In addition, it uses methods for collecting, researching, synthesizing, analyzing, evaluating and presenting data on the transport environment of the city. The development of the urban environment is associated with the creation of transport systems that require large costs for movement and economic feasibility.
Alternative approaches to information-automated design of architectural objects: precedents of the use
Authors: Saprykina N A
Published: November 2020

The article is devoted to the topical problem of introducing information technology into architectural activities to find new trends in design. The article aims to identify alternative approaches to the information-automated design of architectural objects that use the latest information technologies and resources. The leading approach to the study of this problem is based on the study of project precedents of the use of automated control and self-management of kinetic systems in the creation of architectural objects. As a result of the study, alternative approaches to the information design of the architectural environment were identified using automated techniques for the formation of space using the information and operating environment of interaction in architecture. The materials of the article can be useful for the theory and practice of habitat formation, as it opens up completely new opportunities in the architectural activity.
Modelling of explosion consequences using geo-informational technologies based on service-oriented architecture
Authors: Sharafutdinov A A , Krasnov A V
Published: November 2020

The paper examines mathematical models describing spatial data used for calculation of possible damage areas. Software implementation of the models is based on set-theoretic description, relation algebra, topological relations, geo-informational technologies. These models allow describing facilities (buildings, structures, equipment, pipelines) on the territory of linear operation and dispatcher stations (LODS) and oil pumping stations (OPS) in the form of theme-based generality.
Method of an automated rapid assessment of the total required revenue in calculating the electric power distribution tariffs
Authors: Shvedova V Y
Published: November 2020

The current electric power distribution tariff-setting processes are too complicated and subjective, and transaction costs in the power distribution industry make up to 50% of all the costs. The method of an automated rapid assessment of the Total Required Revenue of Distribution Network Operators suggested in the article is based on the identified dependencies between the Total Required Revenues of Distribution Network Operators, their cost items and operational indicators taking into account the possibilities of automated data collection from existing and sustainably operating state information systems. On the one hand, such an approach does not require additional expenses on creating and supporting new databases. On the other hand, it allows simplifying the information exchange between Distribution Network Operators and regulating organizations, to reduce the number of papers necessary for calculating electric power distribution tariffs, and to increase the rapidness of tariff-setting processes. As a result implementation of an automated rapid assessment of the Total Required Revenue in distribution tariff-setting processes allows reducing transaction costs and increasing the objectivity of calculations.
Software system for supporting the decision-making on the investments
Authors: Tynchenko V S , Kukartsev V V , Petrenko V E , Milov A V , Antamoshkina O I
Published: November 2020

Investments in real estate are considered by investors as the best way to preserve and increase capital in the long term. Investing in real estate allows the investor to dispose independently of the acquired property at his discretion, including giving and inheriting, and using it for investment purposes - to lease or resell for profit. It is proposed to analyze the algorithm of actions to facilitate the decision-making on the investment purchase of residential real estate and to work out some “unchanged” points of the algorithm that can help in making this decision. Based on this, the stages that are included in this algorithm are analyzed, as well as three types of strategies for investing in residential real estate. A program is considered that allows calculating the profitability of investing in an object for an investor for each type of strategy, using certain factors associated with the property.
A simulation model of the process of organizing the movement and maintenance of trains at a Railway Station
Authors: Zagorskikh A A , Alsova O K , Gavrilov A V
Published: November 2020

The article presents the results of research of a simulation model of the process of organizing the movement and maintenance of trains at the Railway Station. The model is built as part of a discrete-event approach using the theory of queuing systems and is implemented using the GPSS Studio simulation tool. The simulation model makes it possible to evaluate the efficiency of a Railway Station (workload of personnel, time and delays in servicing trains and performing operations at different stages) to make optimal decisions on organizing the movement of trains and shunting operations taking into account the current situation. Experimental studies of the model were performed on different input data, an analysis of the adequacy of the model was carried out by comparing the experimental results of the workload of the station personnel and the time of operations with the real data of a Railway Station in one of the cities of Russia.
Shallow soils are warmer under trees and tall shrubs across Arctic and Boreal ecosystems
Authors: Kropp Heather , Loranty Michael M , Natali Susan M , Kholodov Alexander L , Rocha Adrian V , Myers-Smith Isla , Abbot Benjamin W , Abermann Jakob , Blanc-Betes Elena , Blok Daan , Blume-Werry Gesche , Boike Julia , Breen Amy L , Cahoon Sean M P , Christiansen Casper T , Douglas Thomas A , Epstein Howard E , Frost Gerald V , Goeckede Mathias , Høye Toke T , Mamet Steven D , O’Donnell Jonathan A , Olefeldt David , Phoenix Gareth K , Salmon Verity G , Sannel A Britta K , Smith Sharon L , Sonnentag Oliver , Vaughn Lydia Smith , Williams Mathew , Elberling Bo , Gough Laura , Hjort Jan , Lafleur Peter M , Euskirchen Eugenie S , Heijmans Monique MPD , Humphreys Elyn R , Iwata Hiroki , Jones Benjamin M , Jorgenson M Torre , Grünberg Inge , Kim Yongwon , Laundre James , Mauritz Marguerite , Michelsen Anders , Schaepman-Strub Gabriela , Tape Ken D , Ueyama Masahito , Lee Bang-Yong , Langley Kirsty , Lund Magnus
Published: November 2020

Soils are warming as air temperatures rise across the Arctic and Boreal region concurrent with the expansion of tall-statured shrubs and trees in the tundra. Changes in vegetation structure and function are expected to alter soil thermal regimes, thereby modifying climate feedbacks related to permafrost thaw and carbon cycling. However, current understanding of vegetation impacts on soil temperature is limited to local or regional scales and lacks the generality necessary to predict soil warming and permafrost stability on a pan-Arctic scale. Here we synthesize shallow soil and air temperature observations with broad spatial and temporal coverage collected across 106 sites representing nine different vegetation types in the permafrost region. We showed ecosystems with tall-statured shrubs and trees (>40 cm) have warmer shallow soils than those with short-statured tundra vegetation when normalized to a constant air temperature. In tree and tall shrub vegetation types, cooler temperatures in the warm season do not lead to cooler mean annual soil temperature indicating that ground thermal regimes in the cold-season rather than the warm-season are most critical for predicting soil warming in ecosystems underlain by permafrost. Our results suggest that the expansion of tall shrubs and trees into tundra regions can amplify shallow soil warming, and could increase the potential for increased seasonal thaw depth and increase soil carbon cycling rates and lead to increased carbon dioxide loss and further permafrost thaw.
A phylogenetic analysis of Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) based on cytochrome-c oxydase subunit I (COI): a stepping stone towards genetic conservation of raptors in Indonesia
Authors: Artuti A K , Sari M , Retnaningtyas R W , Listyorini D , Suhadi
Published: November 2020

As one of the most widespread raptors in Asia, Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) are genetically varied. However, due to the limited studies on genetic aspects, the genetic difference based its geographic distribution are difficult to define. A thorough phylogenetic analysis is needed to create a coherent taxonomic definition for the sake of conservation; starts with phylogenetic analysis based on cytochrome-c oxydase subunit I (COI) gene as the standardized genetic marker to define species. This research was aimed to resolve within species phylogenetic diversity and to explain the relationship between species based on COI gene. Total DNA was isolated from blood samples. The BLAST confirmed PCR amplified COI gene fragments were visualized on 0.8 agarose gel. Sequencing was carried out by FirstBase Laboratory Malaysia. Phylogenetic analysis was done using AMOVA and MEGA7 software in Neighbor Joining method with Kimura-2 parameter. Reconstructed phylogenetic tree confirmed the divergence between three samples and another S. cheela from other regions respective to their geographic distributions. There was 0,014 genetic distance between samples and S. cheela and 0,015 between S. cheela and other species among genus Spilornis. This research also revealed that S. cheela and S. holospilus were not significantly varied.
Propagation of high-density carbon bamboo to support smart ecotourism at the Lake Toba, North Sumatera
Authors: Ermawar R A , Hartati N S , Harmoko R , Sunandar A D , Fatriasari W , Damayanti R , Darmawan S
Published: November 2020

Appropriate propagation technology to promote bamboo sustainability is important in supporting conservation and industrial needs. As part of smart ecotourism package based on the integrated charcoal and bamboo tourism at Lake Toba, this research aimed to develop appropriate propagation for the selected bamboo species. Various bamboo species were collected and propagated by both ex vitro and in vitro propagation. Survival rate of the selected bamboo shoots after 3 months in the ex vitro planting medium was in the range of 25 to 50% of 10 – 25 planted shoots, from the highest to the lowest rate were Bambusa sp., Dendrocalamus asper, Oxythenantera abyssinica, and Balcoa 36. Meanwhile, the efficiency of the shoot formation in the in vitro medium was in the range of 7 to 13%, from the highest to the lowest percentage were D. asper, Gigantochloa cf robusta, O. abyssinica and Bambusa sp. Various types of explant (leaves disc, shoots tips, and nodal segment) from G. robusta and O. abyssinica were induced in six different combinations and concentrations of induction callus medium. Explant from nodal segment of G. robusta and O. abyssinica showed a positive response, i.e., 6% and 20% consecutively, in the Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium containing 4 mg/L of 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/L of IBA. The nodal segment explant of G. robusta was also able to form callus (13%) on the MS medium containing 6 mg/L of kinetin. A similar efficiency percentage was also obtained from O. abyssinica nodal segment explant on the MS medium containing 3 mg/L of 2,4-D and 2 mg/L of kinetin. This research opens a possibility of cultivating bamboo by in vitro propagation and generating new variety of bamboo with desirable characteristics.
Fiber quality and juvenile-mature transition evaluation of jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba) and binuang (Octomeles sumatrana)
Authors: Marbun S D , Wahyudi I , Suryana J , Nawawi D S
Published: November 2020

Lesser-used wood species of jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba) and binuang (Octomeles sumatrana) are potential to be alternative resources to meet wood demand. Wood samples of these two species served as research materials to evaluate wood quality, mainly radial variation of fiber quality and juvenile-mature transition. Fiber quality was analyzed following Rachman and Siagian (1976). Radial variation of fiber and vessel length were used as parameters to estimate juvenile-mature transition using polynomial and segmented regression models. The results showed that jabon and binuang fiber are classified as Quality Class II and I for pulp and paper manufacturing, respectively. Juvenile-mature transition of jabon wood occurred in the segment 6 and 7, while the whole of binuang wood was still juvenile. Boundary between juvenile and mature wood on these wood species was affected by parameter and method applied.
Larvicidal Activity of Bintaro (Cerbera odollam) against Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Meisyara D , Tarmadi D , Zulfitri A , Fajar A , Ismayati M , Himmi S K , Kartika T , Guswenrivo I , Yusuf S
Published: November 2020

Mosquitoes are known for their bites which caused discomfort and its role as vector for various dangerous diseases that has been the bane of humanity since antiquity. One of them is Culex quinquefasciatus which facilitates the spread of arbovirus and nematodes that caused debilitating impact for human life. To eliminate mosquito, the study for evaluating plant-based mosquito larvicidal extract of Cerbera odollam extract against C. quinquefasciatus was conducted. Twenty-five second instar of C. quinquefasciatus were subjected to the crude and fractionated extracts of C. odollam, and the larval mortality was observed at 24, and 48 h of exposure. The results showed that the crude extracts of leaves, rinds, and stem bark exhibited low larvicidal activities. Interestingly, crude extract of the seed kernel exhibited high larvicidal activity. We found that the fractionated extract derived from the seed kernel extract using ethyl acetate and n-hexane exhibited high larvicidal activities, suggesting that C. odollam extract could be promoted as a material for larval control.
Chemical characterization of wood vinegar from acacia barks
Authors: Prianto A H , Budiawan  , Yulizar Y , Simanjuntak P
Published: November 2020

The pyrolysis process was conducted into a low heating rate of 400 °C using a pyrolysis reactor. It was made of stainless steel, covered by fire clay bricks, and used electrical heating. Acacia barks were pyrolyzed for six hours. The chemical characteristics of wood vinegar produced from Acacia mangium bark were done by means of titration method, UV - VIS spectrophotometer, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The organic acid and phenol were analyzed to determine the quality of wood vinegar. The chemical components of wood vinegar were identified by GC-MS. The carbonation process produced charcoal, wood vinegar, gas, and tar, i.e., 66.33; 21.45; 12.16, and 0.06%, respectively. Wood vinegar has a brown color, a specific gravity of 1.0064, and a viscosity of 12-49 1 mPa·s at 60 rpm of the spindle. The major components of wood vinegar were acetic acid (47.36%) and phenolic compounds (18.96%), while tar was dominated by pentanoic acid (90.29%).
Production and characterization of cellulases derived from saprophytic fungi Penicillium bilaiae InaCC F16
Authors: Soeka Y S , Ilyas M
Published: November 2020

Cellulases are the enzymes that hydrolyze β-1,4 glycosidic bonds in cellulose molecules into simpler molecules such as glucose. The cellulase complexes derived from microbes have been considered as a potential source for biochemical, biotechnology, and bioindustry. Thus, they are broadly used in industries for leather tanning, food, medicine, and detergent formulations. The important group of cellulase-producing fungi, such asPenicillium, is reportedly able to produce high levels of cellulase and hemicellulase complexes. This study aimed to determine the characterization and activity of cellulase enzymes produced by fungiPenicilliumand analyze their cellulase activities, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The fungal strain used in this study was obtained from the Indonesian Culture Collection (InaCC) with the accession number of InaCC F15, InaCC F16, and InaCC F17. The parameters used for investigating the enzyme characteristic and activity were incubation time, index of substrate concentration on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), temperature, pH, and the effect of the addition of several metal ions as activators and/or inhibitors. The semi-qualitative analysis showed that the clear zone was formed in the surrounding colony ofPenicilliumInaCC F16 with a cellulolytic index was at 3.3. The optimum cellulase activity was obtained on two days incubation period, the temperature of 40°C, pH 5, and substrate concentration at 2%. The addition of metal ions at a concentration of 1mM showed that enzymes were activated by cations CoCl2, CuCl2, MgCl2, and inhibited by NaCl and ZnCl2.
Optimization of pulp concentration for bioethanol production from elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) using two commercial yeasts with addition of Tween 20
Authors: Winarni I , Waluyo T K , Pasaribu G
Published: November 2020

The higher consumption of fuel, especially fossil fuels, will lead to depletion of fuel reserves and high air pollution, which causes environmental pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternative fuels that are environmentally friendly and abundant availability in nature, so-called biofuels. One type of biofuel is bioethanol. Raw materials that can be produced into bioethanol are biomass or lignocellulosic material. Elephant grass is one type of lignocellulosic material that has high cellulose content (40.85%). The objective of this study was to determine the optimum pulp concentration by adding Tween 20 to the saccharification process with two types of commercial yeasts (fermipan and mauripan) in the fermentation process. The pulp variations used were 20, 25 and 30% w/v with Tween 20 concentrations 0% and 1%/v. The results showed an increase in pulp concentration, and the addition of Tween 20 by 1% could increase the ethanol content compared to controls (Without Tween 20). The highest ethanol content was produced at 30% pulp concentration (13.09%) with addition 1% of Tween 20 in the saccharification process and fermipan yeast in the fermentation stage, and it could achieve ethanol content of 13.94%(v) when using Mauripan yeast.
Anti-mycobacterial activity of two natural Bisanthraquinones: (+)-1,1′-Bislunatin and (+)-2,2′-Epicytoskyrin A
Authors: Oktavia L , Krishna V S , Rekha E M , Fathoni A , Sriram D , Agusta A
Published: November 2020

Tuberculosis is considered one of the leading death causes in the world by a single infectious agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The search for a new biologically active compound for the treatment of Tuberculosis is an urgent need due to the rise of multidrug-resistant phenomena. Endophytic fungi were known for a vast reservoir for bioactive secondary metabolites. Endophytic fungi, Diaporthe sp. GNBP-10 associated with gambier plant Uncaria gambier Roxb was able to produce two natural bisantharaquinone, (+)-1,1’-Bislunatin (Bis) and (+)-2,2’-Epicytoskyrin A (Epi), possessing strong antibacterial activities against the various pathogen. In this study, the biological activity screening of (Bis) and (Epi) will be extended by evaluating their activity against Mtb H37Rv. The in-vitro assay was conducted via determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), nutrient-starvation Mtb, Biofilm Mtb formation, and Mtb-infected macrophage assay. Meanwhile, the in-silico screening was done by docking and Adsorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Exertion (ADME) studies. Bis and Epi showed promising anti-tubercular activity, as shown by the MIC value of Bis, which is the same as rifampicin (standard drug) at 0.422 μM. Meanwhile, Epi carried out the same MIC value as isoniazid (standard drug) at 0.844 μM. Further investigation on in-vitro assay resulted in Epi and Bis, which were observed for having the ability to combat nutrient-starvation and biofilm of the Mtb model with relatively moderate activity in bacterial reduction with log reduction between 1-2 folds. The cytotoxicity study revealed that Bis possessed high toxicity at all tested concentrations, while the toxicity of Epi decreased as the tested concentrations decreased. Both compounds could reduce the number of Mtb infected into macrophages in 2 folds log reduction. The in-silico result via docking study shows that both compounds have good affinity with pantothenate kinase (PanK) enzyme with a glide score of -8.427 kcal/mol and -7.481 kcal/mol for Epi and Bis, respectively. This study suggests that Epi displayed a potency to be developed further as an anti-mycobacterial compound as it is shown by in-vitro assay, cytotoxicity, and in-silico study. Despite possessing good anti-mycobacterial activity, further studies such as QSAR (Quantitative-Structure Activity Relationship) is needed to improve the physicochemical properties of Epi while maintaining its biological properties.
The diversity of garlic bulbs and cloves quantitative characteristics of local garlic collection of East Java AIAT
Authors: Sandrakirana R , Baswarsiati  , Hadiatry M C
Published: November 2020

Since 2017, garlic has received special attention from the Indonesian government considering its imbalance conditions in the domestic market. For that purpose, the government has established a self-sufficiency plan for garlic in 2045 through increased domestic production. However, the limitation of clove quality and data of the character description for garlic has become a major constraint in terms of the similarity of bulb characters and cloves between accessions. East Java AIAT has conducted an exploration of garlic germplasms to several areas of production centers as a source of planting materials for clove production. The objective of this study was to collect and to identify differentiated characters from the garlic accessions. This activity took place from 2017 2018 in four regencies, obtained the bulb of four varieties, and three garlic accessions. Each accession has its characteristics. The research result showed that Geol had the heaviest bulb weight and the highest bulb length. Regarding the ratio between the length and diameter of the bulbs, Tawangmangu Baru showed the highest ratio, followed by Lumbu Hijau and TN1. From the clove characteristics, Tawangmangu Baru showed the heaviest clove weight. Furthermore, the ratio between the length/diameter of the bulbs and cloves indicated the diversity between accessions. Also, it was potentially to be used as a differentiator between accessions.
The prospect of microorganism in the silver nanoparticles biosynthesis to enhance antibiotic drug activity as an alternative solution to combat resistances
Authors: Warsito M F
Published: November 2020

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a major global concern. Nanotechnology is an alternate solution to combat these emerging problems, through the formulation of antibiotic drugs with nanoparticle to enhance the activity and reduce toxicity. Interaction between nanoparticle and bacteria can cause membrane disruption and toxicity to pathogenic microorganisms. Thus the combination of silver nanoparticle and antibiotic substances hopefully can increase therapeutic efficiency. Several microorganisms, such as actinomycetes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp, Aspergillus flavus, Bacillus sp., Penicillum, and Saccharomyces cerevicae have been known to be able to synthesis silver nanoparticle. It is an alternative method for chemical and physical synthesis processes, which is more environmentally friendly. The biological synthesis process is also considered easy and efficient compared to the conventional one. Furthermore, the biogenic nanoparticle has been proved to have board spectrum activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, including the pathogenic fungi. This review will discuss the microbial agent that has been known for its silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) synthesis ability and the AgNPs antimicrobial activity either as the sole agent or in combination with antibiotic drugs.
Screening phytochemical compound of Alstonia scholaris R.Br in different sites in Indonesia
Authors: Zuraida  , Sulistiyani
Published: November 2020

Indonesia’s tropical forest is widely used as a source of raw materials for traditional medicine. Pulai (Alstonia scholaris R.Br) is one of forest medicinal plants widely spread in the Indonesia forest to treat various diseases. Phytochemical compounds play an important role in the pharmacology effect depending on many factors such as age, geographical site, solvents, and extraction methods. This research aimed to investigate the phytochemical content of A. scholaris’ bark from a different region in Indonesia and to study the effect of the maceration and reflux extraction method on the yield of crude extract. A. scholaris barks were extracted by maceration and reflux method to get the yield. Then they were tested for phytochemical content for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroid saponins, and triterpenoids. The results showed that pulai bark extracted by maceration was bigger in yield than that of the reflux method, as stated follows: Palembang, Cifor, Banjar Baru, and Ngebel, which were 5.2%, 7.92%, 3.35%, 4.19, respectively. The phytochemical test showed that all samples of positive flavonoids and alkaloids. A. scholaris’ bark from Cifor-Bogor had the strongest flavonoids content of all, and it had potential activity as an antioxidant.
Distribution of long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) in Kelimutu National Park
Authors: Fauzi R , Wuryanto T , Endarto  , Suarmadi F , Tomonob A
Published: November 2020

Long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) are one of the mammals that live in Kelimutu National Park (Kelimutu NP). This mammal, in its natural habitat, has an impact on buffer zones in the form of animal activities that damage crops on plantation lands. The purpose of this study was to identify the distribution of long-tailed macaque populations. This research was conducted in August 2010 by covering areas within the region and outside the Kelimutu NP area. Data analysis was used to calculate the abundance index, the encounter rate for estimating abundance and distribution based on the length of the track surveyed. The results indicated that the distribution of long-tailed macaques populations in Kelimutu NP was most widely found in field habitats, with a relatively low abundance of around five individuals/km. Based on the calculation of habitat carrying capacity for groups of long-tailed macaque in the tourism zones, it is still below the maximum limit. The increased awareness of ecological insight tourism also needs to be optimized related to the presence of long-tailed macaque in the tourism zones of Kelimutu NP. Development of habitats, such as planting of trees for foods and protected zones is necessary to provide a suitable habitat for long-tailed macaque.
Functional structures of termite assemblage in changing habitats and ecosystems
Authors: Himmi S K , Wikantyoso B , Fajar A , Tarmadi D , Yusuf S
Published: November 2020

Termite species diversity and assemblage structures differ in ecosystems and habitats. Termite distribution is also highly influenced by temperature, humidity and altitude. Greater species richness and greater density have been reported in humid forests than in arid or semiarid environments. However, termites biodiversity is known to be strongly affected by anthropogenic alteration, wich affect their functional assemblage structure. The humus-feeders were as the most sensitively affected, while the wood-feeders were the most resilient group among others. Therefore, the functional structures of termite communities in changing habitats and ecosystems are important subject to discuss in order to capture more understanding on termite and ecosystem relationship.
Gregariousness, foraging effort, and affiliative interactions in lactating bonobos and chimpanzees
Authors: Lee Sean M , Hohmann Gottfried , Lonsdorf Elizabeth V , Fruth Barbara , Murray Carson M
Published: November 2020

Fission–fusion dynamics have evolved in a broad range of animal taxa and are thought to allow individuals to mitigate feeding competition. While this is the principal benefit of fission–fusion, few studies have evaluated its costs. We compared gregariousness, foraging budgets, and social budgets between lactating bonobos and chimpanzees from wild populations to evaluate potential costs. Both species exhibit fission–fusion dynamics, but chimpanzees, particularly in East African populations, appear to experience higher feeding competition than bonobos. We expected lactating chimpanzees to be less gregarious than lactating bonobos; reduced gregariousness should allow lactating chimpanzees to mitigate the costs of higher feeding competition without requiring more foraging effort. However, we expected the reduced gregariousness of lactating chimpanzees to limit their time available for affiliative interactions. Using long-term data from LuiKotale bonobos and Gombe chimpanzees, we found that lactating chimpanzees were indeed less gregarious than lactating bonobos, while feeding and travel time did not differ between species. Contrary to our predictions, lactating females did not differ in social interaction time, and lactating chimpanzees spent proportionately more time interacting with individuals other than their immature offspring. Our results indicate that lactating chimpanzees can maintain social budgets comparable to lactating bonobos despite reduced gregariousness and without incurring additional foraging costs. We discuss potential explanations for why lactating bonobos are more gregarious.
The Parahippocampal Cortex and its Functional Connection with the Hippocampus are Critical for Nonnavigational Spatial Memory in Macaques
Authors: LaFlamme Elyssa M , Waguespack Hannah F , Forcelli Patrick A , Malkova Ludise
Published: November 2020

The Hamilton Search Task (HST) is a test of nonnavigational spatial memory that is dependent on the hippocampus. The parahippocampal cortex (PHC) is a major route for spatial information to reach the hippocampus, but the extent to which the PHC and hippocampus function independently of one another in the context of nonnavigational spatial memory is unclear. Here, we tested the hypotheses that (1) bilateral pharmacological inactivation of the PHC would impair HST performance, and (2) that functional disconnection of the PHC and hippocampus by contralateral (crossed) inactivation would likewise impair performance. Transient inactivation of the PHC impaired HST performance most robustly with 30 s intertrial delays, but not when color cues were introduced. Functional disconnection of the PHC and hippocampus, but not separate unilateral inactivation of either region, also selectively impaired long-term spatial memory. These findings indicate a critical role for the PHC and its interactions with the hippocampus in nonnavigational spatial memory.
The Research Excellence Framework 2014, journal ratings and the marginalisation of heterodox economics
Authors: Stockhammer Engelbert , Dammerer Quirin , Kapur Sukriti
Published: November 2020

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the main research assessment for universities in the UK. It informs university league tables and the allocation of government research funding. This paper analyses the evaluations of the REF 2014 for Economics, Business, Politics and History. First, we analyse from which journals articles have been submitted; second, to what extent journal ratings and journal impact factors predict the REF’s evaluations; third, how many articles from heterodox economics journals have been submitted. We find that a small group of journals dominate the outputs submitted. Journal ratings and impact factors explain 80% of the variation in the output evaluations for Economics. These values are lower but still substantial for other disciplines. Few papers from heterodox economics journals were submitted to Economics. Overall, the REF in its present form marginalises heterodox economics, pushes it out of the discipline and endangers pluralism in economics research.
Diagnostic performance of salivary pepsin for gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Yadlapati Rena , Kaizer Alexander , Greytak Madeline , Ezekewe Eze , Simon Violette , Wani Sachin
Published: November 2020

Uncertain diagnostic performance has limited clinical adoption of salivary pepsin, a noninvasive diagnostic tool for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to assess diagnostic performance of salivary pepsin, and test validity of thresholds in an external cohort of patients with or without GERD. This two-phase prospective study conducted at two centers enrolled adult asymptomatic volunteers, patients with symptoms of GERD undergoing reflux monitoring, and patients with Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Fasting saliva samples were processed for pepsin concentration using Peptest. Phase 1 compared pepsin concentration between No GERD (volunteers/functional heartburn) and GERD (erosive reflux disease/nonerosive reflux disease (NERD)/BE). Phase 2 tested validity of the diagnostic thresholds identified from Phase 1 among external functional heartburn and NERD cohorts. Of 243 enrolled subjects, 156 met inclusion criteria. Phase 1 (n = 114): Pepsin concentrations were significantly higher in GERD (n = 84) versus No GERD (n = 30) (73.8 ng/mL vs. 21.1 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Area under the curve for pepsin concentration was 0.74 (95% CI 0.65, 0.83). A salivary pepsin threshold of 24.9 ng/mL optimized the true negative rate and 100.0 ng/mL optimized the true positive rate. Phase 2 (n = 42): Pepsin concentrations were significantly higher in NERD (n = 22) versus Functional Heartburn (n = 20) (176.0 ng/mL vs. 53.3 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Applying Phase 1 thresholds in this external cohort, salivary pepsin 24.9 ng/mL was 86% sensitive (64%, 97%) and 100.0 ng/mL was 72% specific for distinguishing NERD from functional heartburn. Given modest sensitivity and specificity for GERD, salivary pepsin may have clinical utility as a noninvasive office based diagnostic screening tool for GERD.
Analytical approaches to minimizing immeasurable time bias in cohort studies
Authors: Oh In-Sun , Baek Yeon-Hee , Jeong Han Eol , Filion Kristian B , Shin Ju-Young
Published: November 2020

Background

Immeasurable time bias exaggerates drug benefits in pharmacoepidemiological studies due to exposure misclassification arising from the inability to measure in-hospital medications in many health care databases.

Methods

To compare the ability of different methodological approaches to minimize immeasurable time bias, we conducted a cohort study of β-blocker use and all-cause mortality among patients with heart failure (HF), using a nationwide health care database which contains both in- and outpatient prescriptions. In our gold-standard analysis, we assessed exposure using a time-varying approach involving both in- and outpatient prescriptions. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of mortality, with exposure to β-blockers defined as a time-varying variable. To estimate the magnitude of the immeasurable time bias, we repeated the analyses using outpatient prescriptions only and compared 10 approaches to minimize the bias, which are categorized as restriction, adjustment, assumption and weighting.

Results

The HR for β-blocker use versus non-use was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.71 to 0.80) in our gold-standard analysis. When exposure assessment was restricted to outpatient prescriptions only, β-blocker use was substantially more protective (HR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.46). Of the 10 approaches examined, adjusting for hospitalization as a time-varying variable successfully minimized the bias (HR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.82).

Conclusions

The immeasurable time bias can result in substantial bias in pharmacoepidemiological studies. Time-varying adjustment for hospitalization appears to reduce the immeasurable time bias in the absence of inpatient medication data.
Stimulus-Based Extinction Generalization: Neural Correlates and Modulation by Cortisol
Authors: Hagedorn Bianca , Wolf Oliver T , Merz Christian J
Published: November 2020

Background

While healthy individuals and patients with anxiety disorders easily generalize fear responses, extinction learning is more stimulus specific. Treatments aiming to generalize extinction learning are urgently needed, since they comprise the potential to overcome stimulus specificity and reduce relapses, particularly in the face of stressful events.

Methods

In the current 3-day functional magnetic resonance imaging fear conditioning paradigm, we aimed to create a generalized extinction memory trace in 60 healthy men and women by presenting multiple sizes of 1 conditioned stimulus during extinction training (CS+G; generalized), whereas the other conditioned stimulus was solely presented in its original size (CS+N; nongeneralized). Recall was tested on the third day after pharmacological administration of either the stress hormone cortisol or placebo.

Results

After successful fear acquisition, prolonged activation of the amygdala and insula and deactivation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex for CS+G compared with CS+N during extinction learning indicated sustained fear to the generalization stimuli. In line with our hypotheses, reduced amygdala activation was observed after extinction generalization on the third day in the contrast CS+G minus CS+N, possibly reflecting an attenuated return of fear. Cortisol administration before recall, however, blocked this effect.

Conclusions

Taken together, the findings show that extinction generalization was associated with decreased activation of the fear network during recall after prolonged activation of the fear network during extinction learning. However, the generalization of the extinction memory did not counteract the detrimental effects of stress hormones on recall. Thus, stimulus-based extinction generalization may not be sufficient to reduce relapses after stressful experiences.
The Neural Processes Interlinking Social Isolation, Social Support, and Problem Alcohol Use
Authors: Le Thang M , Wang Wuyi , Zhornitsky Simon , Dhingra Isha , Chen Yu , Zhang Sheng , Li Chiang-Shan R
Published: November 2020

Background

Subjective feeling of social isolation, as can be measured by perceived burdensomeness (PB), is a major risk factor for alcohol misuse. Heightened PB is associated with elevated stress response and diminished cognitive control, both of which contribute to problem drinking. Here, we sought to identify the neural substrates underlying the relationship between PB and alcohol misuse.

Methods

We employed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data collected from 61 problem drinkers to characterize the functional connectivity of the hypothalamus and ventral striatum (VS) in relation to PB. We specifically examined whether the connectivities of the hypothalamus and VS were differentially influenced by PB to produce contrasting effects on alcohol use. Finally, we evaluated how individual differences in social support modulate the inter-relationships of social isolation, neural connectivity, and the severity of problem drinking.

Results

Whole-brain multiple regressions show a positive relationship between PB and hypothalamic connectivity with the hippocampus and an inverse pattern for VS connectivity with the middle frontal gyrus. Difference in strength between the 2 connectivities predicted the severity of problem drinking, suggesting an imbalance involving elevated hypothalamic and diminished prefrontal cortical modulation in socially isolated problem drinkers. A path analysis further revealed that the lack of social support was associated with a bias toward low prefrontal connectivity, which in turn increased PB and facilitated problem drinking.

Conclusions

Altered hypothalamus and VS connectivity may underlie problem drinking induced by social isolation. The current findings also highlight the important role of social support as a potential protective factor against alcohol misuse.