bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Greenhouse Gases (GHG) Emissions during the Construction Stage of a Precast Building in Indonesia
Authors: Putri K N R , Tjandrawira M I , Handayani T N
Published: December 2021

Growth in the construction sector could stimulate the development of other sectors. However, the construction industry has been known as a sector that brings a great contributes to energy consumption and produces Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions that harm the environment. To support the implementation of sustainable infrastructure, calculating the greenhouse gas emissions produced by a construction project through its lifecycle is necessary. This study analyzes greenhouse gas emissions produced in constructing a three-story precast building. The emission source was calculated from the materials, transportation activities, and erection activities using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. The embodied carbon data was adopted from the Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE) database. From the analysis that has been carried out, the precast building project generated 124.882.7 kgCO2eq, or 283.18 kgCO2eq GHG per m2of building. The contribution of emissions from materials, the transportation precast components, and the erection of precast components was 119.649 kgCO2eq (95.81%), 632.41 kgCO2eq (0.51%), and 4,599.30 kgCO2eq (3.68%) respectively.
Landscapes Vulnerability on Climate Change in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia
Authors: Wacano D , Latifah N D , Bishop H , Gutama H , Hasanah N A I , Yulianto A , Rahmawati S , Nurmiyanto A , Putra H P , Maziya F B , Ardhayanti L I , Lathifah A N , Asmara A A
Published: December 2021

Whether climate change is real or not, the daily basis phenomena and its evidences should be our concern nowadays. Yogyakarta is one of the provinces that are vulnerable to the impact of climate change in Indonesia. The specific responses to climate change phenomena in Yogyakarta province are indirectly correlated to landscape characteristics. These characteristics are important aspects for the assessment and development of new approaches to address the impacts of climate change. Therefore, this paper presents the status of landscape vulnerability to climate change in Yogyakarta province to consider the issues of mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was applied to determine the objective of the research. The results of previous studies were reviewed in depth and combined with field observations to build a strong argument before evaluating the matrices and weights in the AHP steps. The result analysis showed that the most vulnerable landscape in Yogyakarta province is the anthropogenic landscape, which is located in Yogyakarta city. Furthermore, the combination of population density and poor sanitation management should be considered as a factor in mitigating and adapting to climate change in Yogyakarta city.
Saussure Theory to Determine the Relationship between Sacred Space and Multicultural Community Node. Case Study: Gereja Ayam, Pasar Baru, Jakarta
Authors: Rachmayanti I , Rombe O SC , Henry L , Meliana S , Fajarwati A A S
Published: December 2021

Many aspects of the Pasar Baru community were influenced by the mixed ethnicity. Churches, Chinese temples, Sikh temples, and mosques, as well as architectural, gastronomic, and religious institutions, expanded across the Pasar Baru, resulting in a multicultural existence. The goal of this research is to see if there is a link between sacred space and community nodes as a signifier/signified of diversity in a multicultural community in order to enhance sustainable urban life. Also, based on the discovery of similar impacts, see if there is a strong recommendation to use the relationship between religious buildings and multicultural ethnic as a basis to construct a multicultural collaboration space. Pasar Baru and Geraja Ayam served as the case study. The semiotic theory of Ferdinand Saussure is employed as an analytical tool in this work. Gereja Ayam has become an icon of Pasar Baru district. Religious sites and community hubs have a strong association. While liveliness and livability can be improved, the (social) sustainability of tourism must be considered. The collaborative venue, which incorporates multicultural arts and designs, is proposed as a means of bringing those many traits to life and strengthening the concept of “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” to generate income and employment.
A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Water Quality and Land Use in Tambayakbayan River, Yogyakarta
Authors: Putri A , Jana R , Florensia A S , Asmara A A , Yulianto A , Brontowiyono W
Published: December 2021

The Special Region of Yogyakarta is one of the areas that experienced a fairly high population growth rate and is directly proportional to the rate of development which has an impact on land use, especially in Tambakbayan watershed. This study aims to identify the types of land use that affected water quality of the Tambakbayan River using spatiotemporal analysis and Pearson correlation methods. Land use in Tambakbayan watershed is divided into three segments which are vegetation (VA), agriculture (AG), and building (BU). This study used water quality data from the Environmental Agency of Yogyakarta Province which consists of 14 parameters, i.e., pH, TDS, TSS, DO, BOD, COD, nitrate, nitrite, total phosphate, Zn, Cu, Pb, E. coli, and total coli. Landsat 8 image data from 2013 to 2020 is used from USGS. The result of this study found that vegetation has no correlation on Tambakbayan River water quality. However, agriculture and building areas significantly affected the decreasing water quality of the Tambakbayan River.
Spatial Patterns of Carbon Monoxide Distribution to Traffic Jam in East Jakarta
Authors: Ramadhan A W , Wibowo A , Saraswati R
Published: December 2021

The rapid growth of cities will certainly also increase traffic jams and emissions in the air. This study aims to analyze the increase in car volume and the CO distribution pattern in East Jakarta. Data for traffic jam patterns were recorded based on Google Maps on weekdays in the morning and evening. The spatial analysis method used to find the CO distribution pattern is the IDW interpolation, and the mathematical model calculates the moving emission based on the distance travelled (VKT). The spatial pattern of CO distribution in 2020 was scattered with high concentrations in Pasar Rebo, Ciracas, Cipayung, Kramat Jati, and Makasar Districts, with CO levels above 4,500 ppm. The spatial pattern of CO distribution from the mobile emission model differs from the air station IDW interpolation. The CO distribution pattern from the mobile emission model is very concentrated in Makassar, and Kramat Jati District was 6,740.91 tons/year. The result concluded that the increase in vehicle volume is not related to the distribution of the CO model from air station IDW interpolation, and the other hand, the congestion pattern was related to the distribution pattern of the CO model from vehicles from the level of congestion.
Watershed Flood Vulnerability Assessment Based Land Subsidence Analysed from a Long Time Period of Sentinel-1 Radar Data
Authors: Adkhi I I , Karuniasa M , Tambunan R P
Published: December 2021

Identifying flood vulnerability in an area is part of disaster risk management, especially for mitigating flood events. The level of vulnerability can be recognized from many factors. One of the primary sources of flood vulnerability in urban lowland areas is land subsidence. Sentinel Radar data has been proven to be able to produce land subsidence data accurately. This study was conducted using two Sentinel 1A Radar data acquired on 7 December 2014 and 20 August 2021. Determining the level of flood vulnerability, the analysis of land subsidence is operated at the watershed scale. The highest land subsidence recorded in the Kali Sunter watershed area was 81mm in Kayuputih Village, East Jakarta City. The villages classified as “Extremely Vulnerable” are Sumurbatu in Central Jakarta City, Kayuputih in East Jakarta City in Kelapagading Barat in North Jakarta City and Mekarsari in Depok City.
Understanding Natural Resources Clause in Indonesia Constitution
Authors: Arsil F , Ayuni Q
Published: December 2021

This paper analyzed the regulation of natural resources in the 1945 Constitution. Regulations regarding the natural resources affairs in the Indonesian constitution can be found in Article 33 section (3) of the 1945 Constitution. The study’s objective is to discover how the clauses in the Indonesian constitution concerning natural resources are interpreted and applied in theory and practice. By using the normative juridical method, this paper discovers that the control of natural resources in the Indonesian constitution is constructed on the concept of economic management. As for the management of this economy, the state is obliged to apply a welfare state for the benefit of the Indonesian people.
Maintaining Environmental Sustainability through Existing Environment’s Vegetations
Authors: Nugraha M R , Dewi O C
Published: December 2021

Demands for building in urban areas have been increasing lately, especially educational buildings as support for the human development index. Unfortunately, only a few educational buildings can support green buildings as pilots and educational materials for their users. One of the initiators in becoming educational materials and examples of green buildings is the i-cell multipurpose educational building at the Universitas Indonesia. This study aims to find evidence of how reliable and sustainable planning of an educational building in Depok, Indonesia, can accommodate the needs of its users while being environmentally friendly for its surroundings. It observes the influences of vegetation in the surrounding building, one of which is by maximizing the function of vegetation around the building. The research methods include collecting data from the weather archive, vegetation literature, observing the subject, and analyzing the vegetation’s effect. This study shows that vegetation has an important role in generating a sound environment for humans and buildings, including healing and providing calmness. This study concludes that vegetation plays a role in generating a good environment by decreasing temperature, sound pollution, sun glare and providing shading areas for people. Those conditions lead to the sustainability of the environment surrounding the building.
Peatland Community Attitudes towards Conservation and Restoration Programs in Pelalawan, Riau, Indonesia
Authors: Laia D H , Darsono  , Antriyandarti E
Published: December 2021

One of the priority areas for restoration and conservation of peatland after the 2015 fires in Riau is Pelalawan District. The community attitude around peatland will affect the success of conservation and restoration activities carried out by the government together with the Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG). This research aims to determine the community attitude around peatland toward conservation and restoration programs using a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The total number of respondents is 45 communities spread over two subdistricts in Pelalawan, Riau. The location determination was carried out by purposive sampling where two sub-districts were selected, the Bunut sub-district representing the mainland peatland area and the Pelalawan sub-district representing the coastal peatland area. The main results of this research indicate that conservation and restoration of peatland such as the establishment of Fire Concerned Community (MPA), the existence of re-vegetation, canal blocking as form of re-wetting, and re-vitalization of livelihoods in Pelalawan, Riau obtain a positive response from the community along with it, community participation programs organized by the government. This research shows to the public that local peatland communities have awareness and understanding of the importance of protecting peatland area ecosystem.
The Growth of Platform Work as Precarious Work that Threatens Indonesia’s Target to Meet Decent Work as Formulated in Goal 8 of SDGs
Authors: Silaban R , Widiawaty D , Basir S
Published: December 2021

This article discusses the implications of the emergence of platform work as a form of precarious work that threatens Indonesia’s target to meet Goal 8 of SDGs. Despite the work platform providing employment opportunities to many workers, most work in the non-standard employment (NSE) category. This means that they work precariously due to insufficient work protection, which may lead to severe consequences to decent work and productive work as critical elements of Goal 8 of SDGs. This research aims to assess the implementation gap Indonesia faces in realizing the roadmap of Goal 8 of SDGs. Using the qualitative descriptive research method, the authors analyzed and explained the challenges through comparative data study from 2016 to the year 2020, with emphasis on four main area indicators of Goal 8 of SDGs. We concluded that promoting precarious work in Indonesia might hinder the implementation of the 8th goal of SDGs on decent work. We offer some policy alternatives to mitigate the challenges by underlining the importance of new regulations to extend job protection to all workers regardless of the employment relationship.
Sustainability of Agriculture: An Analysis Based on Financial Performance and Good Governance
Authors: Nuryanah S , Sari D , Hermawan A
Published: December 2021

Strategy to achieve food security is crucial for all countries around the world. This becomes more important for Indonesia as the fourth most populous country. This study evaluates Indonesia’s agricultural sustainability as one of the food security programs. In specific, the evaluation is based on micro-economics point of view by analysing the financial performance of the agricultural industries. This study also examines the role of ownership and external auditors as corporate governance instruments controlling a company achieving its ultimate objective. Conducting a quantitative study and examining Indonesia listed companies for the period of 2003-2018, the results show that most of Indonesia’s listed agricultural companies are not sustained as they were in bankruptcy zone. The ability of companies to manage the costs and commitment to do investments create value for the future, and the role of foreign ownership as one of governance instruments is found to be able to prevent agricultural companies from bankruptcy. The findings bring practical implications on the importance of financial literacy for managers of agricultural industries and good corporate governance practice to ensure the sustainability of agriculture.
The Correlation of SDG 1 and 8 and Spatial Effect of Human Development Index in Central Java
Authors: Arriani R R , Chotib
Published: December 2021

Human Development Index (HDI) is the approach to measure socio-economics since 1990. Furthermore, integrating socio-economics with the environment brings the development of Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). The relations between human development and sustainable development are complementary to build a better society. However, by 2020, the growth of HDI in Indonesia starts slowing down during Covid-19 to only 0,03% from the previous year. Central Java is one of the provinces that can still manage the HDI growth higher than Indonesia. This study aims to find the SDG 1 and 8 factors that affect HDI in Central Java with the spatial econometrics method to analyze the spatial dependency in variables. The variables of SDG 1 and 8 in this study are Ln Poverty Line, Ln GDRP per capita, unemployment, and poverty rate. This study shows that the SDG 1 and 8 variables have significant results and implicates spatial effects through Spatial Lag in the HDI of Central Java. The implication of this study is to encourage collaborative action in strengthening the implementation of SDGs and improving the HDI of the regions and cities in Central Java.
Private Green Open Space Arrangement through Indonesian Building Permits
Authors: Lathifah L N , Hasibuan H S , Sodri A
Published: December 2021

Private Green Open Space (GOS) is a part of the proportion of Urban GOS of 10%, complemented by 20% of public GOS. In 2019, DKI Jakarta Province had an urban GOS area proportion of 9.8%. The arrangement of private GOS is inseparable from limitations based on the provisions of space intensity, space requirements, and availability of land ownership. This study discusses the arrangement of private GOS through building permits that can increase the proportion of urban GOS. This research was conducted in Jatinegara District, East Jakarta City. The research method that will be used is quantitative. The descriptive statistical analysis method was used to process secondary data in Public GOS data shows the proportion is currently still far from 30% and building permit data for the 2019-2020 period in Jatinegara District shows the proportion of private GOS at 33.46%. For housing with limited land, alternatives are needed to provide private GOS such as green roofs or vertical gardens.
Integrating Economic Value of Environmental Services and Carbon Stock: A Case Study from Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park
Authors: Lestari N S , Sari G K , Kusmayanti  , Ponekke W V , Saputra F , Waskito A H , Satrio A E , Susanti E
Published: December 2021

As a conservation area, national parks play essential roles in environmental services provision and have the potential to support the REDD+ program. This study aims to estimate appropriate incentives for national parks based on carbon units by integrating the economic value of environmental services and carbon stock provided by the lowland dry forest ecosystem in Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park (BNWNP) consisted of North Sulawesi and Gorontalo areas. Carbon stock was estimated by establishing sample plots, including five carbon pools. While the economic valuation of environmental services includes biodiversity using the market approach, ecotourism using the zonal travel cost method, and water service using simulation water regulation services method and market approach. The total ecosystem carbon stock in BNWNP is estimated at 73.67 Mton. Meanwhile, the estimation of the economic value of environmental services is about IDR 70.57 trillion. Based on these results, the appropriate carbon values are IDR 683,308 and IDR 1,304,238 per ton carbon for the lowland dry forest ecosystem in Gorontalo and North Sulawesi areas. This result indicates that given its essential environmental services, the incentive for protecting national parks may exceed the carbon value used in result-based payment scheme in REDD+ initiatives that have been implemented.
How do Batik Natural Dyes Crafter Spread Their Green Value (Case Studies on Batik Gemawang and Batik Warna Alam Si Putri)
Authors: Untari R
Published: December 2021

Batik Indonesia was awarded as an intangible heritage by Unesco. Unfortunately, synthetic color batik has many advantages over natural dyes batik. The difficulty of selling natural color batik makes natural color batik crafters carry out educational activities to potential consumers to generate demand and purchases. The method for the research is observation for the long term, an in-depth interview to confirm the observation finding then do qualitative analysis. The research found that natural color batik crafters or ecopreneurs must have a solid green value to survive in their business. There are various ways, methods, and means to educate potential batik consumers and others. Natural color Batik artisans will choose the way he or she is most likely to do. The education is carried out continuously. This activity is aimed at prospective consumers knowing natural color batik and its advantages. This knowledge can defeat the attractiveness of low prices that synthetic color batik has. So that in the end, consumers will make a purchase. Especially for this research, its also found that the batik crafter also educates another party than potential customer therefore, the other party will support the education for the potential customer.
Contribution of Customary Law in Sustainable Forest Management for Supporting Climate Action
Authors: Asteria D , Brotosusilo A , Negoro H A , Sudrajad M R
Published: December 2021

In support of climate action, a paradigm shift in environmental management needs to occur by acknowledging the perspective of traditional communities and customary law to preserve the environment. Efforts to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of climate change are important in sustainable development. Sustainability of forest management is highly dependent on the participation of local communities which enforce customary law in forest management. Reducing and preventing deforestation can accelerate efforts in mitigation and improving resilience. This paper aims to describe the contribution of customary law as an approach to sustainable forest management for supporting climate action. The research method uses a qualitative approach with literature study and document study. This study shows that customary law has contributed in sustainable forest management approach for the protection by integrating aspects based on ecological and social characteristics in forest ecosystem. In addition, the existence of indigenous people in the context of forest resource conservation is one of the important factors in the practice of just and sustainable management of conservation areas. The contribution of this research is by serving as a reflection and evaluation of forest management practices in order to integrate customary law in regulation and the formation of public discourse regarding awareness of environmental protection.
Investigation of the Pancharatnam–Berry phase element for the generation of the top-hat beam
Authors: Gotovski P , Šlevas P , Orlov S , Ulčinas O , Jukna V , Urbas A
Published: December 2021

Within optics, the Pancharatnam–Berry phase enables the design and creation of various flat special optical elements such as top-hat converters. We present a study on engineering efficient vectorial top-hat converters inscribed in glass by high-power femtosecond laser pulses. We phase-encode a top-hat converter and demonstrate how its quality is influenced by various parameters. We investigate theoretically the generation of the top-hat beam under imperfect conditions such as the mismatch of the incident beam width or the misalignment of the center of the converter. Experimental verification of the concept is also presented.
High harmonic generation in mixed XUV and NIR fields at a free-electron laser
Authors: Troß Jan , Pathak Shashank , Summers Adam , Rompotis Dimitrios , Erk Benjamin , Passow Christopher , Manschwetus Bastian , Boll Rebecca , Grychtol Patrik , Bari Sadia , Kumarappan Vinod , Le Anh-Thu , Jin Cheng , Trallero Carlos , Rolles Daniel
Published: December 2021

We present the results of an experiment investigating the generation of high-order harmonics by a femtosecond near-infrared (NIR) laser pulse in the presence of an extreme ultraviolet (XUV) field provided by a free-electron laser (FEL), a process referred to as XUV-assisted high-order harmonic generation (HHG). Our experimental findings show that the XUV field can lead to a small enhancement in the harmonic yield when the XUV and NIR pulses overlap in time, while a strong decrease of the HHG yield and a red shift of the HHG spectrum is observed when the XUV precedes the NIR pulse. The latter observations are in qualitative agreement with model calculations that consider the effect of a decreased number of neutral emitters but are at odds with the predicted effect of the correspondingly increased ionization fraction on the phase matching. Our study demonstrates the technical feasibility of XUV-assisted HHG experiments at FELs, which may provide new avenues to investigate correlation-driven electron dynamics as well as novel ways to study and control propagation effects and phase matching in HHG.
Recent progresses in super-hydrophobicity and micro-texturing for engineering applications
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Verma Rajeev , Sharma Vishal S , Sharma Varun
Published: December 2021

Increasing interests have been prevalent lately among the research fraternity for the development of superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) considering the favorable properties exuded by them. Recently, SHS have been employed effectively in diverse engineering applications like self-cleaning/anti-dust, anti-reflecting coatings, corrosion resistance, anti-biofouling, biomedical, oil-water separation, drag reduction, anti-icing, and cavitation erosion. Further, patterned topology by micro/nano surface texturing has been perceived lately as an engineering opportunity to enhance the surface performance and has opened various avenues for exploration. This work reports the recent research findings pertaining to the concept of superhydrophobicity and micro-texturing particularly in the context of their application for the impediment of the adversaries in metallic components. The comprehensive review on SHS and micro-texturing suggests that the integrated application of these surface modification techniques are proficient for mechanical interlocking of the deposited coatings.
Investigations on the properties of composite coatings electro co-deposited on AZ80 Mg alloy using triangular waveform pulse current
Authors: Pushpanathan D Peter , Alagumurthi N , Devaneyan S Pradeep
Published: December 2021

In this research, boron carbide (B4C) and titanium carbide (TiC) nanoparticles were deposited along with Nickel on AZ80 magnesium alloy substrates. Triangular waveform pulse current was used for depositing the coatings on the substrate. The objective of this research is to investigate the microstructural evolution of the coatings in response to the current density, duty cycle and the concentration of reinforcements in the bath. The influence of process parameters were also assessed in terms of the microhardness and specific wear rate. To enhance the surface properties of AZ80 magnesium alloy, a three component layer was successfully applied via electro co-deposition technique for the first time. The magnesium alloy substrates were cleaned and pretreated as per ASTM B480−88. The pretreated samples were coated at three levels of current density viz. 1.5 A dm−2, 2 A dm−2 and 2.5 A dm−2, and the duty cycle was varied between 30%, 40% and 50%. The concentrations of reinforcements in the bath were kept at 0 g l−1, 0.5 g l−1 and 1 g l−1. The samples were coated according to Taguchi L9 orthogonal array with two replications. The microstructural studies conducted using scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the defects, grain refinement and homogeneous distribution of reinforcements in the Ni matrix. The deposition and orientation of reinforcements in preferred planes were investigated with XRD. Vickers microhardness tests conducted as per ASTM E384-17 revealed that the sample coated with 2.5 A dm−2 current density, 30% duty cycle, 1 g l−1 B4C and 0.5 g l−1 TiC produced the coatings with the highest hardness of 412.56 Hv. XRD patterns revealed higher Ni peaks and preferential deposition in the (201) plane of B4C and (200) plane of TiC causing the hardness to improve. The results of the pin on disc wear tests conducted according to ASTM G99 were in agreement with the hardness results and the corresponding microstructure. The sample with the maximum microhardness exhibited the minimum specific wear rate of 2.1 E-08 mm3 Nm−1. The ability of triangular pulse current in waveform to deposit hybrid composite coatings on AZ80 magnesium alloy and enhance its surface properties has been confirmed by the results of this research.
TiO2−x films for bolometer applications: recent progress and perspectives
Authors: Zhang Qiming , Yan Ruiyang , Peng Xiaoyan , Wang YuShui , Feng Shuanglong
Published: December 2021

The bolometer is widely used in military and civilian infrared imaging due to its advantages of non-cooling, small size and portability. Thermosensitive materials seriously affect the performance of bolometers. As a kind of heat-sensitive material, the TiO2−x material has the advantages of good thermal stability, large-area preparation, and compatibility with the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. However, there is almost no review on the application of titanium oxide for bolometers. In this paper, we introduce the bolometer’s main thermal and photoelectric performance parameters and the critical technologies to manufacture the bolometer. Finally, we will particularly emphasize the effects of preparation process parameters of TiO2 on the performance parameters temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), 1/f noise, etc.
Study on the leaching toxicity and performance of manganese slag-based cementitious materials
Authors: Zhang Shuhui , Li Xiaodong , Zhang Wei , Fan Fei , Wang Yingzi
Published: December 2021

With the rapid development of electrolytic manganese industry, the environmental problems caused by the storage of electrolytic manganese slag are particularly prominent. It not only occupies land resources, but also easily causes heavy metal pollution in soil, surface water and groundwater. Therefore, it is necessary to treat electrolytic manganese slag safely and effectively. The paper mainly studies the solidification/stabilization of electrolytic manganese slag and its environmental safety for road filling, in order to open up a new way of harmless and resource utilization of electrolytic manganese slag. In this paper, lime and fly ash were used as stabilizers and cement was used as curing agent to stabilize manganese slag, and the stabilization effect of Mn and Pb in manganese slag was studied. The stabilization effect of manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb) in manganese slag was studied. The results show that the dosage of stabilizer quicklime is 2.5%, fly ash is 3%, and the dosage of solidifying agent cement is 12%, the solidification/stabilization effect is the best compared with other ratios, then the leaching concentrations of Mn and Pb meets the requirements of China’s surface water environmental quality standards for category III water sources, which can be used as domestic water after treatment. Under the optimal ratio of stabilization effect, the compressive strength and slump are 13.8 MPa and 50 mm, respectively. The research results of the paper can provide a new way for the harmless treatment of manganese slag and the resource utilization of new materials.
Bullying rife in astronomy and geophysics
Authors: Randall Ian
Published: December 2021

Astronomy and geophysics have a systemic bullying and harassment problem, according to an investigation by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS).
Avoiding ‘alliarship’
Authors: Jones Francis , Lawrence Anya , Grozier Jim
Published: December 2021

In response to Anya Lawrence’s Forum article discussing people who seem to support efforts to promote equality but do not actually take any practical steps to help marginalized people.
Spaced out
Authors: Wright Peter
Published: December 2021

What was the real point of the flight of Jeff Bezos’s spacecraft?
Mind over matter
Authors: Budden John
Published: December 2021

A response to Jon Cartwright’s feature article in which he explores how topological concepts can be used to model phenomena in many other areas of physics.
Standing on the shoulders of programmers
Authors: Rao Achintya
Published: December 2021

Free and open-source software is growing to be a powerful tool in academic research, helping scientists to collaborate better and work smarter. Achintya Rao investigates how such software is being used in physics research, and its role in the wider open-science movement.
Association between a lifestyle-based healthy heart score and risk of frailty in older women: a cohort study
Authors: Sotos-Prieto Mercedes , Struijk Ellen A , Fung Teresa T , Rimm Eric B , Rodriguez-Artalejo Fernando , Willett Walter C , Hu Frank B , Lopez-Garcia Esther
Published: December 2021

Background

Evidence on the comprehensive role of lifestyle in frailty risk is scarce. To assess the association between a lifestyle-based Healthy Heart Score (HHS), which estimates the 20-year risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and risk of frailty among older women.

Methods

Prospective cohort study in 121,700 nurses from the USA participating at the Nurses’ Health Study. This study included 68,416 women aged ≥60 year with a follow-up from 1990 to 2014. The HHS was computed using the gender-specific beta-coefficients of the nine lifestyle factors, including current smoking, high body mass index, low physical activity, lack of moderate alcohol intake and unhealthy diet. Frailty incidence was assessed every 4 years from 1992 to 2014 as having ≥3 of the following five criteria from the FRAIL scale: fatigue, low strength, reduced aerobic capacity, having ≥5 illnesses and weight loss ≥5%.

Results

During 22 years of follow-up, 11,041 total incident cases of frailty were ascertained. Compared to women in the lowest quintile of the HHS (lowest estimated CVD risk), the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio of frailty across quintiles was: Q2:1.67 (95% confidence interval 1.53, 1.82); Q3: 2.34 (2.15, 2.53); Q4: 3.54 (3.28, 3.83) and Q5: 5.92 (5.48, 6.38); P-trend > 0.001. Results were consistent for each frailty criterion, among participants with 0 frailty criteria at baseline, when using only baseline exposure or in 6-year-, 10-year- and 14-year-exposure lagged analyses, and after excluding participants with diabetes and CVD at baseline.

Conclusions

The HHS, based on a set of modifiable-lifestyle factors, is strongly associated with risk of frailty in older women.
Tossing Morgenbesser’s Coin
Authors: Goodsell Zachary
Published: December 2021

Morgenbesser's Coin is a thought experiment that exemplifies a widespread disposition to infer counterfactual independence from causal independence. I argue that this disposition is mistaken by analysing a closely related thought experiment.
Cognitive and affective theory of mind double dissociation after parietal and temporal lobe tumours
Authors: Campanella Fabio , West Thomas , Corradi-Dell’Acqua Corrado , Skrap Miran
Published: December 2021

Extensive neuroimaging literature suggests that understanding others’ thoughts and emotions engages a wide network encompassing parietal, temporal and medial frontal brain areas. However, the causal role played by these regions in social inferential abilities is still unclear. Moreover very little is known about theory of mind deficits in brain tumours and whether potential anatomical substrates are comparable to those identified in functional MRI literature.

This study evaluated the performance of 105 tumour patients, before and immediately after brain surgery, on a cartoon-based non-verbal task evaluating cognitive (intention attribution) and affective (emotion attribution) theory of mind, as well as a non-social control condition (causal inference).

Across multiple analyses, we found converging evidence of a double dissociation between patients with right superior parietal damage, selectively impaired in intention attribution, and those with right anteromedial temporal lesion, exhibiting deficits only in emotion attribution. Instead, patients with damage to the frontal cortex were impaired in all kinds of inferential processes, including those from the non-social control conditions.

Overall, our data provide novel reliable causal evidence of segregation between different aspects of the theory of mind network from both the cognitive and also the anatomical point of view.
Incidence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection Among African Women Using Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, a Copper Intrauterine Device, or a Levonorgestrel Implant for Contraception: A Nested Randomized Trial
Authors: Mugo Nelly R , Stalter Randy M , Heffron Renee , Rees Helen , Scoville Caitlin W , Morrison Charles , Kourtis Athena P , Bukusi Elizabeth , Beksinska Mags , Philip Neena M , Beesham Ivana , Deese Jen , Edward Vinodh , Donnell Deborah , Baeten Jared M ,   Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial Consortium, Baeten Jared M , Kiarie James , Mastro Timothy D , Mugo Nelly R , Rees Helen , Justman Jessica , Nhlabatsi Zelda , Bukusi Elizabeth A , Onono Maricianah , Louw Cheryl , Bekker Linda Gail , Nair Gonasagrie , Beksinska Mags , Smit Jennifer , Hofmeyr G Justus , Singata-Madliki Mandisa , Smit Jennifer , Palanee-Phillips Thesla , Selepe Raesibe Agnes Pearl , Sibiya Sydney , Ahmed Khatija , Kasaro Margaret Phiri , Stringer Jeffrey , Baron Deborah , Donnell Deborah , Gichangi Peter B , Heller Kate B , Mbandazayo Nomthandazo , Morrison Charles S , Nanda Kavita , Pleaner Melanie , Scoville Caitlin W , Shears Kathleen , Steyn Petrus S , Taylor Douglas , Thomas Katherine K , Welch Julia D
Published: December 2021

Background

Globally, women have higher herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) prevalence than men; data from observational studies suggest a possible association of HSV-2 acquisition with use of intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM).

Methods

Within a randomized trial of the effect of 3 contraceptive methods—DMPA-IM, a copper intrauterine device (IUD), and a levonorgestrel (LNG) implant—on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition, we assessed HSV-2 acquisition. HSV-2 and HIV seronegative women, aged 16–35 years, and seeking effective contraception were followed for 12–18 months at 12 sites in Eswatini, Kenya, South Africa, and Zambia from 2015 to 2018. HSV-2 serologic testing was done at enrollment and final study visits. Intention-to-treat analysis using Poisson regression with robust standard errors compared HSV-2 incidence by contraceptive method.

Results

At baseline, 4062 randomized women were HSV-2 seronegative, of whom 3898 (96.0%) had a conclusive HSV-2 result at their final study visit. Of these, 614 (15.8%) acquired HSV-2, at an incidence of 12.4/100 person-years (p-y): 10.9/100 p-y among women assigned DMPA-IM, 13.7/100 p-y the copper IUD, and 12.7/100 p-y the LNG implant. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) for HSV-2 acquisition were 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], .65–.97) for DMPA-IM compared with copper IUD, 0.86 (95% CI, .71–1.05) for DMPA-IM compared with LNG implant, and 1.08 (95% CI, .89–1.30) for copper IUD compared with LNG implant. HSV-2 acquisition risk was significantly increased among women who also acquired HIV during follow-up (IRR 3.55; 95% CI, 2.78–4.48).

Conclusions

In a randomized trial, we found no association between HSV-2 acquisition and use of 3 contraceptive methods.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02550067.
Efavirenz Pharmacokinetics and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Viral Suppression Among Patients Receiving Tuberculosis Treatment Containing Daily High-Dose Rifapentine
Authors: Podany Anthony T , Pham Michelle , Sizemore Erin , Martinson Neil , Samaneka Wadzanai , Mohapi Lerato , Badal-Faesen Sharlaa , Dawson Rod , Johnson John L , Mayanja Harriet , Lalloo Umesh , Whitworth William C , Pettit April , Campbell Kayla , Phillips Patrick P J , Bryant Kia , Scott Nigel , Vernon Andrew , Kurbatova Ekaterina V , Chaisson Richard E , Dorman Susan E , Nahid Payam , Swindells Susan , Dooley Kelly E , Fletcher Courtney V
Published: December 2021

Background

A 4-month regimen containing rifapentine and moxifloxacin has noninferior efficacy compared to the standard 6-month regimen for drug-sensitive tuberculosis. We evaluated the effect of regimens containing daily, high-dose rifapentine on efavirenz pharmacokinetics and viral suppression in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated tuberculosis (TB).

Methods

In the context of a Phase 3 randomized controlled trial, HIV-positive individuals already virally suppressed on efavirenz--containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) (EFV1), or newly initiating efavirenz (EFV2) received TB treatment containing rifapentine (1200 mg), isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and either ethambutol or moxifloxacin. Mid-interval efavirenz concentrations were measured (a) during ART and TB cotreatment (Weeks 4, 8, 12, and 17, different by EFV group) and (b) when ART was taken alone (pre- or post-TB treatment, Weeks 0 and 22). Apparent oral clearance (CL/F) was estimated and compared. Target mid-interval efavirenz concentrations were > 1 mg/L. Co-treatment was considered acceptable if > 80% of participants had mid-interval efavirenz concentrations meeting this target.

Results

EFV1 and EFV2 included 70 and 41 evaluable participants, respectively. The geometric mean ratio comparing efavirenz CL/F with vs without TB drugs was 0.79 (90% confidence interval [CI] .72–.85) in EFV1 and 0.84 [90% CI .69–.97] in EFV2. The percent of participants with mid-interval efavirenz concentrations > 1mg/L in EFV1 at Weeks 0, 4, 8, and 17 was 96%, 96%, 88%, and 89%, respectively. In EFV2, at approximately 4 and 8 weeks post efavirenz initiation, the value was 98%.

Conclusions

TB treatment containing high-dose daily rifapentine modestly decreased (rather than increased) efavirenz clearance and therapeutic targets were met supporting the use of efavirenz with these regimens, without dose adjustment.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT 02410772.
Safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with anaemia and atrial fibrillation: an observational nationwide Danish cohort study
Authors: Al-Hussainy Nour , Kragholm Kristian Hay , Lundbye-Christensen Søren , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Pareek Manan , Therkelsen Susette Krohn , Lip Gregory Y H , Riahi Sam
Published: December 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of stroke and bleeding among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) despite anaemia at treatment initiation time.

Methods and results

All Danish patients (N = 41 321) diagnosed with incident AF, having a baseline haemoglobin (Hb), and subsequently initiated DOAC therapy between 2012 and 2019 were identified through administrative registry databases. Patients with anaemia were subdivided according to the World Health Organization classification of anaemia and evaluated regarding risk of stroke and composite bleeding endpoint [hospitalization due to urogenital, gastrointestinal (GI), or intracranial bleeding or epistaxis]. Standardized absolute 1-year risks of stroke and composite bleeding endpoint were calculated using multivariable Cox regression analyses. The standardized absolute 1-year risk difference for composite bleeding increased by 0.96% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38–1.54] for patients with moderate/severe anaemia compared with patients with no anaemia. This risk was mainly driven by an increase in standardized absolute 1-year risk for serious GI bleeding, which increased by 0.41% (95% CI 0.19–0.63). No significant difference in standardized absolute 1-year bleeding risk was observed among patients with mild anaemia compared with patients with no anaemia 0.36% (95% CI −0.10 to 0.82). No significant difference in standardized absolute 1-year risk of stroke was observed among patients with mild anaemia, −0.16% (95% CI −0.13 to 0.15), and moderate/severe anaemia, −0.47% (95% CI −0.16 to 0.19), compared with patients with no anaemia.

Conclusion

For AF patients receiving DOACs, moderate/severe anaemia is a risk factor for serious GI bleeding, while stroke risk is the same regardless of whether anaemia was present at baseline or not.
Digoxin use and clinical outcomes in elderly Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the Optimal Thromboprophylaxis in Elderly Chinese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (ChiOTEAF) registry
Authors: Guo Yutao , Kotalczyk Agnieszka , Wang Yutang , Lip Gregory Y H
Published: December 2021

Aims

Prior studies have reported conflicting results on digoxin’s impact on clinical outcomes and quality of life, and there are limited data from Asia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of digoxin and its impact on clinical outcomes and quality of life in a high-risk cohort of elderly Chinese atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.

Methods and results

The Optimal Thromboprophylaxis in Elderly Chinese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (ChiOTEAF) registry is a prospective, multicentre nationwide study conducted from October 2014 to December 2018. Endpoints of interest were the composite outcome of all-cause death/any thromboembolism (TE), all-cause death, cardiovascular death, sudden cardiac death, and TE events, as well as the quality of life. The eligible cohort for this analysis included 6391 individuals, of whom 751 (11.8%) patients were treated with digoxin. On multivariate analysis, the use of digoxin was associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) of composite outcome [OR: 1.71; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32–2.22], all-cause death (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.23–2.14), and any TE (OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.08–2.95). Results were consistent in a subgroup of patients with diagnosed heart failure (HF) and patients with permanent AF. The use of digoxin was associated with worse health-related quality of life (mean EQ index: 0.76 ± 0.19 vs. 0.84 ± 0.18; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In this nationwide cohort study, digoxin use was associated with an overall higher risk of the composite outcome of all-cause death/any TE, all-cause death, and any TE, regardless of HF diagnosis. Patients treated with digoxin had a worse health-related quality of life.
Advertising appeals effectiveness: a systematic literature review
Authors: Yousef Murooj , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Dietrich Timo
Published: December 2021

Positive, negative and coactive appeals are used in advertising. The evidence base indicates mixed results making practitioner guidance on optimal advertising appeals difficult. This study aims to identify the most effective advertising appeals and it seeks to synthesize relevant literature up to August 2019. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework a total of 31 studies were identified and analyzed. Emotional appeals, theory utilization, materials, results and quality were examined. Across multiple contexts, results from this review found that positive appeals were more often effective than coactive and negative appeals. Most studies examined fear and humour appeals, reflecting a literature skew towards the two emotional appeals. The Effective Public Health Practice Project framework was applied to assess the quality of the studies and identified that there remains opportunity for improvement in research design of advertising studies. Only one-third of studies utilized theory, signalling the need for more theory testing and application in future research. Scholars should look at increasing methodological strength by drawing more representative samples, establishing strong study designs and valid data collection methods. In the meantime, advertisers are encouraged to employ and test more positive and coactive advertising appeals.
Lessons from fatal re-expansion pulmonary oedema: case series
Authors: Nyamande Dambuza , Mazibuko Siphosenkosi
Published: December 2021

The goal of this study was to investigate the extent of the alveolar-capillary membrane porosity in patients with severe re-expansion pulmonary oedema. The biochemistry of airway fluid of two patients who died of re-expansion oedema was compared to their blood biochemistry. The airway fluid was comparable to plasma, while no blood cells were observed across the alveolar-capillary membrane. The membrane was linked to a fishnet that traps cells on one side, while plasma sieved through.
Impact of COVID-19 on Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment in Canada: A Multicenter Analysis of 10 833 Patients
Authors: Geric Coralie , Saroufim Mariane , Landsman David , Richard Jonathan , Benedetti Andrea , Batt Jane , Brode Sarah K , Ahmad Khan Faiz
Published: December 2021

We assessed the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on treatment of latent tuberculosis, and of active tuberculosis, at 3 centers in Montreal and Toronto, using data from 10 833 patients (8685 with latent tuberculosis infection, 2148 with active tuberculosis). Observation periods prior to declarations of COVID-19 public health emergencies ranged from 219 to 744 weeks, and after declarations, from 28 to 33 weeks. In the latter period, reductions in latent tuberculosis infection treatment initiation rates ranged from 30% to 66%. At 2 centers, active tuberculosis treatment rates fell by 16% and 29%. In Canada, cornerstone measures for tuberculosis elimination weakened during the COVID-19 pandemic.