bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BIM adoption and maturity anno 2021: a large scale empirical study on the current state of affairs
Authors: Tönis K J M , Voordijk J T
Published: December 2022

This large-scale study aims to get insight in the level of BIM adoption and maturity in the Dutch construction industry. In this study, the focus is on BIM users, BIM non-users and those that are unaware and do not use BIM in six subsectors (principals, architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers and mechanical engineers) and the construction industry as whole. In total 725 respondents participated in this interview-based study, 235 of them actually used BIM (the BIM-users) and 342 knew about BIM but did not use it (the BIM non-users). The remaining 148 did not know about BIM and therefore were not able to answer the questions related to BIM and BIM-use. The architects and suppliers have the highest number of BIM-users, mechanical engineers and contractors the lowest. One third of the contractors and mechanical engineers in this study was not aware of BIM. For measuring BIM-maturity, firms were asked questions about BIM-strategy, organization- and project-structure, human & culture, BIM-processes, IT and data(-structure). The score for each criterion is a mean of the sub criteria that are part of that criterion. The overall BIM-maturity is a mean of these sub criteria. The overall BIM-maturity of the architects was the highest and of the principals and engineers the lowest. ICT component is the highest scoring BIM-maturity component within the entire construction sector while BIM-processes the lowest scoring component. The findings from this study can be used to inform organizations in specific subsectors of construction in which aspects of BIM they have to invest to increase maturity.
From building to city level dynamic digital Twin: a review from data management perspective
Authors: Yan J , Lu Q , Fang Z , Li N , Chen L , Pitt M
Published: December 2022

The development of the digital twin (DT) has been focused greatly after the concept was brought from the manufacturing and aerospace areas. In the architectural, engineering, construction and facility management (AEC/FM) sector, DTs are capable of integrating heterogeneous metadata and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to create a dynamic digital environment for various purposes. Although building information modelling (BIM) appears to be a significant contributor to DTs, one of the major limitations for DT development is how to construct and provide a shared data environment for all stakeholders to collaborate throughout the life cycle. Furthermore, as the stakeholders’ requirements range of DTs expands from a single building to multiple buildings and regional/city levels, the information and data management gaps (e.g., BIM and GIS data integration) are more challenging and critical. To address these gaps, this paper aims to 1) review the current data management for building and city level DTs from a technical perspective; 2) summarise their major data management issues from building to city levels based on the review; 3) introduce the concept of city-level Common Data Environment (CDE) that addresses the issues identified above, and discuss the possibilities of developing a CDE for a dynamic city-level DT.
Identification of the rain gauge stations for the participatory flood and landslide mitigation in the Serayu river basin, Central Java
Authors: Savitri E , Wahyuningrum N , Nugroho H Y S H , Sudiana N , Indrajaya Y , Christanto N
Published: December 2022

Rainfall data is vital in analysing hydro-meteorological disasters, e.g., floods, landslides, or droughts. Currently, the location of climatological stations or rain gauges is preferred in areas that require climatological data, such as airports and near settlements. On the other hand, rainfall analysis for disaster mitigation purposes is more for remote areas, which are often far from the nearest rainfall station. This study aims to obtain accurate rainfall data through the placement of suited rain gauge locations and utilising community participation. The method used in this study is a literature review. This preliminary study was held upstream of the Serayu river basin, an area where it is usually challenging to access rainfall data. The references used are information about tropical rain, how to utilise a rain gauge network, and how to take advantage of community participation. The result shows that an Early Warning System should be developed in line with determining the location of the rain gauge because each location has a different rainfall threshold in each disaster. The placement of the rain gauge is strongly influenced by the landscape, the altitude of the place as well as the slope and aspect. For this study, the location of schools in remote areas is another parameter to determine the placement of a rain gauge since school children will be involved in the community participation.
Opportunities and challenges of urban green open space for climate change mitigation and adaptation in Bogor, West Java
Authors: Nugraha L M , Winarno B , Fahmi S , Lestari S
Published: December 2022

Urban green open space area is one of the strategies to deal with climate change mitigation and adaptation issues. As one of the relevant exemplifications of the “Urban Forest” concept and sustainable urban development, legal control of urban green open space is necessary to support the effort. This study examines urban green open space policies, practices, opportunities, and challenges in Bogor city regarding climate change mitigation and adaptation. Furthermore, local regulations, including legal issues, key players, and their roles in urban forest management were also discussed. A desk study with descriptive exploratory was implemented in this paper. The results showed that there are challenges in the implementation of urban green open space area policies into urban forest practices. The land size allocation for urban forests in Bogor, West Java, is still not by the existing policies as their land size is far less than 30%. Moreover, most local regulations have relatively paid little attention to private property policy. Local governments can enact local regulations for technical guidelines in short-term strategy as local regulations are expected to support the regional level of urban forests and green open space development. Multi stakeholders’ cooperation and community engagement are potential initiatives for urban forest development at the local government level for climate change resilience.
The effect of land cover changes on the 2021 flood in the Barito watershed, South Kalimantan
Authors: Adi R N , Savitri E
Published: December 2022

Floods that occurred in early 2021 in the Barito watershed, South Kalimantan Province, were reported as a result of land cover changes that caused land degradation. This research is a literature study and aims to see how much land cover changes influenced the flood events. The method used is to overlap land cover maps and land system maps and add maximum rainfall data obtained from CHIRPS satellite data. The results showed that the rain that occurred in January 2021 was classified as very heavy and above the daily maximum average rain; therefore, it became flooding. When comparing the 1990 land cover to 2019, there has been a change in land cover within the Barito watershed. Forest land areas decreased, especially primary mangrove forest (92.1%), primary swamp forest (64.6%), and primary swamp forest (64.6%). On the other hand, the plantation areas increased by 1,113.3%. These changes resulted in a shift in the flood potential vulnerability, from moderately vulnerable into vulnerable, which occurred in 8 out of 10 districts in South Kalimantan that were flooded. Meanwhile, from the land system itself, three sub-districts almost 100% are floodplains, two sub-districts are more than 50% of the areas are floodplains, and all them are inundated during the January 2021 flood.
Rainwater harvesting as a solution for mitigation and adaptation to flood disasters (study case: Cisurupan)
Authors: Haidar M F , Nugraha R E , Wahidah A N , Prawira M P
Published: December 2022

To strengthen the protected area function of the Cisurupan urban village, which is upstream of the Cinambo river, and reduce the flood risk surrounding Gedebage its downstream, Bandung City Public Works Department has attempted four green open spaces in Cisurupan since 2018 that also involve cross-actor. However, there are no studies on the positive impact of green open spaces in mitigating and adapting to flooding. This study aims to provide innovation and collaboration regarding flooding mitigation and adaptation in Cisurupan. This study uses a quantitative, qualitative approach or mixed method, while the analysis is spatial analysis for quantitative and descriptive analysis for qualitative, while the data collection method uses semi-structured interviews and participatory observation from February to May 2022. The result shows four green spaces as the mitigation and adaptation are innovative efforts to collaborate with communities, government, civic society organizations, and academics. However, there is still a lack of existing mitigation and adaptation forms, which rely only on pore drums, retention ponds, and growing media. It is possible to urge rainwater harvesting programs not only for flood risk reduction in the rainy season and clean water crisis in the dry season but also as a long-term disaster risk reduction and water resource independence.
Spatial information on the rate of subsidence in North Coastal Area of Java and the estimation of inundation in 2031
Authors: Ardha M , Khomarudin M R , Pranowo W S , Chulafak G A , Yudhatama D , Mujio  , Pravitasari S
Published: December 2022

North Coastal Java Java is a fast-growing area because many big cities such as Jakarta, Cirebon, Pekalongan, Semarang, and Surabaya exist. This area is experiencing several environmental problems, the biggest of which is the problem of the rate of land subsidence. This problem is due to the geological structure. The Java Coast is located on soft soil, and some groundwater utilization activities are less controlled. This study aimed at (1) Obtaining information on the rate of land subsidence in 5 major cities on the northern coast of Java (Jakarta, Cirebon, Pekalongan, Semarang, and Surabaya) using remote sensing satellite data; (2) Analysing the accuracy of land subsidence using field survey data; (3) Estimating the potential of the region to be below 0 masl in 2031; and (4) Analysing the causes of land subsidence. The method used was Difference Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) to determine the rate of land subsidence and simulate the rate of land subsidence in the future. The results showed that the rate of land subsidence in Jakarta (8/year), Cirebon (2 cm/year), Pekalongan (11.2 cm/year), Semarang (6 cm/year), and Surabaya (4.3 cm/year). The results of the research show that the error rate of the surface subsidence rate with validation results in the City of Jakarta is ± 0.01 m. with the value of Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) =. 0.787 with a good category. Simulation results in 2031 from 3 big cities show that the area under 0 masl will increase by 2710 ha (Jakarta), 3565 ha (Pekalongan), and 846 ha (Semarang) from 2021. It seems that Pekalongan needs special attention to deal with the rate of land subsidence compared to other cities.
Reviewing the willingness of the community to implement absorption wells and biopore in disaster mitigation management of Semarang City
Authors: Prihanto Y , Supriyadi A A , Rudiastuti A W , Setiyawan A D
Published: December 2022

Semarang city is growing larger, with a population of more than 1.5 million. As one of Indonesia’s important cities, Semarang faces water management and disaster problems. The city faces various problems such as groundwater scarcity, land subsidence, flood, and drought. In order to maintain the ecological function of Semarang, water management by applying rainwater management through rainwater harvesting and by making absorption and biopore wells have become necessary. Community as a subject needs to be involved in this effort, but this effort is often less successful in Indonesia. This study aims to evaluate the willingness and constraints of the community to apply absorption wells and biopores to maintain the ecological urban areas’ functions. This study utilizes remote sensing data to identify community groups and questionnaires to assess community willingness. The primary methods are spatial analysis and non-parametric statistical techniques based on questionnaires. Social variables involve aspects of community attitudes, gender, education, and income. Landscape variables involve aspects of altitude and type of settlement. At the same time, this study’s results show that the community’s willingness is very diverse in every social group and different landscape.
Promoting agroforestry for increasing land cover and sustaining livelihood through Social Forestry schemes in Indonesia
Authors: Octavia D , Rachmat H H , Njurumana G N , Danu  , Ngongo Y
Published: December 2022

Proper management of Indonesian tropical forests is addressed to realize the community’s welfare and forest sustainability. Agroforestry is a smart solution to provide balance in ecological, economic, and social benefits. This paper is aimed to provide plant growth and survival rate data in the establishment of agroforestry demonstration plots in three different schemes of Social Forestry in Indonesia, namely Paru Village Forest (PVF) in West Sumatra, Cempaka Forestry Partnership in Lampung, and Tuar Tana Community Forestry (TCF) in East Nusa Tenggara. Twenty-six plant species, both forest trees and seasonal crops, were planted at all sites by applying agroforestry models. All planted species were planted based on site-specific suitability regarding different climate regime and their social pReferences. The survival rate and plant height were observed at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months after planting (MAP). The best result of plants’ survival rate was found in PVF at 12 and 18 MAP, respectively 93.5% and 78.9% supported by the high community participation in tending their crops. Plants’ survival rate in TCF was relatively low, amounted 43.2%, due to the drought affecting the plant growth in this semi-arid region, even though the forest farmers have a high effort in tending their crops.
A preliminary study of seismic hazard condition for recent earthquake activities on Sumatra Island
Authors: Simanjuntak A V H , Khalqillah A , Asra N , Rusdin A A , Sihotang N , Simagnunsong A V , Ginting R A , Asnawi Y , Muksin U
Published: December 2022

The active tectonic condition in Sumatra Island has generated several significant earthquakes followed by massive losses. Therefore, the seismic hazard scheme must be carefully conducted. Here, we analyzed the hypocenters distribution by relative relocation for stochastic analysis with machine learning to determine the seismic hazard condition. The well-relocated hypocenters figure several clusters ranging from 20 – 40 km to the megathrust zone to 0 – 20 km to the active faults. Total earthquakes were reduced from 12111 to 6598 after decluttering, which provided the values of magnitude completeness of 4.3, a value of ~8.4, and b-value of 0.98, indicating a highly stressful condition. The peak ground acceleration in Sumatra Island for 10% and 2% in 50 years range with the highest values of 0.6 – 0.8 gal along active faults while the lowest value with 0.0 – 0.3 gal in the megathrust zone. An example of observation from the crustal earthquake in Langsa city suggests an important validation between numerical model and observation. A similar condition between the model and observation will provide a good concept that can be used to construct a mitigation plan.
Predictive modelling of mercury pollution in Indonesian ASGM areas and evaluation of the main factors using machine learning algorithm
Authors: Nuryanty C D , Riani E , Abidin Z , Sutjahjo S H , Riyadi A
Published: December 2022

Artisanal Small-scales Gold Mining (ASGM) which are using mercury as a gold solvent is still exposed in Indonesia recently. The purpose of this study was to predict the level of environmental pollution due to the presence of mercury in ASGM areas in several cities in Indonesia. This study used data mining techniques based on samples of mercury concentration data in groundwater, river water, sediment, soil, plants, biota (fish), and ambient air collected from 2018 to 2021 at ASGM areas that are still actively operated. The prediction model was using the Naïve Bayes algorithm which showed an accuracy of 99.1% and a Kappa value of 0.815 which illustrated that the level of agreement of the model is very strong. The study result describe the mercury content of each environmental media compared to the national quality standard showed that the areas with the highest levels of pollution were Lebak-Banten, while the areas with moderate and low levels of pollution were Simpenan-Sukabumi and Cineam-Tasikmalaya. A prediction model through visualization can provide an overview of the main factor causing high pollution in certain ASGM areas, namely the non-optimal process of transferring gold processing technology without mercury and the lack of awareness of the dangers of mercury. These factors can be used as evidence for preparing “Regional Action Plans for Mercury Reduction and Elimination”.
Policy development of urban railway services sustainability in Indonesia: A multipol application
Authors: Wijayanto Yanuar , Fauzi Akhmad , Rustiadi Ernan , Syartinilia
Published: December 2022

The daily traffic congestion faced by residents who live in the Greater Jakarta area has popularized the Jabodetabek Electric Train (KRL) as a mode of transportation for commuters to work and school. However, satisfactory service has not matched the increasing number of KRL users. Therefore, this study aims to develop a sustainability policy for urban rail services in Indonesia as an alternative strategy to overcome KRL service problems, such as overcapacity and inconvenience. The Multipol method is used to develop KRL service sustainability policies. Multipol is a multi-criteria decision-making method through the opinion of transportation experts. This study found that controlling the spread of COVID in the KRL is one of the priorities that must be implemented to ensure the continuity of the train. Then, the safety and security of the KRL are among the most critical policies determining the sustainability of urban railways in Indonesia. Therefore, safety and security can be improved by developing the competence of railway personnel through training, and protection, guaranteeing the rights of persons with disabilities and building safe and secure transfer spaces for onward journeys. The Ministry of Transportation and Indonesian commuter rail companies must improve supervision, assessment, and sanctions to meet service standards.
Use of Rhizophora apiculata and its cut-propagule seedling method for mangrove rehabilitation in Indonesia
Authors: Usman A H A , Hartoyo A P P , Kusmana C
Published: December 2022

A high decrease in Indonesia’s mangrove forests requires effective and efficient rehabilitation efforts. One of the efforts is the use of Rhizophora apiculata as the adaptive mangrove species and the cut-propagule seedling method of the species for accelerating plant propagation. The objectives of this study were to investigate the scientific literature on the use of R. apiculata for mangrove rehabilitation and to analyze the growth of R. apiculata derived from the cut-propagule seedlings. Scientific literature was collected from 2012 to 2022 in Google Scholar. An experimental study was conducted using the following treatments: cut-propagule, growth regulator, and planting media with 3 replications. About 90% of 980 articles stated the R. apiculata as the main species for mangrove rehabilitation. However, there was no study on the effect of cut-propagule seedlings on the growth of R. apiculata. Propagule cutting significantly affects the increase in height and diameter. Treatment of no propagule cutting, growth regulator (10 000 ppm), also a combination of mud+sand resulted in the highest height increment. Treatment of no propagule cutting, no growth regulator, and the combination of mud+sand resulted in the highest diameter increment. The cut-propagule method can be an alternative method to produce more seedlings than no propagule cutting.
Understanding resistance increase in composite inks under monotonic and cyclic stretching
Authors: Li Q , Antoniou A , Pierron O
Published: December 2022

Cyclic degradation in flexible electronic inks remains a key challenge while their deployment in life critical applications is ongoing. The origin of electrical degradation of a screen-printed stretchable conductive ink with silver flakes embedded in a polyurethane binder is investigated under uniaxial monotonic and cyclic stretching, using in-situ confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy experiments, for varying ink thickness (1, 2, and 3 layers, each layer around 8–10 μm) and trace width (0.5, 1, and 2 mm). Cracks form under monotonic stretching, and the evolution of crack pattern (density, length and width) with applied strain is affected by ink thickness such that the 3-layer ink exhibits larger normalized resistance but slightly lower resistance than the 1-layer ink up to strains of 125%. For cyclic stretching, the crack density and length do not evolve with cycling. However, the cracks widen and deepen, leading to an increase in resistance with cycling. There exists a strong correlation between fatigue life, i.e. the number of cycles until a normalized resistance of 100 is reached, and the strain amplitude. The normalized resistance increase rate with respect to cycling is also found to scale with strain amplitude. The rate of change in resistance with cycling decreases with ink thickness and trace width. For practical applications, thicker (

⩾

25 μm) and wider (⩾2 mm) inks should be used to lower resistance increases with repeated deformation.
Concentrations and emissions of trichlorotrifluoroethane (CFC-113) from eastern china inferred from atmospheric observations
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Xinhe , Li Bowei , Hu Xiaoyi , Fang Xuekun
Published: December 2022

Trichlorotrifluoroethane (C2Cl3F3, CFC-113) is a long-lived ozone-depleting substance (ODS) regulated under the Montreal Protocol and a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). Production and consumption of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were phased out after 2007 in China, while unexpected increases in CCl3F (CFC-11) emissions from eastern China after 2012 were inferred from atmospheric observations. However, atmospheric concentrations and emissions of CFC-113 in China over the past few years are unclear. In this study, we conducted hourly observation of atmospheric CFC-113 concentrations in 2021 in eastern China, explored the potential CFC-113 emission sources using a dispersion model, and estimated the CFC-113 emissions using an interspecies correlation method. Results show that pollution events of CFC-113 were observed frequently, and the concentrations were higher than those of global background stations with similar latitudes. The dominant potential emission regions of CFC-113 were located in the eastern-central Yangtze River Delta region and Shandong province. The estimated mean CFC-113 emission from eastern China in 2021 was 0.88 ± 0.19 Gg/yr (5350 ± 1155 CO2-equivalent Gg/yr), which was higher than 0 Gg/yr (0 CO2-equivalent Gg/yr) in 2008−2021, as reported by bottom-up studies that considered CFC-113 to be phased out in China after 2007. Therefore, substantial CFC-113 emissions still existed in eastern China in 2021, which are of importance to protecting the ozone layer and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Feedbacks of CaCO3 dissolution effect on ocean carbon sink and seawater acidification: a model study
Authors: Zhang Han , Wang Kuo , Fan Gaofeng , Li Zhengquan , Yu Zhenyan , Jiang Jiu , Lian Tao , Feng Guolin
Published: December 2022

The oceanic absorption of atmospheric CO2 acidifies seawater, which accelerates CaCO3 dissolution of calcifying organisms, a process termed dissolution effect. Promoted CaCO3 dissolution increases seawater ALK (alkalinity), enhancing ocean carbon sink and mitigating ocean acidification. We incorporate different parameterizations of the link between CaCO3 dissolution and ocean acidification into an Earth System Model, to quantify the feedback of the dissolution effect on the global carbon cycle. Under SRES A2 CO2 emission scenario and its extension with emissions of 5,000 PgC in ∼400 years, in the absence of the dissolution effect, accumulated ocean CO2 uptake between year 1800 and 3500 is 2,041 PgC. The consideration of the dissolution effect increases ocean carbon sink by 195–858 PgC (10%–42%), and mitigates the decrease in surface pH by 0.04–0.17 (a decrease of 10%–48% in [H+] (hydrogen ion concentration)), depending on the prescribed parameterization scheme. In the epipelagic zone, relative to the Arc-Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific-Indian Ocean experiences greater acidification, leading to greater dissolution effects and the resultant stronger feedbacks on ocean carbon sink and acidification in the Pacific-Indian Ocean. Noteworthy, the feedback of dissolution effect on ocean carbon sink can be comparable with or stronger than the feedback from CO2-induced radiative warming. Our study highlights the potentially critical role played by CaCO3 dissolution effect in the ocean carbon sink, global carbon cycle and climate system.
Computational evaluation of relevant species in inorganic sulfur biochemistry
Authors: Palermo Juan Cruz , Córdova Jonathan A , Semelak Jonathan A , Capece Luciana , Bari Sara E , Estrin Darío A
Published: December 2022

The role of inorganic sulfur species in biological systems has gained considerable interest since the recognition of sulfanes, particularly dihydrogen sulfide or sulfane, H2S, disulfane, HSSH, trisulfane, HSSSH, and their conjugate bases, as endogenous species and mediators of signaling functions in different tissues. The one-electron oxidation of H2S/HS− has been assigned as the onset of signaling processes or oxidative detoxification mechanisms. These varied sulfur containing inorganic species are, together with organic counterparts, reunited as reactive sulfur species (RSS). In order to shed light on this rich and still not completely explored chemistry, we have performed electronic structure calculations at different levels of theory, to provide estimations and the molecular basis of the pKa values of the polysulfides HSSH and HSSSH and of the radical HS•. In addition, we also reported the characterization of selected inorganic RSS including both radical and non-radical species with different protonation states with the intention of assisting the interpretation of chemical/biochemical experiments involving these species.
Outlier mining in high-dimensional data using the Jensen–Shannon divergence and graph structure analysis
Authors: Toledo Alex S O , Silini Riccardo , Carpi Laura C , Masoller Cristina
Published: December 2022

Reliable anomaly/outlier detection algorithms have practical applications in many fields. For instance, anomaly detection allows to filter and clean the data used to train machine learning algorithms, improving their performance. However, outlier mining is challenging when the data is high-dimensional, and different approaches have been proposed for different types of data (temporal, spatial, network, etc). Here we propose a methodology to mine outliers in generic datasets in which it is possible to define a meaningful distance between elements of the dataset. The methodology is based on defining a fully connected, undirected graph, where the nodes are the elements of the dataset and the links have weights that are the distances between the nodes. Outlier scores are defined by analyzing the structure of the graph, in particular, by using the Jensen–Shannon (JS) divergence to compare the distributions of weights of different nodes. We demonstrate the method using a publicly available database of credit-card transactions, where some of the transactions are labeled as frauds. We compare with the performance obtained when using Euclidean distances and graph percolation, and show that the JS divergence leads to performance improvement, but increases the computational cost.
Green synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles using calotropis procera leaf extract and evaluation of its antimicrobial activity
Authors: Kalu A O , Egwim E C , Jigam A A , Muhammad H L
Published: December 2022

In this study, magnetite nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using Calotropis procera aqueous leaf extract. The effect of the whole extract and some of its phytochemicals on the particle size distribution was determined using Dynamic light scattering (DLS) while other characterizations such as UV–vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were carried out. The antimicrobial activity against selected microorganisms was also studied using the agar well diffusion method. The leaf extract showed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids and tannins. The magnetite nanoparticle synthesized using the leaf extract (Calotropis procera/Fe3O4) had an average particle size of 11.1 nm with a PDI of 0.142 while the phenolic, flavonoid and saponin extracts of Calotropis procera leafs produced magnetites with average particle sizes of 62.83 nm, 68.02 nm and 134 nm respectively. The UV–vis spectra displayed the characteristic plasmon resonance peak at 420 nm, the FTIR plots highlighted important functional groups including peaks between 600 cm−1 and 400 cm−1 confirming the formation of iron oxide while the SEM micrographs showed the nanoparticles were mainly irregular in shape with areas of agglomeration. Calotropis procera/Fe3O4 displayed significant anti-microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum while no activity was recorded against Escherichia coli. The study indicated that Calotropis procera leaf extract was suitable for the green synthesis of magnetite with properties that suggest that it could be potentially applied as antimicrobial nanofillers.
Simultaneously reassuring and unsettling: a longitudinal qualitative study of community anticipatory medication prescribing for older patients
Authors: Bowers Ben , Pollock Kristian , Barclay Stephen
Published: December 2022

Background

The prescription of injectable anticipatory medications is widely accepted by clinicians to be key in facilitating effective last-days-of-life symptom control. Community end-of-life care and admission avoidance is particularly strongly advocated for older patients. However, patient and informal caregiver views and experiences of anticipatory medication have been little studied to date.

Objective

To understand older patients’, informal caregivers’ and clinicians’ views and experiences of the prescribing and use of anticipatory medications.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

Patients’ homes and residential care homes.

Participants

Purposive sample of six older patients, nine informal caregivers and six clinicians.

Methods

Multi-perspective, longitudinal interview study based on 11 patient cases. Semi-structured interviews (n = 28) were analysed thematically.

Results

Three themes were identified: (i) living in the present whilst making plans: anticipatory medications were used by clinicians as a practical tool in planning for uncertainty, while patients and informal caregivers tried to concentrate on living in the present; (ii) anticipation of dying: it was rare for patients and informal caregivers to discuss explicitly the process and experience of dying with clinicians; and (iii) accessing timely care: the use of anticipatory medications generally helped symptom control. However, informal caregivers reported difficulties in persuading nurses to administer them to patients.

Conclusions

Anticipatory medications are simultaneously reassuring and a source of unease to older patients and their informal caregivers. Prescriptions need careful discussion and tailoring to their preferences and experience. Nurses’ decisions to administer medication should consider informal caregivers’ insights into patient distress, especially when patients can no longer communicate their needs.
Specificity of Embedded Performance Validity Tests in Elderly Veterans with Mild and Major Neurocognitive Disorder
Authors: Kanser Robert J , Logan Patrick M , Steward Kayla A , Vanderbleek Emily N , Kamper Joel E
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study explored the specificity of four embedded performance validity tests (PVTs) derived from common neuropsychological tasks in a sample of older veterans with verified cognitive decline and whose performance was deemed valid by licensed psychologists.

Method

Participants were 180 veterans who underwent comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, were determined to have valid performance following profile analysis/conceptualization, and were diagnosed with mild neurocognitive disorder (i.e., MCI; n = 64) or major neurocognitive disorder (i.e., Dementia; n = 116). All participants completed at least one of four embedded PVTs: Reliable Digit Span (RDS), California Verbal Learning Test—2nd ed. Short Form (CVLT-II SF) Forced choice, Trails B:A, and Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) Letter and Category Fluency.

Results

Adequate specificity (i.e., ≥90%) was achieved at modified cut-scores for all embedded PVTs across MCI and Dementia groups. Trails B:A demonstrated near perfect specificity at its traditional cut-score (Trails B:A < 1.5). RDS ≤ 5 and CVLT-II SF Forced Choice ≤7 led to <10% false positive classification errors across MCI and dementia groups. DKEFS Letter and Category Fluency achieved 90% specificity at extremely low normative cut-scores.

Conclusions

RDS, Trails B:A, and CVLT-II SF Forced Choice reflect promising embedded PVTs in the context of dementia evaluations. DKEFS Letter and Category Fluency appear too sensitive to genuine neurocognitive decline and, therefore, are inappropriate PVTs in adults with MCI or dementia. Additional research into embedded PVT sensitivity (via known-groups or analogue designs) in MCI and dementia is needed.
Study of 400 MHz microwave conduction loss effect for a hydrolysis reaction by thermostable β-Glucosidase HT1
Authors: Nagashima Izuru , Sugiyama Jun-ichi , Shimizu Hiroki
Published: December 2022

Microwave irradiation at different frequencies gave molecular selective effects, namely higher frequency microwave effects for waters while lower frequency effects for ions. We already reported that 2.45 GHz and 5.80 GHz microwave irradiation gave different results for a hydrolysis reaction by thermostable β-Glucosidase HT1. Here, we designed and made a reactor, employed 400 MHz microwave irradiation, and studied the effectiveness of 400 MHz microwave for HT1 reaction, then 400 MHz and 2.45 GHz had the ability to accelerate HT1 reaction. In consideration of the general mechanism of enzymatic glycoside hydrolysis, our results would be reasonable if ions are key reaction species because 400 MHz microwave activated ions selectively. In addition, the phenomenon that 400 MHz microwave would not affect water molecules by dielectric heating might contribute the enzyme stability. This report should support that microwave is not only a tool to heat reactions efficiently but also can bring unique effects for reactions.
Maternal probiotic intake attenuates ileal Crh receptor gene expression in maternally separated rat offspring
Authors: Moussavi Mahta , Cuskelly Annalisa , Jung Yoonsung , Hodgson Deborah M , Barouei Javad
Published: December 2022

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh) and its receptors (Crhr) mediate stress-induced gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Neonatal maternal separation (MS) increased ileal Crhr1 transcript quantities in young rat offspring. Exposure to either MS or adulthood restraint stress increased ileal Crhr1 and Crhr2 transcript quantities only in adult female offspring. Maternal probiotic intervention reversed Crhr overexpression, suggesting a potential early prophylaxis against stress-induced gut dysfunctions.
TCRconv: predicting recognition between T cell receptors and epitopes using contextualized motifs
Authors: Jokinen Emmi , Dumitrescu Alexandru , Huuhtanen Jani , Gligorijević Vladimir , Mustjoki Satu , Bonneau Richard , Heinonen Markus , Lähdesmäki Harri
Published: December 2022

Motivation

T cells use T cell receptors (TCRs) to recognize small parts of antigens, called epitopes, presented by major histocompatibility complexes. Once an epitope is recognized, an immune response is initiated and T cell activation and proliferation by clonal expansion begin. Clonal populations of T cells with identical TCRs can remain in the body for years, thus forming immunological memory and potentially mappable immunological signatures, which could have implications in clinical applications including infectious diseases, autoimmunity and tumor immunology.

Results

We introduce TCRconv, a deep learning model for predicting recognition between TCRs and epitopes. TCRconv uses a deep protein language model and convolutions to extract contextualized motifs and provides state-of-the-art TCR-epitope prediction accuracy. Using TCR repertoires from COVID-19 patients, we demonstrate that TCRconv can provide insight into T cell dynamics and phenotypes during the disease.

Availability and implementation

TCRconv is available at https://github.com/emmijokinen/tcrconv.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Insights from incorporating quantum computing into drug design workflows
Authors: Lau Bayo , Emani Prashant S , Chapman Jackson , Yao Lijing , Lam Tarsus , Merrill Paul , Warrell Jonathan , Gerstein Mark B , Lam Hugo Y K
Published: December 2022

Motivation

While many quantum computing (QC) methods promise theoretical advantages over classical counterparts, quantum hardware remains limited. Exploiting near-term QC in computer-aided drug design (CADD) thus requires judicious partitioning between classical and quantum calculations.

Results

We present HypaCADD, a hybrid classical-quantum workflow for finding ligands binding to proteins, while accounting for genetic mutations. We explicitly identify modules of our drug-design workflow currently amenable to replacement by QC: non-intuitively, we identify the mutation-impact predictor as the best candidate. HypaCADD thus combines classical docking and molecular dynamics with quantum machine learning (QML) to infer the impact of mutations. We present a case study with the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) protease and associated mutants. We map a classical machine-learning module onto QC, using a neural network constructed from qubit-rotation gates. We have implemented this in simulation and on two commercial quantum computers. We find that the QML models can perform on par with, if not better than, classical baselines. In summary, HypaCADD offers a successful strategy for leveraging QC for CADD.

Availability and implementation

Jupyter Notebooks with Python code are freely available for academic use on GitHub: https://www.github.com/hypahub/hypacadd_notebook.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
BS O03 Nutritional Complications After LaparoscopicRoux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and One-AnastomosisGastric Bypass: A Comparative Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Salman Mohamed , Noureldin Khaled , Issa Mohamed , Khalid Sadaf , Tourkey Mohamed , Elsherbiney Mohammed , Gebril Mahmoud , Salman Ahmed , Shaaban Hossam , Barkat Tanzeela , Elhaj Mujahid , Elewa Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Background

This systematic review and meta-analysis were done to assess the incidence of nutritional complications at follow-up after one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out involving studies that compared the nutritional complications of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB); these included the incidence of malnutrition as well as deficiencies of other nutritional elements, such as total protein, albumin, calcium, and iron. A comprehensive search strategy was implemented in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Effect sizes included the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals

(95% CIs), as well as mean differences (MDs) and 95% CIs of the percentage total weight loss (%TWL) and excess weight loss percentage (%EWL).

Results

Thirteen studies were included (12,964 patients, 66.27% females, 53.82% underwent OAGB). At the longest follow-up period (≥3 years), OAGB was associated with significantly higher %TWL (MD=5.41%, 95%CI, 1.52 to 9.29) and %EWL (MD=13.81%, 95%CI, 9.60 to 18.02) compared to RYGB. However, OAGB procedures were associated with malnutrition (OR=3.00, 95%CI, 1.68 to 5.36, p<0.0001), hypoalbuminemia (OR=2.38, 95%CI, 1.65 to 3.43, p<0.0001), hypoproteinemia (OR=1.85, 95%CI, 1.09 to 3.14, p=0.022), anemia (OR=1.38, 95%CI, 1.08 to 1.77, p=0.011), and hypocalcemia (OR=1.78, 95%CI, 1.01 to 3.12, p=0.046). On subgroup analyses, the proportions of anemia and hypoalbuminemia remained significantly higher at longer follow-up periods and in studies published in Asia.

Conclusions

Despite the favorable weight loss profile, the unfavorable nutritional consequences of OAGB merit further investigations to explore the malabsorptive element, ethnic variation, and the role of the biliopancreatic limb length.
BS O08 How Safe is a One-Night Stay Protocol for Patients Undergoing Elective Bariatric Surgery?
Authors: Hill Sarah , Thomas Christophe , Mahawar Kamal , Courtney Michael
Published: December 2022

Background

The availability and popularity of bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) continues to increase worldwide and in turn so do the resources allocated to it. The last NBSR report (2020) demonstrated that 70% of patients were discharged on the second postoperative day and 80% left after the third day. An amended protocol was implemented within our Trust switching from a 2–3 night stay and reducing this to a planned one-night stay for a more efficient service. This review evaluates the safety and efficacy of a one-night stay protocol.

Methods

All patients undergoing BMS between two sets of dates were retrospectively identified from our local database, pre and post protocol change. Group A (old protocol, July-December ’19) and Group B (one-night stay protocol, July ’20-July ’21). Group B capture time was extended due to smaller numbers due to COVID. Data gathered included: Patient demographics (Age, Gender, ASA, Weight, BMI); operation; length of stay (LOS); 30-day complications, 30-day mortality, and 30-day readmission rates. Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared test were used to analyse results.

Results

Group A had 94 patient and Group B 149 patients. Patient demographics, weight and ASA were similar in both groups. There were significantly more RYGB in Group A whilst more OAGBs and sleeves in Group B: RYGB; (48[51%] vs. 30[20%]), OAGB; (32[34%] vs. 80[53%]), Sleeve; (13[14%] vs. 36[24%]). Median LOS reduced from 3 days to 1 day and mean LOS 3.2 days to 1.3 days.

In Group B, 115 patients (77%) were discharged on post-operative day 1 vs. 18 (19%) in Group A. In the 34 (23%) of patients that required stay beyond day 1 in Group B the most common reason was post-operative nausea and vomiting (n=8). Other frequent reasons were pain (n=5), low urine output/AKI (n=5) and not tolerating oral diet (n=4).

There were no statistically significant differences between groups for 30-day complication (6[6%] vs. 5[3%] p=0.4) or re-admission (4[4%] vs. 8[5%] p=0.9) rates. In sub-group analysis, there was no difference between operation type and LOS/complication rates. In a review of the readmissions, it was not felt any were avoidable and only 1/8 readmissions were within 48h of discharge - this patient already had an extended admission.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that a planned one-night stay following BMS is both safe and effective; facilitating early patient discharges whilst having the necessary safety netting steps for those who require a require an extended period in hospital. The next step would be to explore the safety of day case surgery for selected patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy.
OGBN O02 Animation supported consent before elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Doganay Emre , Wald David , Parker Sam , Hughes Frances
Published: December 2022

Background

Patient understanding of surgical procedures is often incomplete at the time they are performed, invalidating consent, and exposing healthcare providers to complaints and claims of failure to inform. Remote consultations, language barriers and patient factors can hinder an effective consent pathway. New approaches are needed to support communication and shared decision-making.

Methods

Multi-language digital animations explaining laparoscopic cholecystectomy were introduced at The Royal London Hospital for patients who attended for elective surgery (www.explainmyprocedure.com). Patients completed questionnaires on the day of their procedure both before and after introduction of the animations. We assessed patient-reported understanding of the procedure, its intended benefits, the possible risks, and alternatives to treatment in 72 consecutive patients, 37 before (no animation group) and after 35 after introducing the animations into the consent pathway (animation group). Patient understanding in the two groups was compared.

Results

The two groups were well matched in respect of age, sex and whether English was their first spoken language. The proportions of patients who reported they completely understood the procedure, its benefits, risks, and alternatives in the no animation group were 54%, 57%, 38% and 24% and in the animation group, 91%, 91%, 74% and 77% respectively; p<0.01 for each comparison.

Conclusions

The integration of multi-language laparoscopic cholecystectomy video animations into the patient consent pathway was associated with substantial improvement in reported understanding of the procedure, benefits, risks, and alternatives to treatment. This approach can be applied across all surgical disciplines in a standardised manner in an era of accelerated elective work and remote consultations.
OGBN V08 Day case explantation of a magnetic lower oesophagal sphincter augmentation device due to dysphagia
Authors: Ghanem Ahmed , Ahmed Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Background

Although laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication remains the gold standard surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the magnetic Lower oesophageal sphincter augmentation device (LINX ®) has been suggested as a safe alternative for patients with uncomplicated and early-stage disease.

The LINX device is a small flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores designed to mimic the body's natural defence mechanism against reflux in patients with GERD.

Concerns about the LINX procedure comprise erosions and dysphagia.

The purpose of this video is to show a safe technique for the removal of the device and how to check the integrity of the oesophagus.

Methods

A video presentation explaining the needed investigations before LINX removal and showing a safe technique for removal of LINX device and how to check oesophageal integrity afterwards.

Results

The LINX device was explanted safely the patient went home afterwards.

Conclusions

Explantation of t the LINX device can be done safely as a day case with precautions. Take home message is to carefully dissect the capsule around each bead and to use OGD to exclude any oesophageal injury.