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In recent years, graphene has displayed tremendous potential as a material for transparent conductive film (TCF), yet its practical application has been hindered by the danger and toxicity involved within graphene's large-scale chemical synthesis process. In this work, we reported the fabrication of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based TCF using L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) as an environmentally friendly and non-toxic reducing agent, which is further assisted by thermal reduction using furnace heating and microwave irradiation. We also demonstrated the potential of drop-casting method as a simple yet effective method for fabricating rGO-based TCF with comparable properties to conventional spin coating method. Application of the microwave irradiation to the L-AA reduced rGO has resulted in large suppression of the defect ratio (ID / IG) from 1.74 to 1.02 and significant decrease in sheet resistance from 3345 to 4.80 kΩ/sq. This study provides an insight in realizing a facile and harmless route to fabricate rGO-based TCF by coupling both chemical and thermal treatments for the reduction processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tocotrienol is a subfamily of natural vitamin E with multiple biological activities, including antioxidants, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, antiangiogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite numerous biological activities, the application of tocotrienol is hampered by its poor solubility, resulting in low bioavailability, and in turn, limits its therapeutic effectivity. To address these limitations, the present study focuses on the development of tocotrienol nanoemulsion, followed by an in vitro anticancer evaluation of the formula. The tocotrienol nanoemulsion was prepared by a combination of high-speed homogenization with ultrasonication, using food-grade canola oil and Tween 80 as oil phases and surfactants, respectively. The formulated nanoemulsion observed an encapsulation efficiency of 90.26% with particle size and zeta potential of 145 ± 0.06 nm and −25.27 ± 0.01 mV, respectively. The FTIR spectra show no interference between the active compounds and the excipients, indicating that tocotrienol was successfully loaded into the nanoemulsion. Besides, the tocotrienol nanoemulsions demonstrated higher antioxidant ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity than the free form of tocotrienol at the same concentration (p < 0.05). In the in vitro cytotoxicity studies, there was a decrease in cell viability observed against MCF-7 breast and A549 lung cancer cell lines for tocotrienol nanoemulsion. Overall, it suggests that nanoemulsion-based natural component delivery systems have substantial implications in developing and designing encapsulated biologically active systems. The potent cytotoxicity of tocotrienol-loaded nanoemulsion under aqueous phases provides insight into the development of nanoemulsion systems for enhancing the bioavailability and activity of tocotrienol as well as other lipophilic compounds in water systems, particularly for anticancer therapeutic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycerophosphocholine (GPC) is an important precursor for intracellular choline supply in phosphatidylcholine (PC) metabolism. GDE5/Gpcpd1 hydrolyzes GPC into choline and glycerol 3-phosphate; this study aimed to elucidate its physiological function in vivo. Heterozygous whole-body GDE5-deficient mice reveal a significant GPC accumulation across tissues, while homozygous whole-body knockout results in embryonic lethality. Skeletal muscle-specific GDE5 deletion (Gde5 skKO) exhibits reduced passive force and improved fatigue resistance in electrically stimulated gastrocnemius muscles in vivo. GDE5 deficiency also results in higher glycolytic metabolites and glycogen levels, and glycerophospholipids alteration, including reduced levels of phospholipids that bind polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as DHA. Interestingly, this PC fatty acid compositional change is similar to that observed in skeletal muscles of denervated and Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models. These are accompanied by decrease of GDE5 expression, suggesting a regulatory role of GDE5 activity for glycerophospholipid profiles. Furthermore, a DHA-rich diet enhances contractile force and lowers fatigue resistance, suggesting a functional relationship between PC fatty acid composition and muscle function. Finally, skinned fiber experiments show that GDE5 loss increases the probability of the ryanodine receptor opening and lowers the maximum Ca2+-activated force. Collectively, GDE5 activity plays roles in PC and glucose/glycogen metabolism in skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle-specific GDE5/Gpcpd1 deletion leads to glycerophosphocholine accumulation, which alters skeletal muscle phospholipid profiles and reduces passive force in electrically stimulated skeletal muscles in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jakarta Greater Area (JGA) has encountered recurrent challenges of air pollution, notably, high ozone levels. We investigate the trends of surface ozone (O3) changes from the air quality monitoring stations and resolve the contribution of meteorological drivers in urban Jakarta (2010–2019) and rural Bogor sites (2017–2019) using stepwise Multi Linear Regression. During 10 years of measurement, 41% of 1-h O3 concentrations exceeded Indonesia' s national threshold in Jakarta. In Bogor, 0.1% surpassed the threshold during 3 years of available data records. The monthly average of maximum daily 8-h average (MDA8) O3 anomalies exhibited a downward trend at Jakarta sites while increasing at the rural site of Bogor. Meteorological and anthropogenic drivers contribute 30% and 70%, respectively, to the interannual O3 anomalies in Jakarta. Ozone formation sensitivity with satellite demonstrates that a slight decrease in NO2 and an increase in HCHO contributed to declining O3 in Jakarta with 10 years average of HCHO to NO2 ratio (FNR) of 3.7. Conversely, O3 increases in rural areas with a higher FNR of 4.4, likely due to the contribution from the natural emission of O3 precursors and the influence of meteorological factors that magnify the concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study documents the first record of seven-, Quaternary (<27.4 - >1.1 ka) lapilli fall layers at Sumbing volcano, Central Java, Indonesia. These lapilli layers (from lower towards upper stratigraphic height) are named orange–red lapilli, dark brown lapilli, orange lapilli, red–brown lapilli, blackish brown lapilli, pale red lapilli, and red lapilli. All deposits were dominated by juvenile scoria ( C scoria = 54–96%) with various portions of volcanic lithics ( C lithics = 4–44%). The products were dispersed across a wide area (400–2149 km2 for 1 cm isopach), suggesting sub-Plinian to Plinian intensity, with mean eruption plumes reaching 15–28 km and volcano explosivity index (VEI) of 3–4. The deposition of tephra (lapilli) on the roof provides load pressure, thus threatening buildings from collapse. No significant bulk density ( ρ bulk ) variation between each lapilli deposit (690–813 kg/m3 for dry tephra, 856–1007 kg/m3 for wet tephra, and 1208–1422 kg/m3 for saturated tephra). Thus, tephra thickness (h ) is believed to play the most significant role in controlling load pressure ( P = ρ bulk × h ), as it varies over three orders of magnitude (< 1–100 cm). Finally, under the assumption that all-nearby settlements followed the national standard for maximum load capacity (MLC; 487 kg/m2), we proposed three susceptible zones (SZs). The estimated radius for SZ I (representing dry tephra condition) is ~7.7 km and ~14.6 km for VEI 3 and 4 eruptions, respectively. If tephra becomes wet and/or even saturated with water due to heavy rain (which is likely to occur in tropical regions such as the present case), the estimated radius increases to ~12.7 km and ~15.3 km (VEI 3), and ~17.7 km and ~22.1 km (VEI 4) for SZ II and SZ III, respectively. These areas must be evacuated immediately if VEI 3–4 eruptions were to occur at Sumbing volcano. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue-resident vascular endothelial stem cells (VESCs), marked by expression of CD157, possess long-term repopulating potential and contribute to vascular regeneration and homeostasis in mice. Stem cell exhaustion is regarded as one of the hallmarks of aging and is being extensively studied in several types of tissue-resident stem cells; however, how aging affects VESCs has not been clarified yet. In the present study, we isolated VESCs from young and aged mice to compare their potential to differentiate into endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Here, we report that the number of liver endothelial cells (ECs) including VESCs was lower in aged (27–28 month-old) than young (2–3 month-old) mice. In vitro culture of primary VESCs revealed that the potential to generate ECs is impaired in aged VESCs isolated from liver and lung relative to young VESCs. Orthotopic transplantation of VESCs showed that aged VESCs and their progeny expand less efficiently than their young counterparts when transplanted into aged mice, but they are equally functional in young recipients. Gene expression analysis indicated that inflammatory signaling was more activated in aged ECs including VESCs. Using single-cell RNA sequencing data from the Tabula Muris Consortium, we show that T cells and monocyte/macrophage lineage cells including Kupffer cells are enriched in the aged liver. These immune cells produce IL-1β and several chemokines, suggesting the possible involvement of age-associated inflammation in the functional decline of VESCs with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atherosclerosis threatens human health by developing cardiovascular diseases, the deadliest disease world widely. The major mechanism contributing to the formation of atherosclerosis is mainly due to vascular endothelial cell (VECs) senescence. We have shown that 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) may protect VECs from senescence by upregulating autophagy. However, little is known about how 17β-E2 activates the autophagy pathway to alleviate cellular senescence. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the role of estrogen receptor (ER) α and β in the effects of 17β-E2 on vascular autophagy and aging through in vitro and in vivo models. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to establish Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) senescence. Autophagy activity was measured through immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining of light chain 3 (LC3) expression. Inhibition of ER activity was established using shRNA gene silencing and ER antagonist. Compared with ER-β knockdown, we found that knockdown of ER-α resulted in a significant increase in the extent of HUVEC senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) secretion. ER-α-specific shRNA was found to reduce 17β-E2-induced autophagy, promote HUVEC senescence, disrupt the morphology of HUVECs, and increase the expression of Rb dephosphorylation and SASP. These in vitro findings were found consistent with the in vivo results. In conclusion, our data suggest that 17β-E2 activates the activity of ER-α and then increases the formation of autophagosomes (LC3 high expression) and decreases the fusion of lysosomes with autophagic vesicles (P62 low expression), which in turn serves to decrease the secretion of SASP caused by H2O2 and consequently inhibit H2O2-induced senescence in HUVEC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substitution of wood apple juice and soybean powder in the seaweed jelly product can be used as an alternative to emergency supplementary feeding (ESF) for children under five years of age, which contains high protein, fiber, and calories. This study aimed to determine the effect of adding wood apple juice and soybean powder to the nutrition content, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, total phenol, antioxidant activity, acceptability, and shelf-life of seaweed jelly products. This study was an experimental study with a completely randomized design with two treatment factors, which consisted of making seaweed jelly products with three different ratios of wood apple juice and soybean powder, 60:40 (F1), 50:50 (F2), and 40:60 (F3), dried at 40 °C (T1) and 50 °C (T2). Macronutrients were determined using proximate analysis. The total phenol and vitamin C were measured using Folin-ciocalteu reagent and UV–Vis spectrophotometry. Antioxidant activity was analyzed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH). The contents of zinc and magnesium were evaluated through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Estimation of shelf life was determined with Accelerated Shelf-Life Test (ASLT) method and Arrhenius equation model. The best formula based on proximate analysis was F3, which contained 361.98 kcal of energy and 33.79 g of protein. The best formula (F1) dried at 40 °C; contains 56.28 mg/100 g vitamin C; zinc was 1.55 mg/100 g; magnesium was 79.25 mg/100 g; antioxidant activity (IC50) was 88.39 μg/mL; and total phenol was 8.59 mg GAE/g. The quality attributes of the best formula show the potential of the jelly as an emergency food despite its short shelf-life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of microplastics on sediment surfaces contributed to the digestive tract of sea urchins contamination during foraging. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between the accumulation of microplastics on sediment surfaces and the contamination of sea urchins' digestive tracts during their foraging activities. Sediment and sea urchins' samples were collected from Pari and Harapan Islands, in Kepulauan Seribu, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia. Microplastics were extracted and observed in sediment and the digestive tract of sea urchins' samples. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified microplastic polymers. The average microplastic concentration on Pari Island was 160 ± 158.75 particles/kg dry weight sediment and 3.93 ± 2.25 particles/g dry weight in the digestive tract of sea urchins. Correspondingly, on Harapan Island, the values were 113 ± 41.63 particles/kg dry weight and 0.27 ± 0.28 particles/g dry weight. Fragment-type microplastics (75%) were predominantly detected in the digestive tract of sea urchins, while fiber-type microplastics (59%) were more common in sediments on Pari Island. Conversely, on Harapan Island fragment types were more prevalent (53%). Microplastics larger than 1000 µm were identified in both sediment and the digestive tract of sea urchins. The observed plastic polymers, such as polyethylene, polyester, and polypropylene were dominant at both study sites. This study postulated that microplastics in sediments may be ingested during sea urchins digestion, supported by a significant correlation of 0.016. Consequently, the presence of microplastics in sea urchins from Pari Island and Harapan Island in Kepulauan Seribu was confirmed. Future investigations should explore the toxic effects of absorbed microplastics on sea urchins' physiology, requiring further analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red microalgae genera Porphyridium are photoautotrophic microalgae with potential application as a natural source of high-value chemicals, including sulfated exopolysaccharides (EPs), phycobiliproteins (PBPs), and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) such as α-linolenic (ALA), arachidonic (ARA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Their good tolerances toward dynamic environmental changes lead them to be attractive for sustainable large-scale production of biomass and biochemicals. Discussion on the biological nature and culture strategies of Porphyridium are helpful for improving more effective and efficient cultivation system, which are presented in this review. The typical biological characteristics and the main targeted biochemicals of Porphyridium like polysaccharides, PUFAs, and PBPs are firstly presented. Some crucial parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, and light intensity are then discussed for their effect on cell growth and biochemical yield. Recent technology development in large-scale cultivation is also evaluated in the final, which compared the established large-scale culture and recent novel cultures. It is expected that this review could provide new insight for development strategy in optimizing and accelerating more sustainable as well as economically viable industrial biotechnology based on red microalga genera Porphyridium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic rhinitis is often associated with sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness. Disturbance in sleep impairs numerous metabolic processes and brain function. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the evaluation of nasal symptoms and sleep disturbance in chronic rhinitis, either allergic or non-allergic group. To evaluate the characteristic of sleep disturbance in allergic and non-allergic rhinitis in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta, a cross sectional analytic descriptive study was performed. All recruited subjects were evaluated for total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) and nasal obstruction symptoms evaluation scores (NOSE). Sleep disorder was assessed using Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires, and polysomnography (PSG). A total of 22 chronic rhinitis patients, with 11 allergic and 11 non-allergic rhinitis were evaluated. Most subjects with allergic rhinitis experienced daytime sleepiness and poor quality of sleep as well as non-allergic rhinitis, without significant differences in TNSS, NOSE, ESS, and PSQI scores. There was impairment in sleep architecture from PSG parameters in both groups, but the difference was not significant. However, RDI-REM (17.7 ± 14.5 vs. 14.7 ± 18.5) and RERA (2.2 ± 2.1 vs. 1.6 ± 1.7) parameters have a tendency to be higher in the allergic rhinitis compared to non-allergic rhinitis group. Sleep disturbance existed in chronic rhinitis, presented by excessive daytime sleepiness and impairment in sleep architecture, yet no significant difference shown in the severity of TNSS, NOSE, ESS, PSQI scores, and sleep architecture parameters between the allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to assess the socio-economic impact of the December 2021 eruption of Mount Semeru in Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia. A field survey was conducted by using 200 valid respondents from three affected districts in the area. The PLS-SEM method (Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Model) was used to empirically examine the effect of the Semeru eruption on socio-economic activities in the affected districts. The questionnaire, developed based on the Household Resilience concept published by Zahan (2021) and Gaisie et al. (2021), outlines the determinants of household resilience by using five and three indicators or latent variables, respectively. There are two empirical findings. The first finding demonstrates that household resilience is determined by awareness, ability, action, and ecology. The second shows that a higher level of household resilience can lead to a lower economic and social impact of the Mount Semeru eruption. To enhance household resilience, society, regional, and central governments, all of them are able to collaborate to raise awareness, disseminate information on action and ecology regarding Mount Semeru eruptions. The Regional Government and the Regional Agency for Disaster Management in Lumajang are suggested to provide better facilities and improve regulations for mitigation and evacuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agreement between meteorological data and societal perception is essential in supporting a robust policy making and its implementation. In humid tropic watersheds like Brantas, such consensus is important for water resources management and policies. This study exemplifies an effort to understand the long-term rainfall characteristics within the watershed and to build a common link among the differing data sources: CHIRPS rainfall satellite data, rain gauge data, and farmers perceptions. Six rainfall characteristics were derived using statistical measures from the scientific data and then were translated to a series of structured questionnaires given to small-scale farmers. A consensus matrix was built to examine the level of agreement among three data sources, supporting the spatial pattern of the meteorological data and farmers perception. Two rainfall attributes were classified with high agreement, four with moderate and one with low agreement. The agreements and discrepancies of rainfall characteristics were found in the study area. The discrepancies originated from the accuracy in translating scientific measurements to practical meanings for farmers, complexity of the farming system, the nature of phenomena in questions, and farmers' ability to record long-term climatic events. This study shows an implication that a combined approach to link scientific data and societal data is needed to support powerful climate policy making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to empirically measure the contribution of drought and productivity of agriculture to the poverty in East Java, Indonesia. The study uses data from 2010 to 2020 by using Rice productivity, Drought as independent variable and poverty as dependent variable. The study includes other important explanatory variables such as human development indexes, irrigation, and GDRP. The present research utilizes the Spatial Econometrics-Random Effect Model which allows for controlling for regional dependency. The results confirm the presence of spatial autocorrelation in poverty, indicating that poverty can spread across the region. The study also reveals a positive and significant relationship between poverty and agricultural productivity growth. However, only wealthier persons, such as middlemen and farmers, may benefit from productivity development while small-scale farmers and vulnerable communities continue to live in poverty. As a consequence, impoverished individuals may need to resort to selling their assets or borrowing money to cover their daily expenses. The study shows a significant negative relationship between irrigation and poverty, highlighting the critical role irrigation plays in helping small-scale farmers increase their income. Therefore, the authors suggest that sustaining the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing's irrigation policy could be an effective poverty alleviation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, carbon powder produced from bagasse, solid waste of sugarcane production, was used as raw material for creating screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), which is named SPAC600. Bagasse was carbonized at 600 °C under N2 flows to produce carbon. The carbonized bagasse was then treated with alkaline solution to leach out the impurities; therefore, the result, AC600, provides a significant increase in surface area from 24.8 to 197.10 m2 g−1. Alkaline treatment also changed the morphology of carbon powder into smaller flakes and removed C–H- aromatic vibration and C–O stretching within Fourier transformed- infrared (FTIR) spectra. The treatment also increases the electric conductivity from 10.01 S/cm to 25.39 S/cm. Alkaline leaching also increases the electrochemical performance of the electrode, proven by the significant increase of anodic current density, Ipa from 5.5 to 12.8 μA, for screen-printed carbon without alkaline leaching (SPC600) and SPAC600, respectively. Furthermore, ferrocene addition to the working electrode (WE) part of the prepared SPCE even increases the electrochemical performance as an analytic electrode, proven by the anodic current density of 173.0 μA. Even though the performance is still lower than a commercial SPCE which provides anodic current density up to 2000 μA, further treatment and modification may enhance the performance of the SPAC600. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding represents around 32% of total disasters in Indonesia and disproportionately affects the poorest of communities. The objective of this study was to determine significant statistical differences, in terms of river catchment characteristics, between regions in West Java that reported suffering from flood disasters and those that did not. Catchment characteristics considered included various statistical measures of topography, land-use, soil-type, meteorology and river flow rates. West Java comprises 154 level 9 HydroSHEDS sub-basin regions. We split these regions into those where flood disasters were reported and those where they were not, for the period of 2009 to 2013. Rainfall statistics were derived using the CHIRPS gridded precipitation data package. Statistical estimates of river flow rates, applicable to ungauged catchments, were derived from regionalisation relationships obtained by stepwise linear regression with river flow data from 70 West Javanese gauging stations. We used Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests to identify catchment characteristics that exhibit significant statistical differences between the two sets of regions. Median annual maximum river flow rate (AMRFR) was found to be positively correlated with plantation cover. Reducing plantation land cover from 20 to 10% was found to lead to a modelled 38% reduction in median AMRFR. AMRFR with return periods greater than 10 years were found to be negatively correlated with wetland farming land cover, suggesting that rice paddies play an important role in attenuating extreme river flow events. Nevertheless, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests revealed that built land cover is the most important factor defining whether or not an area is likely to report flood disasters in West Java. This is presumably because the more built land cover, the more people available to experience and report flood disasters. Our findings also suggest that more research is needed to understand the important role of plantation cover in aggravating median annual maximum river flow rates and wetland farming cover in mitigating extreme river flow events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a quantum teleportation protocol using two senders and one receiver, referred to as the dual input quantum teleportation (DIQT) protocol. We show that the receiver state is in a combination of both senders’ states. We also show that the DIQT protocol can be modified to a quantum controlled teleportation with two controllers, with one of the controllers having extra control over the fidelity value. The advantages of this controlled protocol are that it can add two controllers by only using a three-qubit channel state, and one of the controllers has extra control over the fidelity value. We also show that the DIQT protocol can be modified to an encrypted quantum teleportation protocol, in which, by using one of two criteria pairs, the actual qubit representing the actual information is encrypted into two qubits different from the actual one and then given to the two senders to be teleported. The receiver will get the actual qubit without having to decrypt, but with the consequence, the probability is less than one. However, this probability value depends on how the actual qubit is encrypted and can be set so that the probability value remains close to one. This protocol has two advantages. First, due to the non-contacting between the senders and the actual qubit, this encrypted teleportation protocol gives more security than other existing protocols. Second, even if the teleportation success probability is less than one, no decryption is required for the recipient to receive the actual qubit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, it is known that extreme climatic conditions such as El Niño and positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD+) cause prolonged drought in Indonesia's tropical peatlands so that groundwater levels (GWL) drop and peat is prone to fire. However, 27 years of GWL measurements in Central Kalimantan peat forests show the opposite condition, where the lowest GWL occurs several weeks before El Niño and after IOD+ reaches its peaks. We show that the dropped sea surface temperature anomaly induced by anomalously easterly winds along the southern Java-Sumatra occurs several weeks before the GWL drop to the lowest value. Local rainfall decreased, and GWL dropped sharply by 1.0 to 1.5 m, during the super El Niño events in 1997/98 and 2015, as well as remarkable events of IOD+ in 2019. It is suggested that the tropical peatland ecohydrological system (represented by the GWL), El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and IOD+ are teleconnected. Hence, monitoring GWL variability of peatland over the IMC is a possibility an alert for extreme climate events associated with El Niño and/or moderate IOD+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the ability and practicality of chitosan used for wastewater treatment, this study aimed to modify chitosan through cross-linking and addition of magnetic properties. Cross-linked magnetic chitosan microspheres were prepared using the inverse phase dispersion method and then applied for Cd2+ removal from water. Fe3O4 nanoparticles prepared from local iron sand were embedded with chitosan cross-linked by polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEDGE) to produce PEDGE cross-linked magnetic chitosan (PEDGE-MCh) microspheres. PEDGE-MCh microspheres were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses. Altogether, the characterization confirmed the formation of cross-linking and the interaction among components in the adsorbent. Additionally, the characterization also revealed the additional features of functional groups, rougher surface, and more amorphous properties beneficial in pollutant removal. Further, the batch adsorption experiments suggest that the cross-linking and addition of Fe3O4 improved the adsorption capacity. The highest adsorption capacity was obtained at pH 5 with a contact time of 40 min. Adsorption isotherm studies indicated that the Cd2+ adsorption onto PEDGE-MCh microsphere was Redlich-Peterson dependent (R2 = 0.9996 and root-mean-square errors = 0.064). The regeneration remained the primary challenge of PEDGE-MCh application in the wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We successfully realized symmetric and asymmetric cyclic quantum teleportation by using different controllers for each receiver. In this study, Alice sends her qubit to Bob, Bob sends his qubit to Charlie, and Charlie sends his qubit to Alice. We used only Hadamard and CNOT gates to generate all quantum channels. None of the participants could rebuild their original state without permission from each controller. In this work, all controllers must measure their single qubits jointly, while there is no different control level for each participant. Our protocol provides a simple and straightforward method to realize cyclic quantum teleportation under controller supervision. Although the addition of a controller increases the consumption of quantum channel qubits, the intrinsic efficiency can increase with the addition of the initial qubit state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural killer (NK) cells mediate antibody dependent cytotoxic killing of cancer cells via cross-linking FcγR on NK cells with IgG-Fc. Studies have shown that the single-hinge cleaved IgGs (scIgGs) have dysfunctional Fc and failed engagement with FcγRs on immune cells. However, little is known about how scIgGs impact on antitumor immunity in the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we revealed a significant association of tumor scIgGs with tumor progression and poor outcomes of breast cancer patients (n = 547). Using multiple mouse tumor models, we demonstrated that tumor scIgGs reduced NK cell cytotoxic activities and resulted in aggressive tumor progression. We further showed that an anti-hinge specific monoclonal antibody (AHA) rescued the dysfunctional Fc in scIgGs by providing a functional Fc and restored NK cell cytotoxic activity. These findings point to a novel immunotherapeutic strategy to enhance Fc engagement with FcγRs for activation of anticancer immunity. Single-hinge cleaved antibodies (scIgGs) in tumors damped NK cell cytotoxic activities and resulted in more aggressive tumor progression, which can be rescued by targeting the neoepitope in scIgGs with an anti-hinge antibody. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a low mole ratio formula Li to Zr of Li0.5xLa0.5xZr1−xO12−δ(LLZO*) with various x = 0.1, 0.3, and 0.6 was synthesized. The research aims to understand the crystal structure and the electrochemical properties of the new formula of Li0.5xLa0.5xZr1−xO12−δ, in which the Li to Zr mole ratio is smaller than the common cubic garnet of Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO). A different sintering treatment was also applied to understand whether the material properties are only a matter of chemical formula or are also affected by the sintering method. The first sintering method was firing at 1230 °C for 6 h under air to produce LLZO*(A), and the second method was firing at 900 °C for 6 h under Ar flows to produce LLZO*(B). The XRD analysis found that the LLZO*(A) was crystallized mainly to tetragonal structure, and cubic pyrochlore secondary phase, with a small amount of cubic structure. Meanwhile, the LLZO*(B) was crystallized mainly into cubic and tetragonal structure. The impedance analysis found that LLZO*(B) shows a higher ionic conductivity than LLZO*(A), i.e., 7.573 × 10−5 S.cm−1. A full-cell impedance measurement of LiFePO4-LLZO*(B)-mcmb shows that LLZO*(B) x = 0.1 has the lowest Li+ migration resistance of 223.8 Ω confirming the promising material for solid electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Streptozotocin (STZ) is widely used to study diabetic complications. Owing to the nonspecific cytotoxicity of high-dose STZ, alternative models using moderate-dose or a combination of low-dose STZ and a high-fat diet have been established. This study aimed to investigate the effects of these models on muscle function.The muscle function of two STZ models using moderate-dose STZ (100 mg/kg, twice) and a combination of low-dose STZ and high-fat diet (50 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days + 45% high-fat diet) were examined using in vivo electrical stimulation. Biochemical and gene expression analysis were conducted on the skeletal muscles of the models immediately after the stimulation.The contractile force did not differ significantly between the models compared to respective controls. However, the moderate-dose STZ model showed more severe fatigue and blunted exercise-induced glycogen degradation possibly thorough a downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation- and vasculature development-related genes expression.Moderate-dose STZ model is suitable for fatigability assessment in diabetes and careful understanding on the molecular signatures of each model is necessary to guide the selection of suitable models to study diabetic myopathy.Methods: Streptozotocin (STZ) is widely used to study diabetic complications. Owing to the nonspecific cytotoxicity of high-dose STZ, alternative models using moderate-dose or a combination of low-dose STZ and a high-fat diet have been established. This study aimed to investigate the effects of these models on muscle function.The muscle function of two STZ models using moderate-dose STZ (100 mg/kg, twice) and a combination of low-dose STZ and high-fat diet (50 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days + 45% high-fat diet) were examined using in vivo electrical stimulation. Biochemical and gene expression analysis were conducted on the skeletal muscles of the models immediately after the stimulation.The contractile force did not differ significantly between the models compared to respective controls. However, the moderate-dose STZ model showed more severe fatigue and blunted exercise-induced glycogen degradation possibly thorough a downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation- and vasculature development-related genes expression.Moderate-dose STZ model is suitable for fatigability assessment in diabetes and careful understanding on the molecular signatures of each model is necessary to guide the selection of suitable models to study diabetic myopathy.Results: Streptozotocin (STZ) is widely used to study diabetic complications. Owing to the nonspecific cytotoxicity of high-dose STZ, alternative models using moderate-dose or a combination of low-dose STZ and a high-fat diet have been established. This study aimed to investigate the effects of these models on muscle function.The muscle function of two STZ models using moderate-dose STZ (100 mg/kg, twice) and a combination of low-dose STZ and high-fat diet (50 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days + 45% high-fat diet) were examined using in vivo electrical stimulation. Biochemical and gene expression analysis were conducted on the skeletal muscles of the models immediately after the stimulation.The contractile force did not differ significantly between the models compared to respective controls. However, the moderate-dose STZ model showed more severe fatigue and blunted exercise-induced glycogen degradation possibly thorough a downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation- and vasculature development-related genes expression.Moderate-dose STZ model is suitable for fatigability assessment in diabetes and careful understanding on the molecular signatures of each model is necessary to guide the selection of suitable models to study diabetic myopathy.Conclusions: Streptozotocin (STZ) is widely used to study diabetic complications. Owing to the nonspecific cytotoxicity of high-dose STZ, alternative models using moderate-dose or a combination of low-dose STZ and a high-fat diet have been established. This study aimed to investigate the effects of these models on muscle function.The muscle function of two STZ models using moderate-dose STZ (100 mg/kg, twice) and a combination of low-dose STZ and high-fat diet (50 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days + 45% high-fat diet) were examined using in vivo electrical stimulation. Biochemical and gene expression analysis were conducted on the skeletal muscles of the models immediately after the stimulation.The contractile force did not differ significantly between the models compared to respective controls. However, the moderate-dose STZ model showed more severe fatigue and blunted exercise-induced glycogen degradation possibly thorough a downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation- and vasculature development-related genes expression.Moderate-dose STZ model is suitable for fatigability assessment in diabetes and careful understanding on the molecular signatures of each model is necessary to guide the selection of suitable models to study diabetic myopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of biomass into sustainable biofuel is achievable through biorefinery. In this regard, the selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol, 2-methylfuran, and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol has attracted a great interest. This research aims to prepare an active and selective catalyst for hydrogenation of furfural in liquid phase. To achieve this objective, we employed a water-stable zirconium(IV)-based metal–organic framework (MOF) [Zr6O4(OH)4(BTC)2(CH3COO)6] (Zr–BTC) (BTC = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate) and modified it with Ru and Pd to form Ru/Zr–BTC and Pd/Zr–BTC. The diffractograms of Zr–BTC modified with Ru and Pd metal fit well with the diffractogram of the pristine Zr–BTC, indicating that the presence of Ru and Pd in Zr–BTC does not change the Zr–BTC structure. This is further confirmed by FTIR spectra. The obtained materials showed type I adsorption isotherms, thus the material can be classified as microporous. The presence of Pd/Ru metal on the surface and in the pores of Zr–BTC decreases the total pore volume and BET surface area. Electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) analysis further confirmed that the Pd and Ru were successfully encapsulated in Zr–BTC. Ru/Zr–BTC and Pd/Zr–BTC showed excellent performance in the catalytic liquid-phase hydrogenation reaction of furfural to furfuryl alcohol with conversion of 99.4% and 98.4% for Ru/Zr–BTC and Pd/Zr–BTC, respectively, and selectivity to furfuryl alcohol (FA) up to 100% for both catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthmatics have elevated levels of IL-17A compared to healthy controls. IL-17A is likely to contribute to reduced corticosteroid sensitivity of human airway epithelium. Here, we aimed to investigate the mechanistic underpinnings of this reduced sensitivity in more detail. Differentiated primary human airway epithelial cells (hAECs) were exposed to IL-17A in the absence or presence of dexamethasone. Cells were then collected for RNA sequencing analysis or used for barrier function experiments. Mucus was collected for volume measurement and basal medium for cytokine analysis. 2861 genes were differentially expressed by IL-17A (Padj < 0.05), of which the majority was not sensitive to dexamethasone (< 50% inhibition). IL-17A did inhibit canonical corticosteroid genes, such as HSD11B2 and FKBP5 (p < 0.05). Inflammatory and goblet cell metaplasia markers, cytokine secretion and mucus production were all induced by IL-17A, and these effects were not prevented by dexamethasone. Dexamethasone did reverse IL-17A-stimulated epithelial barrier disruption, and this was associated with gene expression changes related to cilia function and development. We conclude that IL-17A induces function-specific corticosteroid-insensitivity. Whereas inflammatory response genes and mucus production in primary hAECs in response to IL-17A were corticosteroid-insensitive, corticosteroids were able to reverse IL-17A-induced epithelial barrier disruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High survival rates of children diagnosed with cancer have led to a growing population of women with premature ovarian failure (POF) due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The POF process occurs due to the disruption of the hypothalamic–pituitary and gonadal axis followed by the delay of puberty development. Evaluation of reproductive function in children with cancer is essential to determine the fertility preservation plan. This study aimed to describe reproductive functions in children and adolescents with cancer who received chemotherapy based on Tanner stage evaluation, menstrual cycle, and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) examination using electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay kit. Results: Twenty-three girls aged 12–18 years old and had menarche who underwent cancer therapy in January–August 2019 in Dr. Sardjito General Hospital were included in the study. Among them, 61% had low AMH levels and were defined as diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Two subjects with DOR experienced delayed puberty. Regular menstrual cycle was reported in 65.2% of subjects and irregular menstrual cycle in 34.8%, while 21.7% with irregular menstrual cycle encountered secondary amenorrhea. Conclusion: Chemotherapy exposure affected DOR occurrence in 60.9% of patients with childhood and adolescence cancer. Moreover, it also altered menstrual regularity in 34.8% and delayed puberty development in 8.7% subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gyrinops versteegii is a tropical, agarwood-producing tree. Agarwood is valued for its fragrant resin, which has resulted in over-harvesting of agarwood trees and their protection as endangered species. Agarwood is produced in response to physical, chemical, or biological stress, and considerable research has been devoted to identifying effective methods for artificial induction of agarwood. Among the known agarwood-forming species, most research has been carried out on species in the genus Aquilaria. In the present study, we report results of a preliminary study on the potential of Gyrinops versteegii for agarwood production using seedlings. Agarwood production in the stem of Gyrinops versteegii seedlings was evaluated in response to bark removal (wounding treatment), or inoculation with bacteria (Bacillus sp. or Alcaligenes sp.) or fungi (Fusarium solani or Paecilomyces variotii), or treatment with salicylic acid. Healthy unwounded seedlings were included in the analyses as negative controls. We found that terpene was formed in response to all treatments and mainly accumulated in the interxylary phloem and xylem rays. Analysis for volatile chemicals using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that sesquiterpenes were only detected in stems treated with the fungus, Fusarium solani, and that chromones were present in stems inoculated with bacteria or fungi. Our results demonstrate that both biological and chemical agents have the potential to induce the biosynthesis of agarwood resin components in Gyrinops versteegii seedlings. Among these, Fusarium solani was the most effective agent. We anticipate that this study will lead to a more elaborate study of agarwood formation in the genus Gyrinops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liefferink et al. (GM 22: 57, 2020) reported the effect of liquid volume fraction on the penetration hardness/shear modulus and the friction coefficient of several types of wet sand. However, no analytical equation can simultaneously explain these two observations. In this paper, we formulate the effective elastic modulus of wet granular material as a function of the liquid volume fraction using the effective medium approximation. We also propose the equation of the friction coefficient between the surface of an object and the surface of the wet granular materials. The equations for the modulus of elasticity and coefficient of friction as a function of the liquid volume fraction can well explain the observed data by using a few adjusted parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of the performance of daily satellite-based rainfall (CMORPH, CHIRPS, GPM IMERG, and TRMM) was done to obtain applicable satellite rainfall estimates in the groundwater basin of the Merapi Aquifer System (MAS). Performance of satellite data was assessed by applying descriptive statistics, categorical statistics, and bias decomposition on the basis of daily rainfall intensity classification. This classification is possible to measure the performance of daily satellite-based rainfall in much detail. CM (CMORPH) has larger underestimation compared to other satellite-based rainfall assessments. This satellite-based rainfall also mostly has the largest RMSE, while CHR (CHIRPS) has the lowest. CM has a good performance to detect no rain, while IMR (GPM IMERG) has the worst performance. IMR and CHR have a good performance to detect light and moderate rain. Both of them have larger H frequencies and lower MB values compared to other satellite products. CHR mostly has a good performance compared to TR (TRMM), especially on wet periods. CM, IMR, and TR mostly have a good performance on dry periods, while CHR on wet periods. CM mostly has the largest MB and lowest AHB values. CM and CHR have better accuracy to estimate rain amount compared to IMR and TR. All in all, all 4 satellite-based rainfall assessments have large discrepancy compared with rain gauge data along mountain range where orographic rainfall usually occurs in wet periods. Hence, it is recommended to evaluate satellite-based rainfall with time series of streamflow simulation in hydrological modeling framework by merging rain gauge data with more than one satellite-based rainfall than to merge both IMR and TR together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Civic education is a moral development imperative of the Indonesian national curriculum and the United Nation's policy on education for sustainable development. It was within this context that we investigated the impact of ethical dilemma story pedagogy (EDSP) on student learning in a constructivist Indonesian STEM learning environment. EDSP uses specially-designed stories to engage students in ethical decision-making for resolving sustainable development dilemmas occurring in their daily lives. The research was conducted in six Indonesian middle schools with 462 students of chemistry, and it was designed to lead to understanding of how well students engaged in a constructivist values learning environment aimed at developing chemistry knowledge/skills and ethical values for living sustainably in the 21st century. Data were collected using the Constructivist Values Learning Environment Survey (CVLES), classroom observations, student interviews and students' reflective journals. Generally, students had positive perceptions of their constructivist values learning environment, engaged deeply in chemistry learning, reflected critically on their values and the social use of chemistry, and practised mutually-respectful communication and collaborative decision-making as strategies for solving sustainability dilemmas. We conclude that ethical dilemma story pedagogy can play an important role in integrating STEM education and civic education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion and erosion are the common pipe-integrity issues that occur when carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and sand exist in the gas stream at the same time. Corrosion is developed by the reaction among carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and iron, while erosion by the physical damage through flowing sand. When it comes to the prediction model which could accommodate both events, complex phenomena related to physics, chemistry and metallurgy should be put into account. In this paper, we develop a new-integrated corrosion-erosion model which can calculate the corrosion-erosion rate by considering the interactions among type of passive layer (mackinawite and siderite), formation and removal rate of passive layer, and surface reaction rate. The integrated model consists of fluid flow in pipes equation, kinetics of reaction, fundamental diffusion law, empirical erosion equation and fundamental Faraday's law. Corrosion-erosion rate is obtained through iteration scenario after establishing pressure and temperature from fluid flow in pipes equation. Pipe dimension used in the simulation has tubing ID 2.992 in for vertical pipe and flowline ID 2.992 in for horizontal pipe. Simulations were conducted using hypothetic gas field data with variation of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide composition. In constant erosion rate, when the hydrogen sulfide percentage is significantly greater than carbon dioxide, corrosion is more dominant than passive layer formation. However, when the carbon dioxide percentage is greater than that of hydrogen sulfide, the passive layer tends to form, resulting in scaling. These results can be explained by the faster formation rate of siderite than mackinawite. Finally, the proposed model can explain clearly the phenomena of corrosion-erosion and scaling by simplifying the complex phenomena occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine analogues of antioxidant peptide SCAP1 were successfully synthesised using a solid-phase method on a 2-chlorotrytil resin. The compounds were obtained in a range of yields of 7.0–57.8%. The occurrence of aggregation during the synthesis is suspected to be responsible for the poor yields. All peptides were characterized by high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HR-TOFMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The antioxidant activities of the SCAP1 analogues as well as SCAP1 were analysed utilising the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay. The results revealed that all of the analysed peptides exhibited moderate antioxidant properties. Moreover, the evaluation of the structure–activity relationship showed that the Asn residue is an important requirement for the antioxidant activity of SCAP1. The replacement of Asn with other amino acid residues (Thr, Pro, Tyr, Trp and Phe) resulted in a decrease in the IC50 values of the peptides. Notably, however, the replacement of the Lys residue with Val marginally increased the activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose the general reduced channel matrices of multi-partite state for determining the entanglement pattern of the state. The matrix elements of reduced channel matrices are nothing but the coefficients of the state so that the rank of channel matrices can be easier determined. The entanglement pattern can be obtained from the evaluation of the rank of reduced matrices in various level of the reduced state. We apply the method on three multi-qubit states as example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major drawbacks of a Pt-free counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are low electrical conductivity and low electrocatalytic activity. One of the promising materials for use in the counter electrode in DSSCs is graphite. It is well-known that graphite provides notable electrical conductivity, but has low electrocatalytic activity. Therefore, the surface of the graphite electrode has to be covered by an electrocatalytically active material. The presence of an electrocatalytically active layer will facilitate charge transfer at the electrode–electrolyte interface. In this report, we demonstrate the combination of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and polyaniline (PANI) to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of a graphite counter electrode. rGO is synthesized from graphite using the sonication–oxidation method followed by reduction using ascorbic acid. This technique produced two types of rGO: floated and precipitated rGOs. PANI was grown on the surfaces of dispersed rGO in a water/ethanol system using an in situ polymerization technique. This technique resulted in both low-conductivity PANI–floated rGO (PANI–FrGO) and high-conductivity PANI–precipitated rGO (PANI–PrGO). In the composite electrode, rGO acts as a bridge between the graphite surface, and polyaniline acts as the electrocatalytically active material. The highest photovoltaic performance was obtained for a cell using the graphite/PANI–PrGO composite counter electrode. This cell gives an optimal open-circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), overall conversion efficiency (η), and short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 0.66 V, 0.508, 1.83% and 4.899 mA/cm2, respectively. Measurement of photovoltaic performance was carried out under 100 mW cm−2 of air mass (AM) 1.5 illumination. The contribution of PANI–rGO on the graphite composite counter electrode was demonstrated to enhance photovoltaic performance that opens an alternative route for the low-cost fabrication of Pt-free DSSC counter electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas lift optimization has been a classic problem since its inception. The problem with currently practiced optimization, the gas lift performance curve (GLPC), was the sole requirement for exhaustive calculation that has to be performed every time changes to the reservoir are acknowledged. The approach of mechanistic modeling has been proven to be a powerful tool to complement the analysis of GLP curves, especially in complex, multi-well gas lift system. This publication offers a new approach in modeling the progression of flow pattern map (FPM) in case of reservoir pressure decline. The findings presented in this publication encourage the hypothesis that FPM can be used with minimum alteration should there be any changes in reservoir pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the wide applications, limited supply, and high demand, sustainable utilization of indium has become an important task. In this study, the recovery of indium from acidic extractant solutions of ITO scraps using aluminum (Al) powder was investigated. The cementation reaction of indium from HCl solution was completed within 10 min and it could be described by pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Effective recovery of indium (91.69%) at aluminum dose of 5 g/L and 25 °C was found in HCl solution. Recovery efficiency increased with aluminum dose. Results from cyclic voltammetry were used to provide information why cementation reactions did not work in H2SO4 or HNO3 solutions. Indium recovery by aluminum cementation could be an alternative process, which is simple and efficient. However, there are some drawbacks, e.g., cementation reaction was not specific as tin was recovered simultaneously with indium from solutions. Furthermore, removal and separation of indium deposit on aluminum surfaces could be another issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrass meadows provide critical ecosystem services for coastal areas, e.g., as nursery habitats for various fish species, help with water filtration of suspended sediment, and provide food for dugongs (Dugong dugon). Their role as "blue carbon" and their capacity to mitigate climate change, by means of Natural mechanism of Carbon Dioxide Removal (NCDR) from the atmosphere, has recently gained increased attention. However, available scientific methods such as guidelines and manuals to measure carbon stock and sequestration still rely heavily on field sampling activities and laboratory analyses. Despite their accuracy, neither of these methods are applicable for large-scale carbon inventories nor are they practical in areas with limited carbon-related data and laboratory resources. Thus, it is necessary to determine whether any of the seagrass-related variables (e.g., coverage, density and biomass) may be treated as a proxy that are both robust and practical to assess the capacity of seagrass to store and sequester carbon. We developed formulas, assessed their robustness, and used both the formulas and the proxy to estimate carbon stock and the sequestration potential of the seagrasses. Furthermore, this study aims to elucidate the carbon stock and sequestration potential capacity of the seagrass ecosystems in Indonesia. We used the data of seagrass- and carbon-related variables obtained from eleven study sites and developed several candidate formulas using the Robust Linear Mixed Models (rL MMs). We found that the best formulas are comprised of multiple seagrass-related variables that consistently include biomass and coverage. This suggests that a combination of biomass and coverage is the best proxy to estimate carbon stock; however, a single proxy of seagrass coverage is recommended for practical seagrass monitoring purposes by the local government. Estimations of carbon stock and sequestration subsequently follow the formulas in the present study. Here we estimated, using a single proxy of seagrass coverage, that the above- and below-ground carbon stock, and carbon sequestration capacity of seagrass ecosystems in Indonesia reached 80–314 ktC, 196–696 ktC, and 1.6–7.4 MtC/year, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this study were: (1) to confirm the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in Japanese children using nocturnal pulse oximetry (NPOx) as a screening tool and (2) to examine what kind of parameters are suitable for the evaluation of SDB in children. We conducted a study of 99 children between 4 and 15-year-old and obtained their demographic characteristics and the presence of SDB-related symptoms by questionnaire from their parents. In our study, 36% had been Down syndrome (DS), 25% had cardiovascular disease and 34% had dental/oral abnormality. As SDB-related symptoms, snoring (35%), awake disturbance (48%), arousal (41%) and nocturia (19%) were reported. We analyzed each parameter based on the previous reported data of children and temporary defined normal range as follows; 3%ODI < 2.04, 4%ODI < 0.78, SpO2 nadir > 89% and McGill oximetry score = 1. In non-DS group, each parameter showed abnormal value especially in younger group (abnormality; 61–94%), but the abnormality was decreased during the growth (abnormality; 11–63%). Interestingly, in DS group the value of each parameter was kept on abnormal during the growth (abnormality; 55–100%). We investigated the correlation between McGill oximetry score and ODI or SpO2 nadir. There was a significant positive correlation between McGill oximetry score and 3% or 4% ODI. Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between McGill oximetry score and SpO2 nadir. Based on NPOx screening, prevalence of SDB was high; however, it was decreased during the growth in non-DS group. Each parameter might be useful for SDB screening in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium zirconate, Li2ZrO3 (LZO), was added to graphite anode at various compositions of 0%, 20%, and 30% of weight, and used in a LiFePO4 (LFP) battery fabrication. The battery cells were designated as LFP//G, LFP//20LZOG, and LFP//30LZOG, respectively. Herein, battery performance was tested to understand LZO contribution to the LFP cathode at different current rates. The data taken were specific capacity of battery, anodic current density, and a crystallite volume change after 50 cycles of charge-discharge. The result found that addition of 20% weight LZO to graphite increases discharge specific capacity after 50 cycles from 71.87 to 72.53 mAhg−1 with Coulombic efficiency of 99.73%. The capacity retention is 62.1%, which is higher than LFP//G, i.e., 57.7%. The anodic current density of LFP//20LZOG is 9.09 × 10−6 Acm−2, also higher than the current density of LFP//G, i.e., 8.91 × 10−8 Acm−2. It indicates contribution of LZO to increase electrochemical reaction rate during battery usage. Structural investigation shows that the LZO addition decreases the volume change of anode material after 50 cycles of charge-discharge under 1C current rate. It indicates that Li2ZrO3 has good structural stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite rainfall products have different performances in different geographic regions under different physical and climatological conditions. In this study, the objective was to select the most reliable and accurate satellite rainfall products for specific, environmental conditions of Bali Island. The performances of four spatio-temporal satellite rainfall products, i.e., CMORPH25, CMORPH8, TRMM, and PERSIANN, were evaluated at the island, zonation (applying elevation and climatology as constraints), and pixel scales, using (i) descriptive statistics and (ii) categorical statistics, including bias decomposition. The results showed that all the satellite products had low accuracy because of spatial scale effect, daily resolution and the island complexity. That accuracy was relatively lower in (i) dry seasons and dry climatic zones than in wet seasons and wet climatic zones; (ii) pixels jointly covered by sea and mountainous land than in pixels covered by land or by sea only; and (iii) topographically diverse than uniform terrains. CMORPH25, CMORPH8, and TRMM underestimated and PERSIANN overestimated rainfall when comparing them to gauged rain. The CMORPH25 had relatively the best performance and the PERSIANN had the worst performance in the Bali Island. The CMORPH25 had the lowest statistical errors, the lowest miss, and the highest hit rainfall events; it also had the lowest miss rainfall bias and was relatively the most accurate in detecting, frequent in Bali, ≤ 20 mm day−1 rain events. Lastly, the CMORPH25 coarse grid better represented rainfall events from coastal to inlands areas than other satellite products, including finer grid CMORPH8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishes are easy to be gathered around fish aggregating devices (FADs), which is an environment-friendly artificial ocean infrastructure. This study has proposed and developed a new type of FAD with a current turbine to generate an independent electric power for navigational and environmental sensors, especially at archipelago areas with fishery and aquaculture. A mooring type of FAD with a horizontal axis turbine (HAT) or a vertical axis turbine (VAT) was designed to avoid an unexpected collision with fishes. The characteristics of fluid force on FAD were investigated by numerical and theoretical works assuming steady state in time and the motions of FAD were also examined by experimental works. The proposed FAD can achieve 15% reduction for averaged snap load and 30% for maximum one. The amplitudes of surge, sway and heave motions excited by vortex-induced vibration (VIV) in wave-current conditions can be reduced up to 50%. The current flow around FAD and designed turbine was computed by CFD to estimate hydrodynamic force and vortex field. The numerical results in the fluid force are in overall agreement with the experimental and theoretical ones. Moreover, generated electric power by the optimized turbine was estimated at a typical archipelago area in Indonesia. The first model of FAD without turbine was built up and has been installed in real ocean field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“The fish becomes aware of the water in which it swims” is a metaphor that represents Yuli’s revelatory journey about the hidden power of culture in her personal identity and professional teaching practice. While engaging in a critical auto/ethnographic inquiry into her lived experience as a science teacher in Indonesian and Australian schools, she came to understand the powerful role of culture in shaping her teaching identity. Yuli realised that she is a product of cultural hybridity resulting from interactions of very different cultures—Javanese, Bimanese, Indonesian and Australian. Traditionally, Javanese and Indonesian cultures do not permit direct criticism of others. This influenced strongly the way she had learned to interact with students and caused her to be very sensitive to others. During this inquiry she learned the value of engaging students in open discourse and overt caring, and came to realise that teachers bringing their own cultures to the classroom can be both a source of power and a problem. In this journey, Yuli came to understand the hegemonic power of culture in her teaching identity, and envisioned how to empower herself as a good teacher educator of pre-service science teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep quality is often impaired in patients with chronic heart failure (HF), which may worsen their quality of life and even prognosis. Leg thermal therapy (LTT), topical leg warming, has been shown to improve endothelial function, oxidative stress, and cardiac function in patients with HF. However, its short-term influence to sleep quality has not been evaluated in HF patients. Eighteen of 23 patients with stable HF received LTT (15 min of warming at 45 °C and 30 min of insulation) at bedtime for 3 consecutive nights and 5 patients served as control. Subjective sleep quality was evaluated by St. Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire, Oguri-Shirakawa-Azumi Sleep Inventory, and Epworth sleepiness scale, and also objectively evaluated by polysomnography. LTT significantly improved subjective sleep quality indicated by depth of sleep ( p < 0.01), sleep duration ( p < 0.05), number of awaking ( p < 0.01), nap duration ( p < 0.01), sleep quality ( p < 0.05), and sleep satisfaction ( p < 0.05). It was also objectively affirmed by a slight but significant decrease of sleep stage N1 ( p < 0.01), and increase in sleep stage N2 ( p < 0.05). No significant changes occurred in the controls. Hence, the short-term LTT could improve subjective and objective sleep quality in patients with HF. LTT can be a complimentary therapy to improve sleep quality in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]