Fs Values Research Articles

Genetic Variation and Population Structure of Clonorchis sinensis: An In Silico Analysis

Clonorchis sinensis is an important zoonotic parasite that is mainly prevalent in China, Korea, Vietnam and the Russian Far East. To explore the genetic variation and population structure of C. sinensis, an in silico analysis was conducted based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1), ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences. The sequences obtained from NCBI were truncated for further analyses, including haplotype network, phylogenetic, gene flow, diversity and neutrality analyses. The results showed that there were 20, 11 and 4 haplotypes for COX1, ITS1 and ITS2, respectively. The results of both the haplotype network and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the haplotypes for each type of sequence from the same country were not all clustered together. Haplotype diversity values were all lower than 0.5. Values of nucleotide diversity were higher than 0.005, except for ITS2. Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs values were all negative, and p-values showed significant differences, indicating that the population of C. sinensis is growing. Fst values were all lower than 0.05. In conclusion, this study found that there are specific variations of C. sinensis in different countries, and the population of this parasite is growing with less genetic variation. The findings provide a crucial foundation for understanding the molecular epidemiology and population dynamics of C. sinensis.

Genotype distribution and allele frequency of thioester-containing protein 1(Tep1) and its effect on development of Plasmodium oocyst in populations of Anopheles arabiensis in Ethiopia.

Thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1) is a crucial component of mosquitoes' natural resistance to parasites. To effectively combat malaria, there is a need to better understand how TEP1 polymorphism affects phenotypic traits during infections. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the Tep1 genotype frequency in malaria vector populations from south-western Ethiopia and investigate its effect on Plasmodium oocyst development in Anopheles arabiensis populations. Using standard dippers, Anopheles mosquito larvae were collected from aquatic habitats in Asendabo, Arjo Dedessa, and Gambella in 2019 and 2020. Collected larvae were reared to adults and identified morphologically. Female An. gambiae s.l. were allowed to feed on infected blood containing the same number of gametocytes obtained from P. falciparum and P. vivax gametocyte-positive individuals using indirect membrane feeding methods. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to identify An. gambiae s.l. sibling species. Three hundred thirty An. gambiae s.l. were genotyped using Restricted Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) PCR and sub samples were sequenced to validate the TEP1 genotyping. Among the 330 samples genotyped, two TEP1 alleles, TEP1*S1 (82% frequency) and TEP1*R1 (18% frequency), were identified. Three equivalent genotypes, TEP1*S1/S1, TEP1*R1/R1, and TEP1*S1/R1, had mean frequencies of 65.15%, 2.12%, and 32.73%, respectively. The nucleotide diversity was ranging from 0.36554 to 0. 46751 while haplotype diversity ranged from 0.48871 to 0.63161, across all loci. All sample sites had positive Tajima's D and Fu's Fs values. There was a significant difference in the TEP1 allele frequency and genotype frequency among mosquito populations (p < 0.05), except populations of Anopheles arabiensis from Asendabo and Gambella (p > 0.05). In addition, mosquitoes with the TEP1 *RR genotype were susceptible and produced fewer Plasmodium oocysts than mosquitoes with the TEP1 *SR and TEP1 *SS genotypes. The alleles identified in populations of An. arabiensis were TEP1*R1 and TEP1*S1. There was no significant variation in TEP1*R1 allele frequency between the high and low transmission areas. Furthermore, An. arabiensis carrying the TEP1*R1 allele was susceptible to Plasmodium infection. Further studies on vector-parasite interactions, particularly on the TEP1 gene, are required for vector control techniques.

Comparison of stability analysis methods for safe design of volcanic rock slope

The performance of the stability chart (SC), limit equilibrium (LE), and finite element (FE) methods for stability analysis of weathered volcanic rock slopes under static and earthquake loads is not fully understood. This research aimed to evaluate the performance of the SC, LE, and FE methods for slope stability analyses by studying a case of a weathered volcanic rock slope at the Leuwikeris Dam diversion tunnel in Indonesia. Site characterisations were carried out to obtain the input parameters for the static and pseudostatic slope stability analyses. The results showed that using various search methods of failure surface and the suggested optimum number of finite elements, multiple non-circular failure surfaces were predicted from the LE and FE methods that were not anticipated in the initial slope design based on the SC method. The location and shape of the failure surfaces from the LE method agreed with those from the FE method. The difference between the Fs values from the static LE analysis and those from the static FE analyses was less than 14%, but the discrepancy increased up to 78% in the pseudostatic analyses. This study highlights the importance of validating the results from one method with the other methods to prevent slope failures.

Integrating real-time sensor data for improved hydrogeotechnical modelling in landslide early warning in Western Himalaya

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into developing a real-time monitoring framework for a localized landslide early warning system (LEWS), focusing on the hydrological dynamics of an unsaturated slope near the Joshimath Badrinath Highway in Uttarakhand, India. Considering the steepness of the slope and its adjacency to the highway, continuous monitoring and stability assessment are crucial. The framework encompasses primary phases of monitoring, modelling, forecasting, and warning. Monitoring collected hydrological and meteorological data, used for modelling and calibration. Validation using Taylor diagrams ensured accuracy by comparing predicted and monitored data. The calibrated hydrological model guided slope stability modelling to identify instability factors. A machine learning algorithm detected potential instability. Forecasting predicted unstable periods, triggering warnings if the factor of safety (Fs) values drop below 1.5. The study provided important insights into slope stability, highlighting the significance of vegetation parameters in accurately assessing slope stability using the Fs. Calibration of the hydrogeological model, particularly considering rainfall, climate, and vegetation data, improved the alignment between predicted and observed volumetric water content (VWC), especially in shallower depths. However, modelling hydrological dynamics at greater depths remains challenging, emphasizing the need for refined approaches. Machine learning techniques, specifically a Random Forest model, achieve high accuracy in predicting Fs, identifying VWC at 0.3-m and 3-m depths as pivotal variables. Temporal evaluation suggests a 12-month simulation as optimal, showing consistent performance across depths. Overall, the study advances slope stability modelling and offers insights into sustainable slope management practices, highlighting the complex interplay between climate, vegetation, and hydrological dynamics in unsaturated slopes. This approach lays a foundation for effective LEWS in Indian Himalayan states.

Phylogeny and genetic diversity of Echinometra sea urchin in Taiwan

ABSTRACT Four closely related Echinometra species exist in the Indo-Pacific region, but little is known about their population genetics in Taiwan, an area rich in marine biodiversity. Echinometra dominates the Douziping coral reef off Liuqiu Island, where urchin barrens are also present. To understand the relationship between Echinometra species and urchin barrens, we investigated the genetic diversity of Echinometra species in Taiwan by using a nondestructive DNA extraction method on the spines of sea urchins. Mitochondrial DNA results showed that E. sp. C is the dominant species in Taiwan, with relatively high interspecific genetic distance. The E. sp. C is the only species in Douziping, and its population is expanding in accordance with the significantly low R2 value, the significantly negative Fu’s Fs values, and mismatch distribution analysis results. Gene flow estimates between the urchin populations in Taiwan and those in the neighbouring waters of Okinawa suggested that the Kuroshio Current could play an important role in Echinometra dispersal. This implies strongly connectivity between these populations. This study reports the first case of E. sp. C-associated urchin barrens in the tropics.

Seepage and Stability Analysis of Earth Dams’ Downstream Slopes, Considering Hysteresis in Soil–Water Characteristic Curves under Reservoir Water Level Fluctuations

Fluctuations in reservoir water levels have a significant impact on the seepage and slope stability of earth dams. The varying rate of the water level and soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) hysteresis are the main factors affecting the seepage and the stability of dam slopes; however, they are not adequately considered in engineering practices. In this study, the SEEP/W module and the SLOPE/W module of Geo-studio were employed to analyze the seepage features and the stability of downstream slopes, taking into account the water level fluctuation rate and the SWCC hysteresis. The results reveal that the pore water pressure of the representative point forms a hysteresis loop when the water level fluctuates, which becomes smaller as the water level variation rate increases. Within the loop, the pore water pressure with a rising water level is greater than the value when the water level is dropping, and the desorption SWCC derives greater pore water pressures than the adsorption SWCC. Similarly, the safety factor (Fs) curves under the condition of water level fluctuations also form a hysteresis loop, which becomes smaller as the variation rate of the water level increases. When the water level fluctuation rate increases to 4 m/d, the two curves are tangent, meaning that the Fs with a rising water level is always greater than the value when the water level is dropping. The desorption SWCC derives a lower Fs value than the adsorption SWCC as the water level draws up, but this initiates no evident difference in the Fs value when the water level draws down. These findings can be used to inform the design and operation of earth dams under fluctuating water levels.

Evaluation of the Properties and Reaction-to-Fire Performance of Binderless Particleboards Made from Canary Island Palm Trunks

Repurposing agricultural and forestry by-products not only is beneficial for the environment but also follows the principles of the circular economy. In southeastern Spain, the Canary Island palm tree (Phoenix canariensis W.) is widely used in urban landscapes. Plantations affected by the red weevil, a pest, generate an abundance of plant waste that must be crushed and transferred to authorized landfills. The aim of this study was to manufacture boards using particles from trunks of the Canary Island palm tree without adding any binders in order to obtain an ecological and fire-resistant product. In order to manufacture the boards, three particle sizes (&lt;0.25, 0.25–1, and 1–2 mm), a temperature of 110 °C, a pressure of 2.6 MPa, and a pressing time of 7 min were used. The boards were pressed in a hot plate press for 7 min up to four times (7 min, 7 + 7 min, 7 + 7 + 7 min, and 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 min). The resulting boards showed good thermal performance, and the board´s reaction-to-fire performance was classified as Bd0 (an Fs value of 70.3 mm). This study also showed that boards with a particle size smaller than 0.25 mm that underwent four pressing cycles of 7 min each in the press can be categorized as grade P2 according to the European Standards (MOR of 20 N/mm2, MOE of 2589.8 N/mm2, and IB of 0.74 N/mm2). Therefore, these manufactured particleboards could be used as a flame-retardant material for the interior enclosures of buildings (vertical and horizontal) without the need for coatings.

Genetic diversity and haplotypes of Cysticercus tenuicollis isolates from slaughtered sheep and goats in Elazig and Bingol provinces of Turkey.

The cestode Taenia hydatigena uses canids, primarily dogs, as definitive hosts, whereas the metacestode larval stage cysticercus infects a range of intermediate hosts, including domestic animals such as goats, sheep and pigs. In this study, we aimed to determine the genetic differences and haplotypes of Cysticercus tenuicollis isolates obtained from sheep and goats slaughtered in the Bingol and Elazig provinces of Turkey. C. tenuicollis isolates were collected from 44 sheep and 26 goats slaughtered in slaughterhouses in Bingol and Elazig. After the isolation of total genomic DNA from C. tenuicollis isolates, the genetic characterization of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene region (866bp) was amplified using specific primers by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the products were then sequenced, and haplotype and genetic diversity analyses were carried out. As a result of the haplotype network analyses, 34 different haplotypes were detected around the main haplotype (Hap02) arranged in a star-like configuration and separated from other haplotypes by 1-28 mutation steps and covering 22.85% (16/70) of all isolates. Twenty-seven polymorphic fields were detected, 77.77% (21/27) of which were parsimony-informative, and secondary haplotype and nucleotide diversity were observed. Additionally, we detected high intraspecies haplotype diversity (hd: 0.933) and high nucleotide diversity (π: 0.00383), with 27 different nucleotide variation positions among the haplotypes of the isolates. Tajima's D value was negative, indicating population expansion and/or selection purification. The significantly negative Fu's Fs values indicated recent population expansion or the presence of expected rare haplotypes. The results of this study confirmed that C. tenuicollis isolates clustered in one lineage and were closely related to the relevant reference sequences in different countries, confirming the circulation of C. tenuicollis in different geographical regions.

KEMIRINGAN LERENG YANG TEPAT UNTUK MENCEGAH KELONGSORAN DI DESA BARENG KECAMATAN SAWAHAN KABUPATEN NGANJUK

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Sawahan District is one of 25 sub-districts in Nganjuk Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Sawahan District has quite good agricultural and tourism potential. Recently, landslides have hit several areas in Nganjuk Regency, one of which is Sawahan District. The area has the potential for landslides because it is dominated by hilly areas with steep slopes and high rainfall intensity. The impact of this disaster included road access that was cut off between the village and the sub-district and the main road leading to the Sedudo Waterfall tour. This study aims to identify soil properties, soil consistency, shear angle, and slope safety factor. The method used is the Atterberg limit test, sieve analysis, soil shear strength, and slope stability calculations using the Bishop method. The test results show that the soil is classified as CL with low plasticity and shear angle, in wet soil it produces a shear angle value of 19.74° and an Fs value of 0.20 while in dry conditions it produces a shear angle value of 24.86° and an Fs value of 0.28. Based on the analysis it is suggested that the slope is 50° to achieve Fs 1.09. This research can be used as a basic reference for planning before construction is carried out and provides slope slope design recommendations for slope planning that is safe to prevent landslides.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Network and Experimental Pharmacology on Mechanism of Yixintai Regulates the TMAO/PKC/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Treating Heart Failure.

This study aims to explore the mechanism of action of Yixintai in treating chronic ischemic heart failure by combining bioinformatics and experimental validation. Five potential drugs for treating heart failure were obtained from Yixintai (YXT) through early mass spectrometry detection. The targets of YXT for treating heart failure were obtained by a search of online databases. Gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted on the common targets using the DAVID database. A rat heart failure model was established by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery. A small animal color Doppler ultrasound imaging system detected cardiac function indicators. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's, and electron microscopy were used to observe the pathological morphology of the myocardium in rats with heart failure. The network pharmacology analysis results were validated by ELISA, qPCR, and Western blotting. A total of 107 effective targets were obtained by combining compound targets and eliminating duplicate values. PPI analysis showed that inflammation-related proteins (TNF and IL1B) were key targets for treating heart failure, and KEGG enrichment suggested that NF-κB signaling pathway was a key pathway for YXT treatment of heart failure. Animal model validation results indicated the following: YXT can significantly reduce the content of intestinal microbiota metabolites such as trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) and improve heart failure by improving the EF and FS values of heart ultrasound in rats and reducing the levels of serum NT-proBNP, ANP, and BNP to improve heart failure. Together, YXT can inhibit cardiac muscle hypertrophy and fibrosis in rats and improve myocardial ultrastructure and serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. These effects are achieved by inhibiting the expressions of NF-κB and PKC. YXT regulates the TMAO/PKC/NF-κB signaling pathway in heart failure.

HTD4010 attenuates myocardial injury in mice with septic cardiomyopathy by promoting autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway

To investigate the protective effects of HTD4010 against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) in mice and explore the mechanisms mediating its effect. Forty-five male ICR mice were randomized equally into control group, LPS (10 mg/kg) group, and LPS+HTD4010 group (in which 2.5 mg/kg HTD4010 was injected subcutaneously at 1 h and 6 h after LPS injection). Cardiac function of the mice was evaluated by ultrasound, and pathological changes in the myocardial tissues were observed with HE staining. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and myocardial tissues were detected using ELISA, and apoptosis of the cardiomyocytes was detected with TUNEL staining. The expression levels of the key proteins associated with apoptosis, autophagy and the AMPK/mTOR pathway in the myocardial tissues were detected using Western blotting. The ultrastructural changes of cardiac myocardial mitochondria was observed with transmission electron microscopy. LPS exposure caused severe myocardial damage in mice, characterized by myocardial fiber rupture, structural disorder, inflammatory cell infiltration, and mitochondrial damage. The LPS-treated mice exhibited significantly decreased cardiac LVEF and FS values, elevated IL-6 and TNF-αlevels in serum and myocardial tissue, and an increased myocardial cell apoptosis rate with enhanced expressions of Bax, p-62 and p-mTOR and lowered expressions of Bcl-2, LC3 II/I, Beclin-1 and p-AMPK (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Treatment of the septic mice with HTD4010 significantly alleviated myocardial damage, increased LVEF and FS values, reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels in serum and myocardial tissue, decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis, lowered myocardial expressions of Bax, p-62 and p-mTOR, and increased Bcl-2, LC3 II/I, Beclin-1 and p-AMPK expressions (P < 0.05 or 0.01). HTD4010 can attenuate myocardial injury in SCM mice possibly by promoting autophagy via modulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

Genetic Diversity and Differentiation of Sand Crab (Albunea symmysta) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Hippoidea) from Java and Papua, Indonesia

In Indonesia, the sand crab Albunea symmysta distribution includes Java, Sumatra, and Moluccas. Populations are assumed to be differentiated between western and eastern Indonesia due to the Wallace line; however, no information on the genetic diversity and differentiation of A. symmysta in Indonesia is available. This study was conducted to clarify the genetic diversity and differentiation of A. symmysta in Indonesia. During the sampling campaign, A. symmysta specimens were found only in Java and Papua. Genetic analysis based on the 643-bp fragment of the partial COI gene from 32 individuals revealed significant genetic differentiation between the Java and Papua populations (FST = 0.94, p &lt; 0.005). The haplotype connectivity of the five A. symmysta sampling sites revealed a two-clade network. Based on analysis of molecular variance, most of the variation was found among populations (94.21%) rather than within populations (5.79%). Tajima's D and Fu's FS values indicated a population expansion. Overall, the findings support a high level of differentiation between the Java and Papua A. symmysta populations, suggesting the separation of population stocks due to low connectivity.

Insights into the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mt-COI) gene and wing morphometrics of Anopheles baimaii (Diptera: Culicidae) in malaria-endemic islands of Thailand.

Anopheles baimaii (Diptera: Culicidae) significantly contributes to the transmission of parasites causing malaria in Southeast Asia and South Asia. This study examined the morphological (wing shape) and molecular (mitochondrial gene) variations of An. baimaii in four of Thailand's border islands, and also investigated the presence of Plasmodium parasites in these mosquitoes. No Plasmodium infections were detected in the samples. Significant differences in wing shape were observed in most island populations (p < 0.05). A single-linkage tree, constructed using Mahalanobis distances, clustered the populations into two groups based on geographical locations. Genetic variation in An. baimaii was also analyzed through cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. This analysis identified 22 segregating sites and a low nucleotide diversity of 0.004. Furthermore, 18 distinct haplotypes were identified, indicating a high haplotype diversity of 0.825. Neutrality tests for the overall population revealed a significantly negative Fu's Fs value (-5.029), indicating a population expansion. In contrast, Tajima's D yielded a negative value (-1.028) that did not reach statistical significance. The mismatch distribution analysis exhibited a bimodal pattern, and the raggedness index was 0.068, showing no significant discrepancy (p = 0.485) between observed and expected distributions. Pairwise genetic differentiation assessments demonstrated significant differences between all populations (p < 0.05). These findings provide valuable insights into the COI gene and wing morphometric variations in An. baimaii across Thailand's islands, offering critical information for understanding the adaptations of this malaria vector and guiding future comprehensive research.

Mechanical and Optical Characterization of Single-shade Resin Composites Used in Posterior Teeth.

This study aimed to evaluate the optical and mechanical performance of two single-shade resin-based composites (RBCs) compared to those of a conventional RBC for restoring posterior teeth. Two single-shade RBCs, Omnichroma (Tukoyama) and Vittra Unique APS (FGM), and a conventional RBC, Filtek Z350XT shade A2 (3M Oral Care), were evaluated in this study. The optical shade-matching performance was measured using a spectrophotometer. The light emitted by VALO Grand (Ultradent) and transmitted through the 2.0-mm RBC specimens was evaluated using beam profiling. Knoop hardness (KH, N/mm2), degree of conversion (DC, %) at the top and bottom, flexural strength (FS, MPa), elastic modulus (E, GPa), postgel shrinkage (Shr, %), and shrinkage stress (MPa) were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the filler. Data for FS, E, and Shr were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and KH and DC by repeated one-way ANOVA measurement followed by Tukey test (α=0.05). The modified von Mises stress values, light transmission, and SEM images were analyzed qualitatively. All single-shade RBCs exhibited higher chromatic adaptation than the Filtek Z350XT (p<0.001). Omnichroma exhibited less color difference than Vittra Unique APS, irrespective of the shade. The light transmitted through Omnichroma and Vittra Unique APS increased during polymerization. KH and DC values were significantly reduced from the top to the bottom of the specimens for all RBCs (p<0.001); however, the ratio values were always higher than 80%. In general, all RBCs demonstrated similar mechanical properties. All RBCs exhibited a similar FS (p=0.083) and Shr value (p=0.144). Filtek Z350XT exhibited significantly higher E (p<0.001) than both single-shade RBCs. All RBCs exhibited similar shrinkage stress during restoration and similar residual stress during occlusal loading. Single-shade Omnichroma and Vittra Unique APS increased light transmission during light-activation, demonstrating better chromatic adaptation than conventional Filtek Z350XT. In general, Omnichroma and Vittra Unique APS exhibited similar mechanical properties and shrinkage stress distributions as Filtek Z350XT during light-activation and occlusal loading.

Aucubin alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through crosstalk between NRF2 and HIPK2 mediating autophagy and apoptosis

BackgroundDoxorubicin (DOX) is widely used for the treatment of a variety of cancers. However, its clinical application is limited by dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Recent findings demonstrated that autophagy inhibition and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by oxidative stress dominate the pathophysiology of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC), however, there are no potential molecules targeting on these. PurposeThis study aimed to explore whether aucubin (AU) acting on inimitable crosstalk between NRF2 and HIPK2 mediated the autophagy, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in DIC, and provide a new and alternative strategy for the treatment of DIC. Methods and ResultsWe first demonstrated the protection of AU on cardiac structure and function in DIC mice manifested by increased EF and FS values, decreased serum CK-MB and LDH contents and well-aligned cardiac tissue in HE staining. Furthermore, AU alleviated DOX-induced myocardial oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, and autophagy flux dysregulation in mice, as measured by decreased ROS, 8-OHdG, and TUNEL-positive cells in myocardial tissue, increased SOD and decreased MDA in serum, aligned mitochondria with reduced vacuoles, and increased autophagosomes. In vitro, AU alleviated DOX-induced oxidative stress, autophagy inhibition, and apoptosis by promoting NRF2 and HIPK2 expression. We also identified crosstalk between NRF2 and HIPK2 in DIC as documented by overexpression of NRF2 or HIPK2 reversed cellular oxidative stress, autophagy blocking, and apoptosis aggravated by HIPK2 or NRF2 siRNA, respectively. Simultaneously, AU promoted the expression and nuclear localization of NRF2 protein, which was reversed by HIPK2 siRNA, and AU raised the expression of HIPK2 protein as well, which was reversed by NRF2 siRNA. Crucially, AU did not affect the antitumor activity of DOX against MCF-7 and HepG2 cells, which made up for the shortcomings of previous anti-DIC drugs. ConclusionThese collective results innovatively documented that AU regulated the unique crosstalk between NRF2 and HIPK2 to coordinate oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis against DIC without compromising the anti-tumor effect of DOX in vitro.

SOIL SLOPE REINFORCEMENT USING CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL ON THE WEST RING ROAD OF SADAWARNA DAM, SUBANG DISTRICT

The research was conducted in the West Ring Road of Sadawarna Dam, Subang Regency. This research aims to provide recommendations for the design of cantilever retaining wall to increase the value of the slope safety factor in the research area. Calculation of the value of the slope safety factor uses the limit equilibrium method with the Janbu calculation method. In actual conditions, the value of the slope safety factor shows an unstable value referring to SNI 8460:2017, namely in static conditions with a vehicle load is 1.31 and in pseudostatic conditions with a vehicle load is 1.083. Slope strengthening was carried out using cantilever retaining wall. The retaining wall design that has been made meets the criteria for stability against overturning, stability against sliding, and stability for the bearing capacity of the soil. The safety factor value for slope with retaining wall shows a stable FS value referring to SNI 8460:2017, namely 1.53 in static conditions with vehicle loads and 1.11 in pseudostatic conditions with vehicle loads. Keyword: slope, safety factor, retaining wall, cantilever

Investigation of left ventricular strain by speckle-tracking echocardiography in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with preserved ejection fraction

Objective: To investigate the left ventricular strain parameters by speckle - tracking echocardiography in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with preserved ejection fraction. Find out the correlations and relationships between strain parameters with some conventional left ventricular echocardiographic indictors, Pulmonary artery pressure systolic, TAPSE index. Materials and methods: A controlled cross-sectional descriptive study consisted of 51 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosed according to GOLD 2023. The control group consisted of 52 people with normal lung function. Results: Values ​​of strain parameters on speckle - tracking echocardiography in patients with COPD: GLS (%): -13.52 ± 1.77; GLSR (1/s): -1.64 ± 0.28; GCS (%): -22.07 ± 2.27; GCSR (1/s): -2.70 ± 0.38; longitudinal - circumference index: -17.80 ± 1.71; EF STE (%): 54.21 ± 4.23. These parameters were all reduced compared with the control group with p &lt; 0.05 while there was no statistically significant change of the indices on routine echocardiography. There was no correlation between the parameters of left ventricular systolic strain and the LVMI, FS and LVEF values ​​measured by M-Mode. Meanwhile, there is a positive correlation with PAPs (r = 0.499 - 0.629, p&lt;0.001). There is a negative correlation between GLS and TAPSE index (r = -0.311, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Speckle - tracking echocardiography helps in early detection of cardiac dysfunction, especially left ventricular systolic function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease even when EF is normal. Key words: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Speckle tracking echocardiography.

Marketing Margin and Value of Farmer's Share on Rendang Product In Payakumbuh City

Rendang products can provide a considerable contribution to each marketing institution involved. The study aims to analyze the value of and marketing margin and farmer's share for producers of the beef-based rendang industry in Payakumbuh City. The research was conducted in 2022 in the central area of the rendang industry in West Sumatra, namely Payakumbuh City. The study involved twelve rendang industries that produce rendang using beef. Data were analyzed using the marketing margin and farmer's share (Fs) formulas to determine the value received by each marketing margin and the share received by rendang producers. The result showed that the average value of marketing margin based on the number of rendang variants produced (one variant, two variants, and three variants) showed that three rendang variants produced were able to provide the highest marketing margin value of 75.21%, compared to marketing margin of two rendang variants (72.85%), and one rendang variant (59.18%). Meanwhile, marketing margins based on the type of rendang variants produced are rendang sliced (74.41%), rendang suir (75.26%), and rendang tumbuak (73.48%) with Fs value by sequentially are 13.76%, 14.28%, and 13.58%.

Long-Term Patterns in Forest Soil CO2 Flux in a Pacific Northwest Temperate Rainforest

Soil CO2 efflux (Fs) plays an important role in forest carbon cycling yet estimates of Fs can remain unconstrained in many systems due to the difficulty in measuring Fs over long time scales in natural systems. It is important to quantify seasonal patterns in Fs through long-term datasets because individual years may show patterns that are not reflective of long-term averages. Additionally, determining predictability of net patterns in soil carbon flux based on environmental factors, such as moisture and temperature, is critical for appropriately modeling forest carbon flux. Ecosystems in moderate climates may have strong CO2 efflux even during winter, and so continuous quantification of annual variability is especially important. Here, we used a 2008–2023 dataset in a lowland temperate forest ecosystem to address two main questions: (1) What are the seasonal patterns in Fs in a highly productive temperate rainforest? (2) How is average Fs across our study area predicted by average coincident temperature, soil moisture and precipitation totals? Data showed clear seasonality where Fs values are higher in summer. We also find Fs across our measurement network was predicted by variation in abiotic factors, but the interaction between precipitation/moisture and temperature resulted in greater complexity. Specifically, in spring a relatively strong relationship between air temperature and Fs was present, while in summer the relationship between temperature and Fs was flat. Winter and autumn seasons showed weak positive relationships. Meanwhile, a negative relationship between precipitation and Fs was present in only some seasons because most precipitation falls outside the normal growing season in our study system. Our data help constrain estimates of soil CO2 fluxes in a temperate rainforest ecosystem at ~14–20 kg C ha−1 day−1 in summer and autumn, and 6.5–10.5 kg C ha−1 day−1 in winter and spring seasons. Together, estimates suggest this highly productive temperate rainforest has annual soil-to-atmosphere fluxes of CO2 that amount to greater than 4.5 Mg C ha−1 year−1. Sensitivity of such fluxes to regional climate change will depend on the balance of Fs determined by autotrophic phenological responses versus heterotrophic temperature and moisture sensitivity. Relatively strong seasonal variation coupled with comparatively weak responses to abiotic variables suggest Fs may be driven largely by seasonal trends in autotrophic respiration. Accordingly, plant and tree responses to climate may have a stronger effect on Fs in the context of climate change than temperature or moisture changes alone.

Population structure and demographic history for year cohort dynamics of landlocked ayu Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis in dam reservoir of Japan.

Ayu Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis is a valuable osmeroid species for inland fishery in Japan. It is classified into two ecological forms of amphidromous migrating between rivers and sea and landlocked migrating between rivers and lakes or dam reservoirs. The number of dams and their reservoirs has remarkably increased in the twenty-first century under climate change, because of their respective roles in hydropower generation with negligible carbon emissions and in flood control. Dam reservoirs therefore become increasingly important as inland nursery grounds of ayu. In this study, we investigated the reproduction status of landlocked ayu migrating in the Haidzuka Dam reservoir and the Tabusa River in western Japan by molecular phylogenetic analysis based on population structure and demographic history for year cohort dynamics. A total of 849 individuals were collected monthly from October 2018 to September 2021 according to an annual life cycle of ayu. Nucleotide sequences of the partial mitochondrial DNA control region yielded 31 haplotypes, consisting of 4 shared haplotypes among the 2019, 2020 and 2021 cohorts and 27 unique haplotypes. The overall haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity were calculated to be relatively low at 0.3503 ± 0.0206 and 0.0077 ± 0.0045, respectively, suggesting a founder event by dominant haplotypes. Star-shaped radiational haplotypes from dominant shared haplotypes on the median-joining network likely support a founder event. Although pairwise ФST values were determined to be very low among the year cohorts, only the 2019 cohort was found to have a significant difference from the 2020 and 2021 cohorts, for both of which Tajima's D values were also statistically significant. For the overall population, multimodal mismatch distribution and negative Tajima's D and Fu's Fs values in the neutrality test suggested population expansion or population subdivision. The native riverine population in the Tabusa River suffered habitat fragmentation and population bottleneck from dam construction, and therefore severe founder effect remained behind the artificially landlocked population with a low level of genetic diversity in the Haidzuka Dam reservoir.