National Research Agency Research Articles

The Influence of Palm Oil-Based Zinc Stearate Application on Vulcanized Rubber: Analyzing Hardness, Tensile Strength, and Elongation at Break for Hand Grip Formulation Development

Vulcanization of rubber compounds is a crucial step in the process of developing natural rubber end products. Selected components are then used to formulate a rubber compound, which is further treated to create vulcanized rubber. In this study, a palm oil-based zinc stearate compound (ZS) developed by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) was used as a replacement for ZnO and stearic acid, which were previously used as activator and co-activator in the process of vulcanization. The goal of this study was to create a compound made of rubber formulation for use in the hand grip. The zinc stearate applied in this study ranged from 4 to 6 phr. To examine the effect of applying zinc stearate to vulcanized rubber, three primary parameters - tensile strength, hardness, and elongation at break of the vulcanized rubber - were evaluated. The results of the tests revealed that adding zinc stearate at a loading rate of 4 phr gave the hardness value of 27 Shore A, the tensile strength of 19 MPa, and the elongation at break by 590%. With this mechanical characteristic, the formula was identified as the optimal choice for achieving a robust and deformation-resistant hand grip while ensuring user comfort.

Optimization of Evaluation Criteria for Energy Research Proposals using the Patton-Sawicki Framework: A Case Study in The Research Organization for Energy and Manufacture

The global energy crisis has affected energy markets and policies around the world. In addition, the issue of global warming requires the world to switch to clean energy sources. The Indonesian government has committed to switching from fossil energy subsidies to renewable energy to achieve Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060 or sooner. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) established the Energy and Manufacturing Research Organization (OREM) to support the NZE program. One of OREM's initiatives is the Call For Joint Collaboration (CFJC) which provides an opportunity for researchers to propose research proposals in various energy fields. However, the assessment of the CFJC proposal has not used scientific methods or criteria so that the results of the proposal evaluation are not optimal yet. Therefore, this study proposes optimization of evaluation criteria using the Patton-Sawicki Framework to determine the qualified proposal to be accepted. The research uses a qualitative approach method using CFJC proposal data on OREM in 2023. The results show that the proposed method is able to improve the quality of the proposal evaluation process by only accepting proposals that meet the requirements to support the development of NRE sector in Indonesia.

Advancing respiratory virus diagnostics: integrating the nasal IFN-I score for improved viral detection

BackgroundThis study aimed to demonstrate the utility of the nasal Type I interferon (IFN-I) response as a marker for respiratory viral infections (RVIs) and its potential to enhance diagnosis when combined with first-line PCR tests for Influenza A/B, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2. MethodsNasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) from patients at Hospices Civils de Lyon (November 2022 - April 2024) suspected of viral infections (n=788) and from healthy controls (n=53) were analysed. The IFN-I score was measured using the FILMARRAY® IFN-I pouch prototype, which detects four interferon-stimulated genes. The study evaluated the performance of the IFN-I score in detecting samples positive for viruses by first-line PCR and assessed its benefit in diagnosing RVIs in samples initially classified as negative by PCR. FindingsOut of 788 NPS included, 504 (64%) were positive with the first-line PCR tests, and IFN-I score was significantly higher in those samples (median [IQR]: 13·00 [2·76-45·40]) compared to ones collected from healthy controls (1·09 [0·67-1·30]; p<0.0001), with an area under the curve (AUC; 95%CI) of 0·92 (0·90-0·92). Moreover, out of the 284 NPS negative with first-line PCR tests, suspicion of viral infection according to IFN-I score was found in 63% of cases (178/284). Second-line test (BioFire® Respiratory Panel 2·1 plus) and viral metagenomic confirmed the presence of viruses 94% of cases. InterpretationThe study highlights the potential of integrating nasal IFN-I score into clinical workflows to improve RVI diagnosis and enhance preparedness for emerging viruses. FundingPublic grant overseen by the French National Research Agency (ANR21-RHUS-08/ANR-23-CHIN-0001).

Gamma-ray irradiation alters the morphology, anatomy and agronomic characters of the groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) bison cultivar in M1 generation

Abstract. Nilahayati, Handayani RS, Nazimah, Neni, Saputra D. 2024. Gamma-ray irradiation alters the morphology, anatomy and agronomic characters of the groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) bison cultivar in M1 generation. Biodiversitas 25: 4179-4189. Groundnut is the world's most important agricultural commodity, serving as a major source of protein and vegetable oil. Enhancing the genetic diversity of groundnuts is essential for improving yield, early maturity and environmental resistance such as drought tolerance. This study aims to determine the effect of gamma irradiation on the morphological and agronomic diversity of bison groundnut cultivar in the M1 generation. Gamma irradiation was carried out at the Radiation Process Technology Research Center, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Jakarta. This research was designed using a single-factor Randomized Complete Block Design. The dose of gamma irradiation was 0 Gray (Gy), 100 Gy, 200 Gy, and 300 Gy, with three replications. Consequently, there were a total of 12 experimental units. We generated 600 groundnut plants in total. The observed variables included morphological diversity such as variation in leaf, stem, seed color and seed shape. The agronomic variability was recorded to the seed growth percentage, plant height, number of branches, flowering age, harvesting age, number of pods, number of empty pods, dry pod weight per plant, dry seed weight per plant, 100 seed weight per plot, dry seed weight per plot, length, width, and number of leaf stomata. The results showed that gamma irradiation treatment induced morphological and agronomic changes in the bison groundnut cultivar. Morphological changes included alterations in leaf color, pod shape, and seed coat color. Higher doses of gamma irradiation can negatively impact certain agronomic traits such as plant height and yield, beginning at 200 Gy, but at 100 Gy all parameters slightly increased. Higher dose of gamma irradiation also delayed the flowering and harvesting time. Further studies are also needed to evaluate the heritability of these traits in the M2 generation to ensure the stability of desirable traits.

Fungi Endofit sebagai Biokontrol Patogen Utama Tanaman Cabai Merah (Uji Antagonisme dan Mekanisme Secara In Vitro)

Endophytic fungi, particularly dark septate endophytes (DSE), have emerged as a promising and sustainable strategy for mitigating fungal pathogens in chili plants. Effective pathogen management is critical in chili production, as fungal infections can cause significant crop losses, reduce fruit quality, and decrease yield. While the use of endophytic fungi in plant protection has been explored in various crops, the potential of DSE as a biocontrol against fungal pathogens in chili plants remains unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of DSE fungi as biological antagonists against significant pathogens that cause destructive diseases in chili plants, using in vitro trials. The study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024 at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed, with a single factor—DSE treatment. Three treatments included D0 (control), DSE 411, and DSE 471. Four pathogenic species were tested: Fusarium oxysporum (Fo), Phytophthora capsici (Py), Colletotrichum capsici (Cc), and Alternaria sp. (Alt). Inhibition rates (IR) were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at a 5% significance level. The highest antagonistic activity was observed against C. capsici (Cc), with DSE 411 showing a mean value of IR of 77.54%, whereas DSE 471 exhibited a significantly higher IR of 90.26%. Macroscopic observations revealed the formation of clear zones around both DSE colonies, suggesting the mechanism of inhibition by antibiosis or the production of antifungal compounds. Microscopic analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed specific antagonistic mechanisms, including parasitism and competition, as key factors in pathogen suppression. These findings highlight the potential use of DSE fungi as effective biocontrol agents for managing major diseases in chili plants, offering a promising strategy for sustainable disease management and crop protection.

Blood metabolomic profiling reveals new targets in the management of psychological symptoms associated with severe alcohol use disorder.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a global health problem with limited therapeutic options. The biochemical mechanisms that lead to this disorder are not yet fully understood, and in this respect, metabolomics represents a promising approach to decipher metabolic events related to AUD. The plasma metabolome contains a plethora of bioactive molecules that reflects the functional changes in host metabolism but also the impact of the gut microbiome and nutritional habits. In this study, we investigated the impact of severe AUD (sAUD), and of a 3-week period of alcohol abstinence, on the blood metabolome (non-targeted LC-MS metabolomics analysis) in 96 sAUD patients hospitalized for alcohol withdrawal. We found that the plasma levels of different lipids ((lyso)phosphatidylcholines, long-chain fatty acids), short-chain fatty acids (i.e. 3-hydroxyvaleric acid) and bile acids were altered in sAUD patients. In addition, several microbial metabolites, including indole-3-propionic acid, p-cresol sulfate, hippuric acid, pyrocatechol sulfate, and metabolites belonging to xanthine class (paraxanthine, theobromine and theophylline) were sensitive to alcohol exposure and alcohol withdrawal. 3-Hydroxyvaleric acid, caffeine metabolites (theobromine, paraxanthine, and theophylline) and microbial metabolites (hippuric acid and pyrocatechol sulfate) were correlated with anxiety, depression and alcohol craving. Metabolomics analysis in postmortem samples of frontal cortex and cerebrospinal fluid of those consuming a high level of alcohol revealed that those metabolites can be found also in brain tissue. Our data allow the identification of neuroactive metabolites, from interactions between food components and microbiota, which may represent new targets arising in the management of neuropsychiatric diseases such as sAUD. Gut2Behave project was initiated from ERA-NET NEURON network (Joint Transnational Call 2019) and was financed by Academy of Finland, French National Research Agency (ANR-19-NEUR-0003-03) and the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (FRS-FNRS; PINT-MULTI R.8013.19, Belgium). Metabolomics analysis of the TSDS samples was supported by grant from the Finnish Foundation for Alcohol Studies.

(Invited) Glass and Metal Separation Technology to Improve Solar Panel Recycling

NPC Inc.(“NPC”) has been developing and assembling photovoltaic panel manufacturing equipment for more than 30 years, providing domestic and overseas module manufacturers with equipment designed for various types of modules, including crystalline and thin-film type. NPC’s proprietary “Hot Knife Separation Method” has successfully realized the separation of glass and metal, contributing to the solar panel recycling sector.1. INTRODUCTIONThe Japanese solar panel market has grown rapidly due to the introduction of feed-in tariff in 2012. However, a massive amount of end of life solar panels are assumed to be discarded in the future. According to the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy forecast, this will peak between 2025 and 2037, resulting in the discharge of approx. 170,000 to 280,000 tons/year. Under such circumstances, NPC has been conducting R&D of solar panel recycling process and panel disassembly equipment since 2014, utilizing its existing business, solar panel manufacturing equipment. The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), a national research and development agency, has begun accepting applications for the "Photovoltaic Recycling Technology Development Project," and NPC participated in the project from FY2015-2018 for the purpose of " Development of complete recycling technology of glass and metals by separation method using hot knife" and have successfully led to commercialization of this technology.2. ISSUE & SOLUTION FOR PANEL RECYCLINGMost of panel recycling companies in Japan are using shredding systems to process broken solar panels and aluminum frames are recycled. However, valuable resources such as glass/cell/EVA are crushed and landfilled as industrial waste or used for road materials, resulting in high environmental impact and cost. To tackle this issue, NPC has developed the “Hot Knife Separation Method’’, enabling auto-processing of separating solar cells/EVA/backsheet ("cell/EVA sheet") from solar panels without breaking the glass.3. HOT KNIFEA hot knife heated to 300°C separates the glass from the other components without breaking the glass. The other components EVA/solar cell/backsheet can be separated into sheets. This method has been developed as reverse process utilizing NPC’s core technology and experience from photovoltaic panel lamination.The surface of a solar panel glass is embossed in order to adhere EVA. Therefore, about 0.1 mm of EVA remains on the glass surface. The glass separated without breakage is highly separable from metals and thus can be used as resources for making glass fiber, glass sand, etc. in Japan. Moreover, in Europe it is used as resources for manufacturing flat glass.4. SOLAR PANEL RECYCLING LINEIn order to recover glass without breaking it, NPC has developed and marketed an automated line combined with this unique hot knife separation system. The process is divided into the below three steps, and after the panels are loaded in the machine, they are automatically separated into their respective materials.4.1 J-Box SeparatorAutomatically removes the J-Box using a scraper; the J-Box cables contain copper wire, which can be recycled as copper scrap.4.2 Frame SeparatorAutomatically transported to the next process, where a mechanical chuck is used to separate all four sides of the frames, without breaking the glass. These frames are made of aluminum and can be recycled.4.3 Glass SeparatorFinally, the panel will be automatically transported to the final process of glass separation to separate the glass from the cell/EVA sheet without breakage. As described above, a blade heated to 300℃ melts the EVA layer to separate glass from other components.5. SEMI-AUTOMATED FRAME & J-BOX SEPARATORNPC also developed the Semi-automated Frame & J-Box Separator, which removes 4 frames and J-Box automatically in approx. 40 seconds. Thanks to its compact size and weight, this type of machine can be loaded on trucks, and it will function as a mobile separator to disassemble the panels at the site of solar power plant using only power generators. This machine has been delivered to a waste management company in Japan and acquired on-site disassembly permission in the relevant prefecture.6. SUMMARYNPC is further advancing its panel disassembly technology by receiving feedback from our customers using our recycling machines in Japan and overseas. Furthermore, research is underway to develop a process that leaves less residual material on the glass. Figure 1

Native Oxidation of HgCdTe Compound Semiconductors and Its Impact on Infrared Detectors Performances

The development of high-operating temperature (HOT) infrared imaging systems is motivated by the growing demand to reduce the size, weight, power consumption, and total cost of infrared detectors. HgCdTe photodiodes have unique material properties, making them one of the most promising candidates to produce infrared detectors with background-limited performances at room temperature, as predicted by the "Law 19" photodiode performance metric [1]. However, in state-of-the-art devices, the fraction of anomalous pixel responses increases alongside the detectors' operating temperature and cut-off wavelength. Numerous studies have already identified surface states induced by manufacturing processes as one of the main sources of this issue. As a result, the assessment and understanding of HgCdTe surface chemistry will be critical for future technological advancements.HgCdTe surface processing and its exposition to the environment promotes the formation of surface oxides reported to influence the interface electrical behavior and the global material electronic properties [2]. Nonetheless, the complexity of the HgCdTe surface chemistry makes it challenging to characterize the nature of the surface states caused by the presence of native oxide. As a result, there is no consensus in the literature on the effect of the alloy composition on the formed surface native oxide and its subsequent effects on the passivation quality.The purpose of this work is to investigate the mechanisms underlying the formation of HgCdTe native oxides and discuss their impact on the devices’ electrical performances. Therefore, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE) studies were performed in an attempt to understand HgCdTe oxidation as a function of its nominal bulk composition.The samples used in this study were epitaxial Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te layers grown on CdZnTe substrate with multiple cadmium molar fractions (x ≃ 0.2 to 0.7). A technologically relevant standard wet etching procedure was used to achieve clean, oxide-free surfaces. Freshly etched samples were transported to the XPS in an inert atmosphere using a transfer vessel to representative surfaces and prevent alterations. The surfaces showed no oxides identifiable by XPS, thus showing the effectiveness of the transfer procedure. Furthermore, it was found that the HgCdTe components of these surfaces were not stoichiometric. Particularly, the surfaces were enriched in tellurium regardless of the alloy composition under study. These differences from the nominal composition are induced by the preferred etching of the alloy's components (Cd > Hg >> Te).Dynamic SE measurements were used to monitor native oxide formation in real-time, with scans taken every few seconds for the first hour after exposure to a clean-room environment. Furthermore, the long-term evolution of the surfaces was assessed by taking further measurements over several days. SE trends revealed a two-stage formation of native HgCdTe oxides, with an initial fast oxide growth (<1 hour) followed by a slower oxidation. The findings were supported by XPS measurements on additional samples exposed to air and kept in an airtight plastic box to obtain surface oxides of different thicknesses. Regardless of the alloy composition, the excess surface tellurium is oxidized during early oxide formation. While lengthier environment exposures resulted in oxide thicknesses correlated to the alloy cadmium molar fraction. Therefore, indicating for the first time a clear experimental demonstration of the cadmium contribution to further oxidize the material.Consequently, the combination of surface characterization techniques used in this work allowed us to investigate the formation mechanisms surrounding the native oxide of wet-etched HgCdTe surfaces and to discuss the effect of their formation on the device's performance. Acknowledgements :This work, carried out on the Platform for Nanocharacterisation (PFNC), was supported by the “Recherche Technologique de Base” and "France 2030 - ANR-22-PEEL-0014" programs of the French National Research Agency (ANR) References :[1] M. Kopytko and A. Rogalski, New Insights into the Ultimate Performance of HgCdTe Photodiodes, Sensors Actuators A Phys. 339, 113511 (2022).[2] E. R. Zakirov, V. G. Kesler, G. Y. Sidorov, and A. P. Kovchavtsev, Effect of HgCdTe Native Oxide on the Electro-Physical Properties of Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor Structures with Atomic Layer Deposited Al2O3, Semicond. Sci. Technol. 35, 0 (2020).

(Invited) Non-PGM Catalysts for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion

Energy storage and conversion occur through the manipulation of molecular bonds, catalyzed at electrified interfaces between an ion conductor and an electrocatalyst material within electrochemical reactors like hydrogen fuel cells or water electrolysers. Nanostructured electrode materials are essential for minimizing energy losses and maximizing atom efficiency in these reactions. They provide significant advantages in atomic dispersion, leading to enhanced energy efficiency and performance benefits.The rapid and efficient development of new nanostructured catalysts requires in-depth knowledge of the relationships between nanostructure and their electrocatalytic performance and stability. Such relationships appear of utmost importance for the scientific community.In this presentation, I will highlight some structure-activity-stability relationships of non-platinum group metal (PGM) nanostructured catalysts in acid and alkaline media. Examples will be devoted to elucidating the degradation mechanisms of iron-nitrogen-carbon (Fe-N-C) materials during fuel cell operation. Various conditions were investigated, including potential range, gas atmosphere, electrolyte, and temperature [1]. Several ex situ and in situ physicochemical techniques were combined to differentiate possible degradation mechanisms. Specifically, the combination of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry measurements with a gas diffusion electrode and microkinetic models showed a positive correlation between the metal dissolution profile and the local pH variation in the catalyst layer of Fe-N-C [2]. Acknowledgments These studies were financed by the French National Research Agency in the frame of ANIMA (grant number n°ANR-19-CE05-0039) project and the DEEP (grant number n°ANR-21-CE05-0021) project.

The Transformation of Research Supporting Libraries: Case Study Knowledge-Sharing as Organizational Culture at the National Research and Innovation Agency Library

Background: The rapid advancement of technology and information has necessitated libraries to transform respective services in order to remain relevant and effective. To achieve relevance and effectiveness, libraries must cultivate an organizational culture that supports necessary transformations, particularly in the field of library services. In particular, libraries that significantly support research have been found to continually innovate respect offerings with the sole purpose of providing information capable of facilitating the research process. Purpose: This research aimed to examine the support provided by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) for the successful documentation of publications, with a specific focus on the evolving services offered by the library. Method: The research method used is qualitative research with a case study approach. Result:The BRIN Library offers a variety of services, including research consultation, information retrieval, bibliometric analysis, data visualization, literature review support, and plagiarism detection. In order to achieve the stated objective, a qualitative method was adopted with a case study approach to explore the phenomenon of knowledge-sharing in the context of library transformation as part of its organizational culture. Conclusion: The obtained results showed that knowledge-sharing activities at BRIN Library played a significant role in enhancing the expertise of librarians and improving the quality of research services. These services were observed to be facilitated through formal and informal programs, egalitarian leadership practices, as well as internal and external motivational strategies. It was also found that BRIN librarians actively contributed to research innovation in Indonesia by enabling access to critical information, promoting information literacy, and fostering collaboration among academics. Based on the findings, knowledge-sharing activities within libraries supporting research were inferred to lead to the cultivation of an organizational culture that promotes interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration.

Pioneering plant metabolomic library of Indonesian plants for research, conservation, capacity building and economic development

Indonesia, one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, is undergoing mass deforestation, exacerbating climate change and leading to accelerated loss of species. This project addressed the urgent need to conserve endangered Indonesian biodiversity, specifically the potentially life-saving bioactive compounds harboured within its plants. A group of Indonesian researchers from Universitas Nasional (UNAS) in Jakarta received training in RApid Metabolome Extraction and Storage (RAMES) technology, an ethical, low-impact, field-deployable and cost-effective methodology developed by Rutgers University. The team of Indonesian scientists used this technology to create the first metabolomic library of Indonesian plant species and an easily transportable collection containing 501 metabolome samples from 296 species. This pioneering and readily shareable resource aims to foster collaborative research into plant metabolomics and natural products, reaching across Indonesia and the broader Southeast Asia region. The project also facilitated four formal discussion forums, two of which were international conferences, promoting exchange among Indonesian, Southeast Asian and USA scientists, with notable participation from the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). These efforts culminated in the formation of a strategic partnership among UNAS, BRIN and Rutgers.

The Fairness of Credit Scoring Models

In credit markets, screening algorithms aim to discriminate between good-type and bad-type borrowers. However, when doing so, they can also discriminate between individuals sharing a protected attribute (e.g., gender, age, racial origin) and the rest of the population. This can be unintentional and originate from the training data set or from the model itself. We show how to formally test the algorithmic fairness of scoring models and how to identify the variables responsible for any lack of fairness. We then use these variables to optimize the fairness-performance tradeoff. Our framework provides guidance on how algorithmic fairness can be monitored by lenders, controlled by their regulators, improved for the benefit of protected groups, while still maintaining a high level of forecasting accuracy. This paper was accepted by Will Cong, finance. Funding: This work was supported by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR) Chair in Regulation and Systemic Risk, the Fintech Chair at Dauphine-PSL University, and the French National Research Agency (ANR) [MLEforRisk ANR-21-CE26-0007, Ecodec ANR-11-LABX-0047, and F-STAR ANR-17-CE26-0007-01]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.03888 .

Abstract 4136889: Impact of hypercholesterolemia definitions on prevalence and prognosis of patients without standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: In patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), recent studies have intriguingly reported that up to a quarter of AMI patients have none of the 4 main standard modifiable cardiovascular (CV) risk factors (SMuRFs) (i.e. hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), hypercholesterolemia (HC), and smoking) and have worse mortality. Hypothesis: We tested the hypothesis that the prevalence and prognosis of SMuRF-less patients varies with the definition of risk factors. Aim: Using a French nationwide MI cohort, we aimed to compare SMuRF-less ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) patients according to 2 HC definitions, given the possibility of using several HC criteria. Methods: The French Cohort of Myocardial Infarction Evaluation (FRENCHIE) is a large ongoing AMI cohort, collecting data from all patients hospitalized for AMI &lt; 48 h of symptom onset in 21 French centers. STEMI patients without prior CAD admitted in 2019 to 2022 were studied. DM was defined as prior DM diagnosis, HbA1c&gt;7% or anti-diabetic medications, ongoing or at discharge, HTN was defined as treated or previous HTN diagnosis and smoking was defined as current smoking within the past month. Restrictive HC (RHC) was defined as either a previous diagnosis of HC or statin therapy. Permissive HC (PHC) was defined as previous diagnosis of HC or lipid-lowering therapy, or LDL-C &gt; 135 mg/dL or total Cholesterol &gt; 213 mg/dL. Results: Among 8008 patients (mean age 61.5± 12.9y, 22.6% women), 41.4% were smokers, 17.4% had diabetes, and 38.5% HTN. According to HC definitions, the prevalence of HC almost doubled, ranging from 30.3% for RHC to 61.0% for PHC. Consequently, the prevalence of SMuRF-less was divided by ≈ two (21.1% vs 11.3%, respectively), depending on the definition of HC used. Age and sex-adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that PHC, but not RHC, was associated with lower odds of in-hospital death ( figure ). Moreover, having multiple SMuRFs was associated with higher risk of mortality than no SMuRF when using RHC, but not with PHC definition. Conclusion: The prevalence and impact on acute mortality of being SMURFless varies largely with the definition of HC. More research is needed, using HC standardized definitions to explore these patients. Frenchie: was supported in part by the RHU iVASC grant ANR-16-RHUS-00010 from the French National Research Agency (ANR) as part of the Investissements d’Avenir program. The FRENCHIE cohort is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04050956.

Inventory of Weeds in Mexican Park, Bogor Botanical Garden

The Bogor Botanical Gardens' Mexican Park presents various dry-climate plants useful for recreation and learning. The presence of weeds in the collection site would have a negative impact because they can inhibit the growth of the collection plants. This study examined the diversity of weeds in the Mexican Park, Bogor Botanical Gardens. This descriptive study took place in the Bogor Botanical Gardens, specifically in the Mexican Park, and weed identification was carried out at the National Research and Innovation Agency. The weed data obtained was then analyzed descriptively through a literature study. The results showed that there were 52 weed species from 28 families. Most species came from the Asteraceae and Araceae families. The block that had the most weeds was Block II.O.IV, with a total of 15 weed species. The species that were often found in each area of the Mexican Garden Collection include Euphorbia graminea Jacq., Euphorbia heterophylla L., Calliandra calothyrsusMeisn, Coleus monostachyus (P. Beauv.) AJ Paton, Cecropia peltate L., and Cissus verticillata subsp. verticillata. Keywords: Inventory, Weeds, Mexican Park, Bogor Botanical Garden

Introducing uncertainties in acoustic engineering studies

PIBE (Prévoir l'Impact du Bruit des Éoliennes - Predicting the impact of wind-turbine noise) is a research project funded by ANR (French National Research Agency) which main objectives are to better understand the sound level created by wind-turbines and assess noise-reduction solutions. One topic of this project focuses on the propagation of uncertainties. Code_TYMPAN(tm) is an open-source software for calculating industrial noise in the environment. Its open architecture, implemented by a Python API, allows advanced users to build and solve models programmatically. This open architecture made possible the implementation of a parametrical computational tool. This tool generates input data, launches the calculations with Code_TYMPAN(tm), generates and post-processes output data. Thus, sensitivity analysis and propagation of uncertainties were performed on an industrial test case. This development demonstrates the feasibility of introducing uncertainties in acoustic engineering studies.

Study on Characteristics of Epoxy Resin-Based Plastic Scintillators for Detectors with Simulation Using Monte Carlo Code

Abstract To determine the presence of radioactive materials emitting gamma rays entering or exiting nuclear facilities, ports, airports, international borders, or other strategic locations, radiation portal monitors (RPMs) capable of detecting such gamma radiation need to be installed in these places. National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN) is currently developing RPMs with detector components made of plastic scintillator based on epoxy resin and augmented with aromatic fluorescent materials to produce visible light, which is the working range of the photomultiplier tube (PMT) or silicon photomultiplier (SiPM). This research aims to study the characteristics of the gamma photon radiation energy spectrum from Co-60, Cs-137, and Ir-192 sources in an epoxy resin plastic scintillator and study the absorbed dose of the scintillator to gamma photon radiation energy from Co-60, Cs-137, and Ir-192 sources as a function of source distance and incidence angle of gamma rays with simulations using the MCNPX code. The scintillator is modeled in the form of a cylinder with a diameter of 5 cm and a height of 5 cm. To simulate the gamma photon radiation energy spectrum in the scintillator, the F4 tally was used and to simulate the scintillator absorbed dose, the F6 tally was used. This simulation used gamma sources of Co-60, Cs-137, and Ir-192 of 1 mCi each. These characteristics of the epoxy resin plastic scintillator have been successfully simulated. Data on the characteristics of epoxy resin plastic scintillators is important to know and study as supporting data in making plastic detectors as part of the manufacture and development of RPM.

Simulation and Performance of 99Mo/99mTc Radioisotope Separation by Modified Extraction Method

Abstract Technetium-99m (99mTc) is a nuclide in nuclear medicine, commonly derived as a decay product from molybdenum-99 (99Mo). Unfortunately, Japan and Indonesia rely entirely on imports for their 99Mo/99mTc supply. This study aims to determine the distribution coefficient (Kd) for the 99Mo/99mTc production process and assess the efficiency of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) as a solvent in the extraction process. The method Initial tests using Rhenium (Re) as a substitute for 99mTc, conducted in collaboration with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), revealed optimal conditions: a standing time of 5 to 15 minutes, a mixing time of 3 minutes with a motor speed of 250 rpm, and a MEK volume exceeding 20 ml. These conditions yielded a Re extraction efficiency exceeding 85.14%, with a Re elution yield of up to 98.73%. These findings served as a database for experiments involving 99Mo/99mTc conducted at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). In hot experiments, the 99mTc recovery rate through MEK exceeded 100%, while the elution process achieved a recovery rate of 97.81%. Through simulation and facility enhancements in the hot cell, the 99mTc extraction recovery increased to 44.86%, and elution recovery ranged from 90.62%. From the calculation results, the distribution coefficient value database (Kd-99mTc) was 0.45. Radionuclide and radiochemistry purity of the 99mTc solution were assessed using the Gamma Spectrometer and TLC Scanner, resulting in purity of 99.90% and 99.80%, respectively. These results underscore the potential for domestic production 99mTc, reducing reliance on imports.

Implementasi Deteksi Objek Real-Time Sebagai Media Edukasi dengan Algoritma YOLOv8 pada Objek Sampah

Waste is one of the complex global issues and is one of the points of the SDGs indicators related to municipal waste, food waste, hazardous waste and recycling systems that cannot be resolved. According to data from SIPSN in 2022, waste generation in Indonesia will reach 35,289,535.55 tons/year while about 47.32% of waste handling is done, which is 16,697,790.76 tons/year. The National Research and Innovation Agency said that currently there are still few Indonesians who have the awareness to start sorting waste from their own homes. As many as 80% of Indonesians do not sort their waste. To overcome these problems, everyone needs to make changes early on by making waste management a habit so as to change people's skeptical attitude towards waste management. Thus, research was conducted to identify the type of waste using the YOLOv8 algorithm, with a dataset of 17,617 data which was then analyzed by creating a yolov8 model. The best accuracy results were obtained by using the yolov8l variant as well as 16 batch sizes and the SGD optimizer with a learning rate value of 0.001 as a parameter. The model training process was then evaluated using confusion matrix with a percentage reaching 86.5%.

Temperature, Relative Humidity and Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density Affects the Growth of Phyllanthus niruri L. Seedling

In order to obtain high-quality seedlings, the effects of temperature, relative humidity, and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), the seed of Phyllanthus niruri L. (meniran) were investigated in different microclimate (temperature, relative humidity, PPFD) environments. The present study was conducted from February to May 2024 at the experimental greenhouse and screen house of the National Research and Innovation Agency, Banten, Indonesia. Microclimate parameters were observed thrice daily at 8 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm during the research. The two environments significantly differ in microclimate. The average temperatures, relative humidity, and PPFD of environment 1 are 35.30±5.04 oC, 60.95±17.40%, and 483.33±406.00 µmol m-2 S-1, while environment 2 are 33.07±4.84 oC, 70.47±16.63% and 356.4±339.55 µmol m-2 S-1. All treatments were repeated 18 times. After the 21-day treatment during the seedling stage, P. niruri seedlings were observed, including the germination rate, number of leaves, shoot length, and chlorophyll content index. Results showed that the germination rate, leaves, shoot length, and chlorophyll content index significantly differ between P. niruri seedlings in both environments. Phyllanthus niruri that grow in environment 1 have a higher germination rate than in environment 2, likewise, the number of leaves, shoot length, and chlorophyll content index. This initial research showed that P. niruri seedling grows better in an environment with temperature, relative humidity, and PPFD, respectively 35.30±5.04 oC, 60.95±17.40%, and 483.33±406.00 µmol m-2 S-1.

Micro- and macrovascular function in the highest city in the world: a cross sectional study

Since vascular responses to hypoxia in both healthy high-altitude natives and chronic mountain sickness (a maladaptive high-altitude pathology characterised by excessive erythrocytosis and the presence of symptoms-CMS) remain unclear, the role of inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress on the endothelium-dependent and -independent responses in both the micro- and macrocirculation, in healthy Andeans at different altitudes and in CMS patients, was examined. 94 men were included: 18 lowlanders (LL), 38 healthy highlanders permanently living at 3800m (n=21-HL-3800) or in La Rinconada, the highest city in the world (5100-5300m) (n=17-HL-5100/No CMS). Moreover, 14 participants with mild (Mild CMS) and 24 with moderate to severe CMS (Mod/Sev CMS) were recruited. All undertook two reactivity tests: i) local thermal hyperaemia (microcirculation) and ii) flow-mediated dilation (macrocirculation). Endothelium-independent function (glyceryl trinitrate) was also assessed only in La Rinconada. Conductance and skin blood flow velocity during the microcirculation test, as well as macrocirculation progressively decreased with altitude (LL>HL-3800 > HL-5100/No CMS). CMS also induced a decrease in macrocirculation (HL-5100/No CMS>Mild CMS= Mod/Sev CMS), while glyceryl trinitrate restored vascular function. Both oxidative stress and nitric oxide metabolites increased with altitude only. Principal component analysis revealed that increasing inflammation with altitude was associated with a progressive decline in both micro- and macrovascular function in healthy highlanders. Both micro and macrovascular function are affected by chronic exposure to hypoxia, the latter being further compounded by CMS. The "Fonds de dotation AGIR pour les maladies chroniques", the "Air Liquide Foundation", and the "French National Research Agency".