bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building data centers using Network Attached Storage (NAS) and Microprocessor Operating Systems
Authors: Andriani Titi , Hidayatullah Muhammad , Saputra Dekky , Esabella Shinta , Gunawan G
Published: February 2021

Computer Laboratory of the University of Technology Sumbawa still does not have a Data Center, in the process of learning and teaching experiencing several obstacles one of which is the difficulty in sharing files between computers. The research objective is to build a Data Center at the Computer Laboratory of the University of Technology Sumbawa with the aim of facilitating practicum participants in sharing files between computer system devices. The method used in this research is the network development method Prepare, Plan, design, Implement, Operate, Optimize (PPDIOO). The results of NAS tests on different devices give results that are file access connections via wireless and LAN can run well and by producing Data Centers at the Computer Laboratory of the University of Technology Sumbawa can facilitate the process of storing cheap and efficient data.
The potential of hand tractor controller to reduce the risk of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
Authors: Bagye Wire , Imtihan Khairul , Ashari Maulana , Fadli Sofiansyah , Zaen Mohammad TaufanAsri , Zulkarnaen Mohamad Fauzi , Fahmi Hairul , Tantoni Ahmad , Yuliadi  , Rodianto
Published: February 2021

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a disorder caused by vibration of work tools that vibrate the hands excessively or above the threshold. The impact of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) over a long period of time causes damage to blood vessels, permanent sensory loss, bone damage and muscle weakness. One of the workers with the presence of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a hand tractor driver. To reduce vibrations received by hand tractor drivers that could potentially cause Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), a tractor control device was built by implementing the Internet Of Things (IoT). The hand tractor control device developed utilizes an Android-based application as a remote control, an access point as a connector, an electronic circuit based on the ESP8266 MCU Node to translate commands from the android application into motion to move the main clutch lever to forward and stop, gas lever, and gear clutch to turn left and right.
X-Ray machine control with wireless based on mA parameters
Authors: Wijaya Nur Hudha , Yudhana Anton , Robiyansah  , Sukwono Djoko
Published: February 2021

An x-ray machine is a medical device that is used as a diagnostic tool for patients. The conventional x-ray machine consists of a control system, high voltage and tube x-ray machine. The control system on conventional x-ray machines uses too many cables so it looks less efficient. Control of the x-ray machine must be carried out in the same room as the equipment so that it can endanger the radiographer when it will be operated, because the radiographer will be continuously exposed to radiation. Therefore, an x-ray machine control system is designed that is safe for radiographers when operated and efficient in the use of cables. This research method uses the Arduino application to change the conventional control system to wireless, with the aim of providing the radiographer’s safety because he operates the device from a separate room and does not face the x-ray machine directly. Current selection uses several contactors at each different current. The contactor is controlled by a microcontroller connected by a series of drivers. The process of selecting voltage, current and time is carried out on a Personal Computer (PC) connected to the controller via Bluetooth. The test is done by measuring the output voltage of the filament transformer using an AVO meter, then comparing it with the voltage calculation results obtained from the x-ray machine tube specifications. Based on the tests that have been done, it is found that the correction value is small and does not deviate much, which is 0.01 V when selecting mA 50 and 0.09 V when selecting mA 60. The x-ray machine can be controlled wirelessly using a PC with a distance 6 meters in conditions blocked by a 9 cm thick wall.
IoT: Theft detection of the mosque charity box through Arduino R3 with HC-SR501 sensor and MC-38 sensor
Authors: Setiawan Andi , Purnamasari Ade Irma , Nuris Nisa Dienwati , Ali Irfan , Narasati Riri
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this research is to detect and store data on theft of mosque charity boxes using the Internet of Things (IoT) by activating short message notifications on smartphones and database servers through a web framework. The focus of this research is the use of Arduino R3 as a microcontroller that regulates the detection of theft of a mosque’s charity box with a passive infrared sensor HC-SR501, a magnetic switch sensor MC-38, and sending short message notifications and storing detection results to a database server. Arduino R3 is used as a microcontroller with a program that can be recycled using the Arduino IDE, while the HC-SR501 passive infrared sensor is used to detect human movement with changes in body heat, through infrared rays emitted by a Fresnel lens, then identified by the pyroelectric sensor made from gallium nitride (GaN), cesium nitrate (CsNO3) and lithium tantalate (LiTaO3), a change in heat temperature then activates the buzzer when a hot object is detected. Whereas the MC-38 magnetic switch sensor functions to turn on the buzzer when the mosque charity box is forcibly opened by a thief with a normally closed and normally open angle. The results obtained from this study are testing the MC-38 magnetic sensor has two working modes, namely normally close when the two beam blades fuse within a distance of < 3 cm, above a distance of > 3 cm, normally open, meaning that the conditions are not safe. While the test results of the HC-SR501 PIR sensor have the ability to detect body movements with a minimum reading distance of 30 cm and a maximum of 10 m, with LOW results if not detected and High if detected by human objects.
The effect of gradation on the mixed characteristics of HRS-WC using campurejo material
Authors: Latif Andi Faisal , Sombolinggi Azril Tangke , Rachman Rais , Kusuma Benny
Published: February 2021

Hot Rolled Sheet (HRS) is a type of hot asphalt mixture as a layer of the road surface that will transmit traffic loads to the layer below to the subgrade. To get good results, the mixture must be designed in accordance with the provisions in the specifications with due regard to the limitations of the limits. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of gradation on the characteristics of the HRS-WC mixture using gaps. The asphalt content used for the top gradation test was 5.50%, 6.00%, 6.50%, 7.00% and 7.50%, the middle gradation was 5.00%, 5.50%, 6.00%, 6.50% and 7.00% while the lower gradation used asphalt content 4.50%, 5.00 %, 5.50%, 6.00% and 6.50%. The results showed that the use of Campurejo aggregate as seen in the results of the aggregate characteristic test can be used as a mixture for HRS-WC, however in the use of grading it is recommended to use a gradient closer to the middle grading. Likewise, the use of asphalt content uses a percentage of asphalt content above ideal asphalt content. The use of upper and lower aggregate grading results in cavities that are close to specification limits. It is feared that if it is applied in a field with a control that is not the same as in the laboratory, it will result in a cavity outside the specification. In addition, using a middle grading can optimize stability and minimize the use of asphalt.
Immersion index HRS-WC Halp-Gap gradation with oil palm waste filler substitution
Authors: Daud  , Musu Acep Noldi , Rachman Rais , Kusuma Benny
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of adding ash from palm oil waste as a substitute for filler material from cement on the immersion index of the HRS-WC mixture using semi-gap gradations. The bitumen content used was 5.9%; 6.4%; 6.9%; 7.4% and 7.9%. Meanwhile, the proportion of oil palm ash waste to cement is 0%: 100%, 25%: 75%, 50%: 50%, 75%: 25% and 100%: 0%. The test results show the effect of adding CPO filler content on asphalt content, the higher the percentage of addition of asphalt content, the number of cavities in the mixture, the smaller the cavities in the aggregate and the more cavities filled with asphalt, up to the addition of 50% CPO content, then 50% CPO increase up to 100% reduced asphalt tar voids. The Marshall Immersion test obtained the immersion index for the Lataston HRS-WC mixture with a semi-gap gradation using CPO Waste Ash as a cement substitute material, it is susceptible to water, this is because even though the mixed cavity is filled with CPO Waste Ash, but effective asphalt which also functions to waterproof the mixture will have reduced. So that if you use CPO waste ash as a substitute for cement filler, the use of asphalt content must also be large (added). The semi-gap gradation in the Lataston HRS-WC mixture also affects the level of water tightness, where the semi-gap gradation will form a denser mixture so that it becomes more waterproof.
Performance road before and during pandemic COVID-19
Authors: Radjawane Louise Elizabeth , Palinggi Monika Datu Mirring
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 case was first identified in Makassar City, Indonesia on March 2020, then continued to experience an increase in positive cases and was designated as a red zone/epicenter of the spread of COVID-19. On April 24, 2020, the city government for the first time took steps to limit activities outside the home for the community to reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus. On April 29, 2020, Gowa Regency is bordered to the north of Makassar city also implemented mobility restrictions for the community from/to Gowa/Makassar. One of the intercity border roads between Makassar City and Gowa Regency and which is often used as connecting access for the two regions is Daeng Tata Lama Street, Makassar City. The purpose of this research is to compare the performance and traffic modeling of the intercity border road before pandemic condition and during the pandemic. Methods for traffic modeling are Green shields, Greenberg, and Underwood, while Indonesian Highway Capacity Guidelines 2014 method for traffic performance. The results showed that the traffic performance (degree of saturation value) before the pandemic occurred was higher than in the new normal and travel restriction conditions. However, the average speed is lower in the travel restriction and new normal conditions than in the before pandemic condition.
Analysis of the speed impact from u-turn round
Authors: Palinggi Monika Datu Mirring , Rajawane Louise Elizabeth
Published: February 2021

The reverse direction on the two-way road will disrupt the rate of vehicles passing through conflict points, on the Perintis Kemerdekaan Road, one of which is used by the people of Makassar City from east to west and vice versa. Median is a traffic lane separator that serves to eliminate traffic conflicts from the opposite direction, so that in turn will increase traffic safety. The openings provided are a turnaround movement. The U-turn movement is far more complicated by turning right or turning left, because the vehicle’s maneuverability is generally limited by the width of the lane, the width of the median and its openings, as well as the traffic flow that is in the direction of direction or the opposite. Certain vehicles that make U-turn movements cannot turn directly causing other vehicles to be disrupted.
Analysis of risk K3 preservation of the reconstruction Gresik – Lamongan – Babat roads in East Java Province
Authors: Pagoray Gebion Lysje
Published: February 2021

Preservation of Gresik – Lamongan – Babat is an activity carried out in East Java Province. Long Segment is the handling of road preservation within the boundaries of one continuous segment length (can be more than one segment) which is carried out with the aim of obtaining uniform road conditions, namely steady and standard roads. The purpose of this study is to 1) Identify the K3 risks that occur in the preservation of Gresik – Lamongan – Babat roads in East Java Province. 2) Provide risk control solutions from K3 risk identification. This research was conducted by collecting secondary data to obtain research data using direct survey method, literature study and interview. The sample for this study consists 30 respondents, including 12 supervising consultants, 2 supervising of PU, 16 workers and contractor’s management. This research uses the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method. The results of this study found 52 potential hazards, the work hazard potential category of 52 potential hazards are 5 Extreme Risk, 21 High Risk, 20 Moderate Risk, and 6 Low Risk, is the dominant High Risk.
Solar-generator hybrid plant as an electric energy solution on fisherman boats
Authors: Sau Matius
Published: February 2021

The use of new and renewable energy in various fields is currently increasing. This can be seen in the utilization of solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, water energy and so on in various sectors of life and industrial sectors. However, good service is needed so that it works optimally, because it requires a system that can work simultaneously or alternately known as a hybrid system. This study aims to utilize solar energy and generators that work in a hybrid manner in serving the load on fishing boats. The experimental method used in the solar energy hybrid system and generator on fishing boats is by means of testing on loads that work simultaneously and alternately. The results showed that the supply of electrical energy from solar energy was 100 Wp, from a generator of 600 watts. At the same time working together it is able to serve a lighting load of 60 Watts and 2 Freezers each of 100 Watts continuously and when working alternately the solar panels are able to serve a load of 60 watts while the generator set is 260 watts. When the generator works alone, it requires a large enough fuel and is able to serve all the loads on the ship, it is different when the solar panel works alone, it can only serve the lighting load but there is no fuel cost. The combination of electrical energy supply from Generator and Solar Energy is carried out alternately by utilizing solar energy as the lighting load during fishing conditions while the electrical energy from the generator is used when running the ship as well as a backup. Thus the use of fuel for generators can be minimized and the operational costs of fishermen are reduced.
Characteristics of the Stone Matrix Asphalt Coarse using the Tabu River Stone North Toraja Regency
Authors: Bato’tanete Feki Bongga , Rachman Rais , Alpius
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this research is to make use of Tabu River’s stones as a Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) mixture. The methodology used in this research is to do multiple inspections and examining characteristics of course, fine, and filler aggregates and devise a mixture composition of Stone Matrix Asphalt. The Marshall testing method was used to determine the mixture characteristics and Marshall Immersion Testing to ascertain Immersion Index (IP) / Residual Strength Index (IKS) / durability of the mixture with optimum asphalt content. The research was done at Road and Asphalt Laboratorium, Department of Civil Engineering, Christian University of Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia. The research demonstrated that the composition of aggregates produced by Tabu River’s Stones at Tikala Sub-District fulfills the specifications of Bina Marga 2018 as a paving material. Marshall Examination showed the characteristic mixture of Stone Matrix Asphalt with asphalt levels of 6.00%, 6.25%, 6.75%, 7.00%. The Marshall Immersion Examination determined that the optimal asphalt level of 7.00% with an immersion index (IP)/Residual Strength Index (IKS)/Durability as high as 95.05% satisfies the Bina Marga 2018 requirements of at least 90%.
The mechanical properties of limestone as an aggregate on high strength concrete
Authors: Tanijaya Jonie , Tappi Suleman , Jabair
Published: February 2021

The construction of multi-stories buildings is increasing rapidly. In concrete construction, various studies and innovations have been carried out in order to obtain high strength concrete. The use of limestone either as a substitute for fine aggregate, as a substitute for coarse aggregate or as a substitute for fine aggregate and even coarse aggregate in a concrete mixture is still lacking. In South Sulawesi, large quantities of limestone are found in several regencies. Enrekang Regency is one with considerable limestone potential which is about 74.75 km2 or an estimated geological of 3.7 billion cubic meters. Most limestone is made into split stones that can be used as construction materials. Limestone can be processed into split or powder which can be used as a replacement for sand in concrete mixture. The results of the concrete at 28 days with a mixture of natural sand as fine aggregate and limestone split as coarse aggregate, w/c ratio of 0.20 produced a value of f’c = 59.26 MPa. ft = 4.51 MPa (0.61 √f’c), and fr = 7.18 MPa (0.93 √f’c). The average modulus of elasticity at 28 days with a mixture of limestone powder as fine aggregate and limestone split as coarse aggregate produced a value of Ec = 46960.25 MPa (6325 √f’c) with Poisson’s ratio υ = 0.3847.
The Utilization of Agave Cantula Roxb as Composite Strength on Fishing Boat Hull
Authors: Tikupadang Karel , Palungan Musa B. , Buku Atus , Manuhutu Hansten
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study is to analyses the Agave Cantula Roxb tensile and bending strength. The analysis was further done to observe the sustainability utilization the Agave Cantula Roxb fiber as a composite strengthener for fishing boat hulls. The research was carried out at the metallurgy mechanical engineering laboratory, Engineering Faculty, Indonesia Paul Christian University, Makassar. The method used is making a specimen with a 0%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% fiber composition, while the catalyst composition as a hardener is about 10%. To determine the material mechanical strength, a tensile test was carried out where the specimen dimension was based on the ASTM D3039 international standard. While for the bending test, the specimen dimension was based on the ASTM D790-03. From the test result it is indicated that not all composite specimen composition can be used as ship hulls material. Based on the standard required by the Indonesian Classification Bureau, the composite tensile strength standard (σt) is about 10 kf/mm2 and a bending strength standard (σb) of 15 kgf/mm2. Based on standard required, the composite condition that fulfilled the requirements is the 50% fiber which has a tensile strength of σt = 11,8 kgf/mm2 and a bending stress σb = 25,41 kgf/mm2.
Effect calcium hydroxide (traditionally called slaked lime) to stabilization of laterite soil
Authors: Rangan Parea Rusan , Tumpu M.
Published: February 2021

Inadequate road infrastructure conditions make the airway a mainstay for the transportation of people and goods, including basic needs in several Papua areas. This study aims to determine the value of elastic modulus and poison ratio that has been stabilized with hydrated lime using curing water and air for 7 days. The method used in this research is experimental method in laboratory. The test object dimension used is cylinder 53 × 106 mm. The soil samples used in this soil stabilization study were taken from Tanah Merah Bovendigul District. Clay and lime soil mixtures are prepared by using moisture content of 35%. The results test shows that the average value of elastic modulus (vertical and horizontal) on curing of water and air is 122.82 MPa each; 92.23 MPa and 51.11 MPa; 424,43 MPa. While the average value of poison ratio is respectively of 0.2 and 0.1.
Binary options trading: candlestick prediction using Support Vector Machine (SVM) on M5 time period
Authors: Rumpa Lantana Dioren , Limbongan Mey Enggane , Biringkanae Astriwati , Tammu Rahma Gusmawati
Published: February 2021

Many people choose to trade binary options because it is not difficult to understand. They need to predict whether the price will be higher or lower than their open position in a specific timeframe. The most popular timeframe for binary options traders is the M5 (5-minutes). Many traders prefer to use a candlestick chart model to predict. We use SVM (Support Vector Machine) to indicate the next-candlestick based on the previous-candlestick features in this research. This paper uses six features such as Open Value, Close Value, High Value, Low Value, Volume Value, and previous Candlestick Color on each candlestick. The result of the prediction accuracy using SVM is only 56%.
Analysis of infiltration and surface runoff using rainfall simulator with variation of rain intensity and vegetation
Authors: Mansida A , Gaffar F , Zainuddin M A , Syamsuri A M
Published: February 2021

Changes in watershed land use are a concern due to the increase of flood from year to year which can harm the community both material and non-material. Meanwhile, during the dry season there was a significant decrease and causes irrigation water supply and clean water for daily needs to decrease and even to dry. Surface runoff and infiltration in a watershed area becomes an inseparable unit, with increasing surface runoff causing big flooding, flash floods and reducing infiltration, causing less groundwater supply to maintain river availability tend to decrease. The testing of vegetation effect on watershed areas on surface runoff and infiltration with a rainfall simulator was to analyze the extent of the role of vegetation in rainfall intensity with surface runoff and infiltration on rainfall intensity. Tests were carried out using a rain fall simulator using intensities I2 and I5 on two types of vegetation selected at the location of Maros watershed, namely mango and bamboo vegetation. The results show that changes in land cover increase surface runoff and reduce infiltration. So that land use should not be carried out carelessly and still have to pay attention to the sustainability of the function of the forest as river water retention. Land damage will be responded to by unexpected flooding and disruption of the land ecosystem, causing the extinction of flora and fauna habitat to become an indicator of increasingly critical land damage.
Potential impact of climate change on water resources availability in Bantaeng District, South Sulawesi Province
Authors: Chaerul Muhammad , Gusty Sri , Marzuki Ismail , Nur Nur Khaerat , Rusli Muh.
Published: February 2021

As a result of climate change, the condition of the rain pattern will be more extreme, where in the rainy season, the rainfall will be higher so that it can trigger more floods and landslides; while in the dry season, the rainfall will be less added by increasing evaporation due to increased temperatures which can trigger drought disasters. The objective of this research was to what extent the impact of climate change on water availability which will be used as the main raw material for Municipal Water in Bantaeng Regency. The research method was descriptive qualitative with cross sectional approach. The results of climate change projections showed that the potential monthly average surface water discharge in Bantaeng Regency, especially the watershed used by PDAM, changed fluctuatively. During the rainy season, the projected run-off discharge increased by around 15%; while during the dry season it decreased by around 13% in the Nipa-Nipa, Gusung, and Kaili Watershed. This indicated that the vulnerability of surface water resources during the peak of the dry season (August) to the watershed with Municipal Water intakes, however, in general, the availability of surface water resources in the three watersheds was relatively safe as indicated by the projection results of the run-off discharge average annual rate increased by 4%
Carbon paste electrode modified Poly-Glutamic Acid (PGA) with molecularly imprinted for detection of Rhodamine B
Authors: Setiyanto Henry , Ferizal Ferizal , Saraswaty Vienna , Rahayu Ria Sri , Zulfikar Muhammad Ali
Published: February 2021

Rhodamine B is a synthetic dye used for coloring textiles, paper and ceramics. In addition, Rhodamine B is also often used for coloring ingredients in food ingredients such as crackers, syrups, candy, cakes, and is often used for coloring lipsticks. The accumulation of Rhodamine B in the body can cause liver, kidney and lymph damage. In this study, a modified carbon paste (EPK) electrode with molecularly imprinted polymers (glutamic acid) was developed for the determination of rhodamine B using potentiometric techniques. The modification was carried out by electro polymerization of glutamic acid monomer from a solution containing 3.0 mM glutamic acid and 1.0 mM rhodamine B in a phosphate buffer pH 7 using a cyclic voltammetry technique of 15 cycles in the potential range between -0.2 V - 1.8 V with a scan rate of 100 mV / sec. Measurements with these electrodes have optimum performance at pH 4. The Nerst factor is 29.2 mV / decade. The measurement range is 10-5 M – 10-2 M. With the detection limit of Rhodamine B which can be measured by the electrode is 8.91 × 10-6 M. This electrode has a fairly good value of accuracy and precision, and does not have a significant difference. when compared with the UV-Vis spectrophotometric method.
Properties of Mitragyna Speciosa (Ketum) extracted in water as organic dye molecular sensitizer
Authors: Habdullah Abdullah Mohd Hanapiah Abdullah M , Adilah Syarifah Adilah Mohamed Yusoff , Daud Kamarulazhar , Mokhtar Marina , Jalil Anip
Published: February 2021

Generally, dye sensitizers make use of inorganic elements such as ruthenium or osmium. However, these elements were toxic and hard to be produced due to its rarity. Alternatively, organic and natural sensitizer derived from various organic sources were studied. In this research, a natural dye which is chlorophyll b (Chl-b) extracted from Mitragyna Speciosa or ketum leaf pigment is used as the dye sensitizer. The geometry, optical properties and electronic properties were observed by the computational method using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) with B3LYP/6-31G with Gaussian-03 and Gaussview-03 software. Here, properties of bulk Chl-b were firstly obtained from databank as a control experiment. It was to be compared with the properties of Chl-b extracted using water as solvent. It can be observed that, UV-Vis of Chl-b showed peak absorbance at 430 nm at the blue light region of the visible light. The highest occupy molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) were calculated by DFT ground state level. Bandgap of Chl-b without and with water extraction are 2.12 eV and 2.10 eV respectively, while excitation state of LUMO to conduction band are 1.21 eV and 1.27 eV respectively. It shows that the bandgap is lower when extracted using water as the solvent. Therefore, water extracted Chl-b tends to give a better result for HOMO/LUMO energy and voltage open circuit, Voc, HOMO and LUMO energy resulted in higher energy than the bulk Chl-b in Mitragyna leaves. This lower bandgap is attributed to the addition of electrons contents in the extracted molecules which is beneficial for dye-sensitize solar cells, DSSC.
Meteorological parameters and air pollutants affect the transmission of COVID-19: a review
Authors: Ardan  , Ansar Budi , Asmin Waode , Harwiati  , Tosepu Ramadhan
Published: February 2021

In less than a year, experimental body explaining the relationship of meteorological indicators, air pollutants concentration, and COVID-19 disease rapidly increases. Among studies, inconclusive findings are conflicting and therefore need to be gathered in a systematically review methods. Therefore, systematic literature review is conducted to present available studies concerning the effect of climatic parameters and air pollutants and their association with COVID-19 pandemic. Search strategy was conducted using Science Direct with terms of “COVID-19”, “environment”, “meteorology”, and “pollutants”. After critically assessed with inclusion criteria, 23 studies met to be included in the database. Results indicate that temperature and humidity are not directly correlated with the growth of COVID-19 cases worldwide. Although multi-regional studies mostly revealed significant correlation with individual parameter of meteorological factors, dynamics data of COVID-19 transmission may be a factor causing the different results. On the other hand, irrespective with lockdown scheme, air pollutants are likely affecting the spread of the pathogens through several mode of actions which most of available explanation is that the SAR-Cov-2 virus can create a cluster with particular matter on the air. Thus, lower air quality index in association with wind speed, in particular condition, can potentially increase the transmission of COVID-19. This study emphasizes that there are many other factors that more logically transmitting the SAR-CoV-2 virus such as human mobility and interaction.
The Importance of Eco-evolutionary Potential in the Anthropocene
Authors: Wood Zachary T , Palkovacs Eric P , Olsen Brian J , Kinnison Michael T
Published: February 2021

Humans are dominant global drivers of ecological and evolutionary change, rearranging ecosystems and natural selection. In the present article, we show increasing evidence that human activity also plays a disproportionate role in shaping the eco-evolutionary potential of systems—the likelihood of ecological change generating evolutionary change and vice versa. We suggest that the net outcome of human influences on trait change, ecology, and the feedback loops that link them will often (but not always) be to increase eco-evolutionary potential, with important consequences for stability and resilience of populations, communities, and ecosystems. We also integrate existing ecological and evolutionary metrics to predict and manage the eco-evolutionary dynamics of human-affected systems. To support this framework, we use a simple eco–evo feedback model to show that factors affecting eco-evolutionary potential are major determinants of eco-evolutionary dynamics. Our framework suggests that proper management of anthropogenic effects requires a science of human effects on eco-evolutionary potential.
Disruptive Social Work: Forms, Possibilities and Tensions
Authors: Feldman Guy
Published: February 2021

In recent years, a growing literature has rediscovered radical social work and the various forms it takes. In these debates, a key concept that has been developed and deployed is ‘resistance’. Studies provide growing evidence for the myriad ways in which social workers engage in resistance activities as part of their everyday practice. However, most of these studies portray resistance as an individualised activity and overlook the role of clients in such activities. Drawing on the concept of ‘disruptive power’, this article makes the case for what it terms ‘disruptive social work’, which involves collective resistance activities that disrupt institutions and social relations of everyday life to create meaningful change. After providing a definition of disruptive social work, the article suggests that this practice can be carried out at two levels. At the professional level, social workers occupy an important structural position that allows them to disrupt the workings of the social service system. At the client level, social workers can help their differently positioned clients develop a sense of their own disruptive power and activate it. Examples of disruptive social work are presented throughout the article. It concludes by highlighting the practical and ethical challenges this practice poses for social workers today.
Usefulness of multi-labelling artificial intelligence in detecting rhythm disorders and acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction on 12-lead electrocardiogram
Authors: Chang Kuan-Cheng , Hsieh Po-Hsin , Wu Mei-Yao , Wang Yu-Chen , Wei Jung-Ting , Shih Edward S C , Hwang Ming-Jing , Lin Wan-Ying , Lin Wan-Ting , Lee Kuan-Jung , Wang Ti-Hao
Published: February 2021

Aims

To develop an artificial intelligence-based approach with multi-labelling capability to identify both ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 12 heart rhythms based on 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs).

Methods and results

We trained, validated, and tested a long short-term memory (LSTM) model for the multi-label diagnosis of 13 ECG patterns (STEMI + 12 rhythm classes) using 60 537 clinical ECGs from 35 981 patients recorded between 15 January 2009 and 31 December 2018. In addition to the internal test above, we conducted a real-world external test, comparing the LSTM model with board-certified physicians of different specialties using a separate dataset of 308 ECGs covering all 13 ECG diagnoses. In the internal test, the area under the curves (AUCs) of the LSTM model in classifying the 13 ECG patterns ranged between 0.939 and 0.999. For the external test, the LSTM model for multi-labelling of the 13 ECG patterns evaluated by AUC was 0.987 ± 0.021, which was superior to those of cardiologists (0.898 ± 0.113, P < 0.001), emergency physicians (0.820 ± 0.134, P < 0.001), internists (0.765 ± 0.155, P < 0.001), and a commercial algorithm (0.845 ± 0.121, P < 0.001). Of note, the LSTM model achieved an accuracy of 0.987, AUC of 0.997, and precision, recall, and F1 score of 0.952, 0.870, and 0.909, respectively, in detecting STEMI.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the usefulness of an LSTM model in the multi-labelling detection of both rhythm classes and STEMI in competitive testing against board-certified physicians. This AI tool exceeding the cardiologist-level performance in detecting STEMI and rhythm classes on 12-lead ECG may be useful in prioritizing chest pain triage and expediting clinical decision-making in healthcare.
Imaging surveillance after open aortic repair: a feasibility study of three-dimensional growth mapping
Authors: Ahmed Yunus , Nama Nitesh , Houben Ignas B. , van Herwaarden Joost A. , Moll Frans L. , Williams David M. , Figueroa C. Alberto , Patel Himanshu J. , Burris Nicholas S.
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVES

Confident growth assessment during imaging follow-up is often limited by substantial variability of diameter measurements and the fact that growth does not always occur at standard measurement locations. There is a need for imaging-based techniques to more accurately assess growth. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of a three-dimensional aortic growth assessment technique to quantify aortic growth in patients following open aortic repair.

METHODS

Three-dimensional aortic growth was measured using vascular deformation mapping (VDM), a technique which quantifies the localized rate of volumetric growth at the aortic wall, expressed in units of Jacobian (J) per year. We included 16 patients and analysed 6 aortic segments per patient (96 total segments). Growth was assessed by 3 metrics: clinically reported diameters, Jacobian determinant and targeted diameter re-measurements.

RESULTS

VDM was able to clearly depict the presence or absence of localized aortic growth and allows for an assessment of the distribution of growth and its relation to anatomic landmarks (e.g. anastomoses, branch arteries). Targeted diameter change showed a stronger and significant correlation with J (r = 0.20, P = 0.047) compared to clinical diameter change (r = 0.15, P = 0.141). Among 20/96 (21%) segments with growth identified by VDM, growth was confirmed by clinical measurements in 7 and targeted re-measurements in 11. Agreement of growth assessments between VDM and diameter measurements was slightly higher for targeted re-measurements (kappa = 0.38) compared to clinical measurements (kappa = 0.25).

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic growth is often uncertain and underappreciated when assessed via standard diameter measurements. Three-dimensional growth assessment with VDM offers a more comprehensive assessment of growth, allows for targeted diameter measurements and could be an additional tool to determine which post-surgical patients at high and low risk for future complications.
Assessing the Benefits and Economic Feasibility of Stand Improvement for Central Hardwood Forests
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Ma Wu , Farlee Lenny D , Jackson Elizabeth A , Shao Guofan , Ochuodho Thomas , Liang Jingjing , Zhou Mo
Published: February 2021

Stand improvement (SI) has been widely accepted as an effective forest management tool. Yet most studies on its economic feasibility for nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners are outdated and focus on the single stand level. The objective of this study was to conduct an economic assessment of SI’s effects and feasibility in hardwood stands for a case study in the White River Basin in Indiana. It is shown that SI could make these forests more productive and sustainable than the prevalent “hands-off” practice by enhancing the timber value of the residual stand (TV), generating regular timber income, and to some degree, reversing the decline in oak dominance. On average, a 25% increment in the TV could be achieved. Although costly for some NIPFs, once combined with voluntary financial incentive programs, SI could meet landowners’ demands for low-cost, high-return investment options. In particular, participation in the Environmental Quality Incentive Program could, on average, increase the net present value of timber income from thinning activities by nearly $1,600 per hectare over the course of 30 years. The spatial analysis revealed that there existed considerable spatial heterogeneity in SI benefits and impacts, suggesting that public incentive programs should be spatially targeted to achieve greater efficiency.
How sequence populations persist inside bacterial genomes
Authors: Park Hye Jin , Gokhale Chaitanya S , Bertels Frederic
Published: February 2021

Compared to their eukaryotic counterparts, bacterial genomes are small and contain extremely tightly packed genes. Repetitive sequences are rare but not completely absent. One of the most common repeat families is REPINs. REPINs can replicate in the host genome and form populations that persist for millions of years. Here, we model the interactions of these intragenomic sequence populations with the bacterial host. We first confirm well-established results, in the presence and absence of horizontal gene transfer (hgt) sequence populations either expand until they drive the host to extinction or the sequence population gets purged from the genome. We then show that a sequence population can be stably maintained, when each individual sequence provides a benefit that decreases with increasing sequence population size. Maintaining a sequence population of stable size also requires the replication of the sequence population to be costly to the host, otherwise the sequence population size will increase indefinitely. Surprisingly, in regimes with high hgt rates, the benefit conferred by the sequence population does not have to exceed the damage it causes to its host. Our analyses provide a plausible scenario for the persistence of sequence populations in bacterial genomes. We also hypothesize a limited biologically relevant parameter range for the provided benefit, which can be tested in future experiments.
Bioethical, Reproducibility, and Translational Challenges of Animal Models
Authors: Landi Margaret , Everitt Jeffrey , Berridge B
Published: February 2021

There is no prescribed stage or standardized point at which an animal model protocol is reviewed for reproducibility and translatability. The method of review for a reproducible and translatable study is not consistently documented in peer literature, and this is a major challenge for those working with animal models of human diseases. If the study is ill designed, it is impossible to perform an accurate harm/benefit analysis. In addition, there may be an ethical challenge if the work is not reproducible and translatable. Animal welfare regulations and other documents of control clearly state the role of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees are to look at science justification within the context of animal welfare. This article, concentrating on models not governed by regulations, outlines issues and offers recommendations for refining animal model review with a goal to improve study reproducibility and translatability.
Assessing the value of second opinion pathology review
Authors: Farooq Ayesha , Abdelkader Amrou , Javakhishivili Nino , Moreno Gustavo A , Kuderer Pilar , Polley Marisa , Hunt Bryan , Giorgadze Tamar A , Jorns Julie M
Published: February 2021

Background

Second opinion review of pathology cases can identify diagnostic errors that impact patient care.

Objective

We sought out to determine discrepancy rates and clinical impact of review of pathology cases to reassess our policy of review on all second opinion cases.

Methods

All second opinion pathology cases over 1 year (2018) were retrospectively reviewed for discrepancy, multiple pathologist review and clinicopathologic features via chart and slide review. Cases were categorized as no significant discordance, major discordance without management change and major discordance with management change.

Results

Among 4239 second opinion cases, 3.7% (156/4239) had major discordance with no change in management and 1% (42/4239) had major discordance with change in management. Discordance was significantly associated with multiple pathologist review at our institution (P < 0.001). Highest rates of discordance were observed for thyroid fine needle aspiration (15.3%, 26/170), tissue biopsy of bone/soft tissue (9.6%), endocrine (8.8%), genitourinary (6.7%), gynecologic (6.2%), hematopathology (4%), gastrointestinal/liver (3.7%) and thoracic (3%) sites.

Conclusions

Our study showed a 1% major discordance rate with resulting significant change in clinical management, spread across nearly all subspecialties. Thus, we support recommendations for review of relevant outside pathology material for all patients for which review has the potential to illicit management change such as instituting a major medical or surgical therapy.
Effects of Computerised Clinical Decision Support on Adherence to VTE Prophylaxis Clinical Practice Guidelines among Hospitalised Patients
Authors: Titi Maher A , Alotair Hadil A , Fayed Amel , Baksh Maram , Alsaif Faisal Abdullah Abdulaziz , Almomani Ziad , Atallah Mohammad , Alsharif Asrar F , Jamal Amr A , Amer Yasser S
Published: February 2021

Objective

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important patient safety concern. VTE leads to significant mortality and morbidity and a burden on healthcare resources. Despite the widespread availability of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on VTE prophylaxis, we found that only 50.9% of our patients were receiving appropriate prophylaxis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of automation of an adapted VTE prophylaxis CPG using a clinical decision support system (the VTE–CDSS) on VTE prevention among hospitalised adult patients.

Design and setting

A quasi-experimental study (pre- and post-implementation) was conducted at a large 900-bed tertiary teaching multi-specialty hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Participants

The 1809 adult patients in the study included 871 enrolled during the pre-implementation stage and 938 enrolled during the post-implementation stage.

Intervention

Multi-faceted implementation interventions were utilised, including leadership engagement and support, quality and clinical champions, staff training and education and regular audit and feedback.

Main outcome measure

Two rate-based process measures were calculated for each admission cohort (i.e. pre- and post-implementation): the percentage of inpatients who were assessed for VTE risk on admission and the percentage of inpatients who received appropriate VTE prophylaxis. Two outcome measures were calculated: the prevalence of hospital-acquired VTE (HA-VTE) events and the in-hospital all-cause mortality.

Results

The percentage of inpatients risk assessed for VTE on admission increased from 77.4% to 93.3% (P < 0.01). The percentage of patients who received appropriate VTE prophylaxis increased from 50.9% to 81.4% (P < 0.01). The HA-VTE events decreased by 50% from 0.33% to 0.15% (P < 0.01).All-cause in-hospital mortality did not significantly change after implementation of the VTE-CDSS compared with pre-implementation mortality (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The VTE-CDSS improved patient safety by enhancing adherence to the VTE prophylaxis best practice and adapted CPG. The multi-faceted implementation strategies approach improved the compliance rate of risk assessment and the adherence to prophylaxis recommendations and substantially reduced the HA-VTE prevalence. A successful CDSS requires a set of critical components to ensure better user compliance and positive patient outcomes.
The effect of distraction on the quality of patient handoff: a randomized study*
Authors: Persad Vashisht , McLaren Rodney , Joslin-Roher Sophia , Narayanamoorthy Sujatha , Silver Michael , Minkoff Howard
Published: February 2021

Objective

The number of patient handoffs has increased in recent years. In addition, technology has advanced in the medical field, leading to most providers carrying smartphones at work. Little is known about the effect of mobile devices and quality of patient handoffs. The objective of this study was to determine whether distraction affects the quality of sign-out among obstetrical providers.

Design

A randomized, prospective study was conducted.

Setting

Hospital.

Participants Intervention

Obstetrical providers listened to a recorded sign-out vignette. Provider groups either were or were not exposed to a distraction while listening to the vignette. All providers had been told that they would be participating in a trial of two methods of sign-out, although in actuality they were all assigned to a single method. In the distraction arm, the participants were exposed to a ‘distracting event’ (a phone ring, which was answered by the proctor and followed by a brief conversation) that occurred midway through the vignette.

Main Outcome Measure

Providers answered a 14-question survey testing recall of facts included in the vignette. The results of each group were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t-test.

Results

Eighty-eight providers were randomized, 44 in the distraction group and 44 in the non-distracted group. The average scores on the survey were similar between groups (11.0 and 10.8, P = 0.57). In addition, the average scores for questions that occurred after the distraction did not differ between the distracted and non-distracted groups (6.4 vs 6.2, P = 0.42).

Conclusions

We observed that a phone ring and brief response did not affect the obstetrical providers’ recall of details of a standardized sign-out. More studies are warranted to determine if more frequent or longer distractions would change results.