bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology measuring buildings’ quality for cultural heritage palaces in Cirebon, Indonesia
Authors: Agustina I H , Ekasari A M , Fardhani I , Hindersah H , Syahzidan A A
Published: March 2021

Kanoman Palace and Kacirebonan Palace located in Cirebon, Indonesia still show their existence until today. The form of the existence is shown through the appearance of the palace building, the king, and all the activities. Although both palaces are similarly a palace space, but there are some differences on the quality of the buildings. The differences are considered as the initial stage of cultural heritage building conservation. Palace or keraton is an initial formation of a city space. The structure of the palace space shows the development of civilization and culture that is served as a knowledge. The aim of this study is to describe the quality of the material and the building of Kanoman Palace and Kacirebonan Palace. The approach method used is a comparative technique for the two palace buildings by collecting reference of conservation technology on materials in the building of cultural heritage that can be applied to the buildings of the palace. Furthermore, the quality of buildings is obtained from the results of fieldwork and research reports conducted previously. The results of this study can be found to take technological steps in the conservation of cultural heritage buildings in the Kanoman Palace and Kacirebonan Palace. The implication for the local government of the city of Cirebon is to help making strategic policies in the procurement of conservation technology for the palace buildings.
Casing design (temperature-base) of the K well in ‘NPY’ geothermal field-Indonesia
Authors: Pudyastuti K , Yufi N P , Djumantara M , Hamid A , Anugrahadi A , Ashadi A
Published: March 2021

This study explains the casing design for the K well in geothermal field, that involve high temperature of wellbore about 200 °C – 300 °C. In the wellbore, elevated temperature generates stress that occurs in the casing material, cause casing installed in the wellbore to expand and shrink, and ultimately failure at a certain temperature conditions point. This failure will change the production casing in length, as well as the well integrity. The casing design for geothermal well must consider high temperature first, because the thermal effect on the casing strength, resistance and burst, that cause the maximum joint strength of the casing decreases, and leads to the collapse of the well. This study concludes that the design of geothermal well casing configuration which is suitable for the K well are casing grade L80 for surface section, casing grade S95 for production section, and grade S95 for slotted liner section. which agreed with the design factors for the temperature maximum of plastic deformation i.e. 599.26 F, 667.6 F, and 852.36 F for respectively sections: surface, production, and liner depths. This study also gives a benefit, i.e. recommendation for the field similar characteristics with the K well – Indonesia. Pore and fracture or overburden pressure gradients, is a determinant in casing shoe depth selection, the depth where temperature variation, play role in decreasing the strength of casing material. It must be a major concern. Author suggest a reservoir geomechanics studies on pore and fracture pressures gradient on the reference geothermal well, may provide a comparison in casing depth selection based on resistivity logs analysis besides BPCD.
Inclination and azimuth evaluation point determinations in “YMN” Field “AMR-10” reservoir by using minimum of curvature method
Authors: Yamani A , Chusniyah D A , Hamid A
Published: March 2021

Oil is utilized diversely in the world; starting as cooking material, manufacture fuel, until gas for vehicles. To obtain oil reserve, a drilling from the surface to the reservoir is required. The kind drilling chosen in this research is a directional drilling where the drill bit is aimed several degrees towards targeted formation, which is not vertically located under the reservoir. The planning process of directional drilling includes drilling trajectory planning and BHA composition utilization planning during the process. To determine inclination point and azimuth in AMR-10 drilling trajectory was formed by using radius of curvature method, and compare its result with actual trajectory counted by using minimum of curvature method, by calculation vertical depth, build-up rate, radius, azimuth trajectory, dogleg value, ratio factor, north and east direction, and horizontal movement. Based on the calculation of reservoir trajectory planning of AMR-10 reservoir, the vertical depth value is at 6540.9 ft. and horizontal movement from drilling starting point is 2290.3 ft. with azimuth angle of 202.68°. Based on the calculation and survey data, we can see that an inclination of 1.76° was occurred at 149.2 ft.MD and azimuth angle of 206.6° at similar depth.
Synthesis of Ni-TiN/Si3N4 nanocomposite layers using the electrodeposition method
Authors: Nasbey H , Budi E , Kusumawati L , Indrasari W , Sugihartono I , Prayitno T B
Published: March 2021

In an effort to find the best technique for coating metals, the synthesis of the Ni-TiN/Si3N4 nanocomposite layers was carried out. The coating process is carried out using the electrodeposition method. In the electrodeposition process, tungsten carbide (WC) is used as the working electrode. The WC is immersed in the electrolytic solution and is electrified for 5 mA for 15 minutes. During the deposition process, the temperature of the solution is maintained at 35 °C using a hot disc. The crystal structure and phase changes formed in the WC are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface morphology of the layer is investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the results of the characterization, the size of the Ni-TiN crystal is approximately 488.91 Å. The Si3N4 phase is not detected because it is amorphous. The thickness of the layer formed is approximately 805 nm. This simple technique can be used to produce nanocomposite coatings useful for protecting metals from corrosion.
Effect of Aluminium coating on the Ferro-Silica-Magnesium alloys’ hardness and corrosion rate
Authors: Susila A B , Delina M , Lucita L
Published: March 2021

This paper studied the effect of Aluminium coating on the Fe-Si-Mg alloys surface to its hardness and corrosion rate. The Fe-Si-Mg-Al was formed from Fe-Si-Mg Powder Alloy, which was coated by Aluminium (Al) with the composition of (0; 2.2; 6.0; 10.2) wt%. The mechanical alloying was applied to conduct a wet mixing with the ball mill in a shaker mill for two hours. The powder was then dried and compress under eight tons of pressure for three minutes. The sample was then sintered in a tabular furnace with a temperature of 1000C for two hours and 5C/minutes of heating rate. Furthermore, the natural cooling rate was applied to reach room temperature. The sample was examined in an XRD to analyze the phase and tested under a SEM-EDX to evaluate the morphological structure as well as its dispersion. The results showed that the hardness rise as the increment of Al. It is because of the oxidation of Fe, Si, and Al, which formed Fe2O3, SiO2, and Al2O3 filled out the gap. The development of Al decreased the corrosion rate. Al with the composition of (6.0 wt%) was the lowest corrosion -3 rate which the value of 1.013x10 mmpy.
Contemporary aesthetics of exposed bricks for buildings’ façade and interior
Authors: Nugraha L A , Murwonugroho W
Published: March 2021

Exposed bricks have been trending in architectural design for façade and interior. They are known to have good reputation as construction material for their high functionality and high artistic values. There is an increasing demand for buildings to appear aesthetically contemporary, rather than traditional. Some buildings have tried to utilize bricks but failed, making its aesthetic underwhelming. The purpose of this study is to find a creative strategy for arranging bricks. Design Thinking is the basis for this paper’s research methodology. According to Design Thinking, to maximize on certain ideas several stages are needed: 1) emphatise; 2) define; 3) ideate; 4) prototype; and 5) test. In results and discussion section, it is found that aesthetics in architecture are desirable values which please the eyes and the mind in the forms of shapes and expressions. Principles for bricks arrangement composition still refer to Nirmana, with its need for visual unconventionality. The study concludes that the alteration of bricks function no longer serves as dividers, supports, or beam barrier but have transformed to include connecting rooms and channeling limited beam to create aesthetic ray of light. The novelty borne from the creativity of designers will indicate how bricks will stand out or fade with time as the chosen material for Indonesian-themed construction.
Utilization of prilled fat on milk production and milk quality fed to lactating dairy cows
Authors: Sanidita S R , Retnani Y , Despal D
Published: March 2021

The objective was to determine the effects of supplemental prilled fat in lactating dairy cows’ diet on milk production and milk quality. There hasn’t been any novel information about the effect of different content of palmitic acid in the prilled fat. The study conducted for 49 days, consisted of 42 days of adaptation and 7 days of data collection. Sixteen mid-lactation multiparous Friesian Holstein cows were assigned in a completely randomized block design experiment of four dietary treatments and four groups. The treatments were: basal diet (T1), basal diet + 2% of prilled fat with 75% of palmitic acid (T2), basal diet + 2% of prilled fat with 85% of palmitic acid (T3), and basal diet + 2% of prilled fat with 95% of palmitic acid (T4). The basal diet that used containing approximately 60% forages and 40% grains. The total dry matter intake resulted highest in T2 (P<0.05) with an average 17.42 kg/head/day, whereas, the milk production was not affected. The milk quality-analysed were total solid (TS), %fat, %protein, %lactose and solid non-fat (SNF). The %fat resulted the best in T2 with average 4.22% (P<0.05), while there were not any significant differences in TS, %protein, %lactose and SNF.
Melting dynamics of Gold thin film: A Molecular Dynamics study
Authors: Fahdiran R , Handoko E , Sugihartono I , Budi S
Published: March 2021

We studied the melting dynamics of Gold in the form of thin film. The thin film thickness is 9.756 nm. The systems are heated from room temperature up to slightly above melting point, Tm = 1338 K. The evolution of the atoms in each system is followed using Molecular Dynamics (MD) scheme up to 20 ps. Thermodynamics analysis indicated that thin film is suppressed by the uniform heat while the temperature is increasing. Structural analysis compared with Common Neighbor Analysis (CNA) expressed the condition that melting conduction occurred at the end of simulation.
Synthesis of ZnO/FA composite for methylene blue decolorization
Authors: Hadisantoso E P , Ayu Z D , Listiani P , Setiadji S
Published: March 2021

In this research, a ZnO/FA composite was successfully synthesized for the photocatalytic treatment of methylene blue. ZnO was obtained from Zn-C battery waste by precipitation method. Zinc metal from battery waste was separated, cleaned, and dissolve in hydrochloric acid to get the ZnCl2 solution. After adding some base until pH = 10, white precipitation was formed. This precipitate was filtered out and calcinated at 400 °C for 4 hours to obtained ZnO. Fly Ash (FA) was obtained from coal combustion waste. Fly ash was cleaned and drying at 105 °C for 3 hours. Synthesis of ZnO/FA composite was synthesized by a solid dispersion method using acetone as a medium with a various composition of ZnO: FA = 20:80; 40:60; 60:40; 80,20 in percentage. The XRD data show that the ZnO/FA composite was successfully synthesized. The SEM photo’s show that different morphology where more ZnO in the composite, the FA particles will be increasingly encased with ZnO particles. Photocatalytic performance studies of ZnO/FA composites for decolorization of methylene blue were carried out in various compositions, exposure times, substrate concentrations, and mass composites. The optimum decolorization was found in 40:60 composition, 3 hours irradiation time, 5 ppm concentration of methylene blue, and 150 mg of photocatalyst mass.
Design of experiment in preliminary optimization study of bioethanol production from Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Authors: Aditiya H B , Mulyaningsih Y , Theofany H C , Pramiesta A D , Mulyaningsih Y
Published: March 2021

As an alternative, sustainable energy form to replace fossil gasoline, the interest in producing bioethanol is still advancing. This is critical especially when third generation bioethanol production is focused, in which the fast-growing green algae is exploited as the feedstock. While the bioethanol production route is principally consistent regardless of the feedstock type, implementing optimization in bioethanol production is advantageous to the production as it presents optimum conditions based on the set variables. This study reports the design of experiment in preliminary analysis of optimization study in bioethanol production from Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Four factors (feedstock loading; NaOH concentration; hydrolysis time; hydrolysis temperature) are selected to determine the main response of reducing sugar as the main desired component for fermentation stage. Using response surface methodology, the design of experiment consists of 29 experimental runs with linear model as the suggested model.
Component design of foldable helmet for motorcycle usage: Strength analysis under static loading
Authors: Denatra G C , Basri G F H , Anggoro M A , Triawan F
Published: March 2021

A helmet is used to protect the head of motorcycle rider especially when an accident happens by absorbing the impact/crash load. In Indonesia, wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle is obligated by the constitution. Hence, in line with the quick growth of online motorbike and taxi service, carrying a personal helmet has become a common need. Yet, it becomes troublesome to carry and store the helmet due to its big size. This paper introduces a primary design idea of a foldable helmet for motorcycle rider by fulfilling the safety standard of SNI (Indonesian National Standard). The proposed helmet uses hinge components that allow the folding mechanism. Strength analysis of the hinge-pin lock system is discussed in this paper. From the result, it was confirmed that the foldable helmet could withstand a loading requirement of 3000 N at the joint system (hinge) as required by SNI. The proposed folding mechanism can reduce a helmet volume up to 50% smaller than the non-foldable one. Furthermore, this study is expected to give contribution to the engineering product design.
Influence of duration and fuel injection pressure on two stroke gasoline direct injection engine performance
Authors: Syaka D R B , Margono G , Tyasmadi A T , Dewantoro T
Published: March 2021

The 2-stroke gasoline engines produce high air pollution because there is fuel wasted directly into the exhaust during the scavenging process. Solution to overcome the problem of pollution and improve engine performance is changing the fuel system into a direct injection fuel system. This study aims to determine the performance characteristics (power and torque) of two stroke gasoline direct injection engine in variations in injection duration and fuel pressure entering the combustion chamber with fixed injection timing 85° before TDC. The timing of fuel injection is carried out by a solenoid valve which is regulated using a disc board mounted on a crankshaft and detected by infrared sensors. Variations in the degree of duration of injection testing are 45°, 55° and 65°, in variations of fuel pressure of 6 bars, 7 bars and 8 bars The tools used for data collection are pressure gauge to measure fuel pressure and a tachometer is used to measure engine speed and engine torque measured by Prony brake. The results of this study indicate that increasing the duration and fuel pressure will increase power but do not directly affect the increase in torque, both because there is a certain duration and pressure which results in maximum performance.
Effect current and distance nuggets of micro resistance spot welding on battery lithium and stainless steel SUS 304
Authors: Sifa A , Badruzzaman B , Dionisius F , Wrisaba E
Published: March 2021

Micro resistance spot welding is welding that is widely used in welding cylindrical battery 18650 because the process is easy. SUS 304 Stainless Steel with a thickness of 0.2 mm is used as a connection plate, and lap joint is a connection that is used in lithium batteries because to facilitate the welding process. This study purpose of knowing the effects of distance nugget and current. The method is simulation and experimental. The simulations result in maximum stress is 80310 N/mm2. The experimental method with parameters of current 14 A, 16 A, 18 A and the distance of the nugget are 12 mm, 8 mm, and 4 mm, measure the HAZ and the nugget from welding are using a digital microscope with a magnification of 100 times, and shear test with 100 N/min. Shear test results show variations in the nugget distance, and a maximum load of 112 N with a nugget distance of 4 mm and comparison with the results of statistical simulation, the widest HAZ area at 14 A has 1.8 mm, and the widest nugget area at 18 A has 0.08 mm.
A simulation of R32 refrigerant mixing with R1270 to reduce GWP R410A on wall mounted air conditioning
Authors: Widodo W , Kiono B F T , Winoto S H , Utomo M S K T S
Published: March 2021

Refrigerant R410A is a cooling barrier that is still widely used for air conditioning. This R410A contains the Fluoro element which can increase the value of GWP. In this research simulation, we used an AC unit using R410A with the aim of reducing GWP (Global Warming Potential) by mixing synthetic refrigerant with hydrocarbons. R410A still has content GWP: Mixing using R32 / R1270 refrigerant is predicted to reduce the GWP value because R1270 is one of the hydrocarbon refrigerants that has a GWP value of only: 3. By using Refprop software it can be simulated a mixture composition starting from 50/50, 40/60, 30/70, 20/80 and 10/90. From the results of the mixture simulation conducted, obtained a mixture approaching the characteristics of R410A, namely in the mixture: 20/80 with COP: 5.17 while R410A: 4.12. Compression ratio: R410A: 2.0 and for mixed refrigerants 20/80: 1.9. The refrigerant effect of mixed refrigerants is 20/80: 254,51, R410A: 162,77. Using this refrigerant mixture can reduce the GWP value and improve the performance of the AC cooling system. This refrigerant has considerable potential to replace the R410A.
Evaluating mechanical engineering learning through digitalization
Authors: Setiadi A , Ramdhani F F , Sumirat U
Published: March 2021

Digitalization is one of the signature marks in the industrial revolution era 4.0. This cover several aspects of life, including mechanical engineering. In relation to the evaluation of mechanical engineering learning, digitalization is lesson study is inevitable. This paper investigates the development and implementation of digital platforms in lesson study for mechanical engineering learning. A collection of a variety of digital platforms were identified and analyzed. The results showed that even though mechanical engineering learning is shifting to digital learning, some still find it difficult to adapt. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that user-friendly applications, particularly mobile-based ones, be developed.
A simulation model to comparative analysis the effect of texture bottom shape on wear and lubrication performances for micro-groove water lubricated bearings
Authors: Jin Da , Xiao Ke , Xiang Guo , Wang Yijia , Wang Cheng , Jia Hang
Published: March 2021

The novelty of this paper is to explore the role of the texture bottom shape on the transient wear performance under mixed lubrication condition using a numerical model. In the numerical model, the transient interaction between the effects of wear and mixed lubrication are analyzed by incorporating the wear depth distribution into the equation of lubrication gap in each time step. A validating experiment is performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the numerical model. The wear and lubrication performances of bearings with five bottom shapes, i.e., semi ellipse, rectangle, isosceles triangle, left triangle and right triangle, are evaluated comparatively. Additionally, the effects of operating time, operating conditions (linear speed and external load) and some input parameters on tribological performances at different bottom shapes are discussed. The simulation results reveal that the texture bottom shape has significant effect on transient wear performance, thereinto, the groove with left triangle bottom shape obtain optimal transient wear and lubrication performances compared with the other four bottom shapes. The frictional behaviors of water lubricated bearing’s contacting surface would be improved by optimizing the texture’s internal structural shape especially under severe wear operating condition.
Effect of parameters on microstructure of electrical discharge coated ZE41A magnesium alloy with tungsten carbide-copper composite electrode
Authors: Elaiyarasan U , Satheeshkumar V , Senthilkumar C
Published: March 2021

Electrical discharge coating is a material transfer process of EDM used for fabricating composite coating on the workpiece surface. It is applied in the several applications such as surface texturing, die and mould making industries in order to increase the wear and corrosion resistance. In this investigation, ZE41A magnesium alloy is coated with tungsten carbide- Copper (WC-Cu) powder metallurgy electrode. Electrodes are prepared under three different load conditions (150, 175 and 200 MPa). Effects of process parameters on microstructure of the coated surfaces are studied. EDC experiment is carried out by varying the process parameters viz. compaction load (CL), current (I) and pulse on time (Ton). Response characteristics considered in this study are material migration rate (MMR), layer thickness (LT) and micro hardness (MH). MMR, LT and MH increases with increase in current and pulse on time at low compaction loaded electrode. Conversely, it is decreased with low current and pulse on time at high compaction loaded. Average micro hardness of the deposited surface was 125 HV and average layer thickness was 91.6 μm. Different surface defects were identified in the deposited surface such as cracks, craters and globules. Bigger craters were observed at surface deposited with higher current (4 A) that reduced the hardness of the surface.
Practical evaluations of bioactive peptide-modified Fluorapatite/PLGA multifunctional nano-clustery composite against for root caries restorations to inhibit periodontitis-related pathogens in periodontitis care
Authors: Wang Ji-Hong , Li Yun , Jing Jin , Yue Haili , Zhang Lili , Hua Wen , Li Na , Liu Xin , Han Jianan
Published: March 2021

Periodontitis noted as dental care disease, which occur the inflammatory process in the teeth tissues surrounding which has the response to bacterial accumulation. The main objectives of the present investigations were to improve the multifunctional nanocomposite with PLGA@fluorapatite and enhance the bactericidal inhibitory efficiency against periodontitis-related pathogens. The peptide modified fluorapatite@PLGA nanocomposite were synthesized and physico-chemically characterized. The observed analytical results demonstrated rod-like nanoparticles formation with favorable human cell compatibility and toxicity against bacterial pathogens. In addition, the use of FA and PLGA dual agents in the composite achieved the greatest reduction in the biofilm growth and the metabolic activity of polysaccharide production. The CFU count in the biofilms was reduced by nearly 3 orders for periodontal pathogens. Therefore, the new modified peptide PLGA-FA composite promising in the root caries restorations to inhibit periodontitis related pathogens.
Uniform behavior of the electromechanical coupling factor in piezoelectric resonators
Authors: Rodríguez Orlando , Chong-Quero J Enrique
Published: March 2021

The coupling of mechanical and electrical energies in piezoelectric materials is a problem extensively studied by many researchers. A precise determination of this coupling is an essential aspect of the theory and performance evaluation of the piezoelectric transducers utilized in multiple medical and industrial applications. In this article, the derivation of the electromechanical coupling factor in dynamic regime,

k
,

of four of the most common piezoelectric resonators vibrating under lossless conditions is reviewed. It is explicitly demonstrated that the frequency spectrum of

k

is uniform through the resonators with respect to their fundamental mechanical resonance frequencies, regardless the vibration mode considered. This uniformity can be described by a simple mathematic expression with the ‘same form’ for all the vibration modes studied. The outcomes presented are in the hope to shed some new light on the basic functional theory of the piezoelectric resonator.
Using pycnometry and Archimedes’ principle to measure the gross and air cavity volume of fruit
Authors: Hughes Stephen , Quintero Olaya Sebastian
Published: March 2021

A technique based on Archimedes’ Principle is described for measuring the volume of small objects (0.5–5 cm3) less dense than water. The volume of 10 small red chillies was measured by pycnometry and an immersion Archimedes technique which involved suspending the chillies in water in a container placed on an electronic balance. A pycnometer, which uses helium gas is able to determine the internal solid volume of the chillies and water immersion the outer volume. The difference between the two volumes gives the volume of internal air cavities in the chillies. The pycnometer and immersion techniques were compared by measuring the volume of wax candles with volumes between 0.3 and 2.5 cm3. A Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the Archimedes volumes were lower than pycnometry volumes by

6.1
±
2.3
%

which needs further investigation. A combination of pycnometry and water immersion may be a useful tool for botanical studies.
Antipredator responses toward cat fur in wild brown rats tested in a semi-natural environment
Authors: Bedoya-Pérez Miguel A , Le Anna , McGregor Iain S , Crowther Mathew S
Published: March 2021

Sensitivity to predator-related cues and performance of antipredator behaviors are universal among prey species. Rodents exhibit a diverse suite of antipredator behaviors that have been examined in both field and laboratory studies. However, the results from the laboratory have not always translated to the field. While laboratory studies consistently indicate strong fear-inducing effects of cat fur/skin odors, it is unclear whether this occurs in the field with wild rats. To address this issue, we tested the antipredator responses of wild brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) to predatory (domestic cat fur) and nonpredatory (common brushtail possum fur) odor cues in a semi-natural experimental paradigm. Rats were housed in open air enclosures containing two feeding stations. Following several nights of acclimatization, the feeding stations were paired with cat fur, possum fur, or no fur. Rats spent less time at a feeding station that was paired with cat fur. Duration of time spent at feeding stations increased across consecutive test days and across hours within individual test nights, although the rate of increase within nights was lower for cat fur paired stations. This overall increase might reflect habituation of antipredator behaviors, increasing hunger, or loss of cue potency over time. We suggest that wild brown rats recognize and respond to cat fur odor cues, but their behavioral response is highly adaptable and finely tuned to the trade-off between predation risk and starvation that occurs across short temporal scales.
Are plumage colour and song redundant ornaments in great tits (Parus major)? It depends on the colour
Authors: Ferrer Esperanza S , Uribe Francesc , Sanz Juan José , Senar Joan Carles
Published: March 2021

According to current theory, the development of different conspicuous ornaments may provide multiple, redundant or unreliable information. However, multiple visual and acoustic traits have not often been tested at the same time. In this study, we analyse whether black tie size, yellow breast colour indexes (chroma and hue) and song parameters (repertoire size, strophe length, maximum and minimum frequency) are inter-correlated in male great tits (Parus major). We found that males with larger black ties sang greater repertoires and had higher song frequencies, providing redundant information. However, song parameters did not correlate with hue and chroma of the yellow breast coloration, supporting the idea that they convey different units of information. Results therefore stress that since different plumaged patches can transmit very different units of information, bird song will correlate to plumage coloration traits depending on the patch and the colour considered, an aspect rarely taken into account in previous studies relating song to plumage colour traits.
A minimum aberration-type criterion for selecting space-filling designs
Authors: Tian Ye , Xu Hongquan
Published: March 2021

Space-filling designs are widely used in computer experiments. Inspired by the stratified orthogonality of strong orthogonal arrays, we propose a criterion of minimum aberration-type for assessing the space-filling properties of designs based on design stratification properties on various grids. A space-filling hierarchy principle is proposed as a basic assumption of the criterion. The new criterion provides a systematic way of classifying and ranking space-filling designs, including various types of strong orthogonal arrays and Latin hypercube designs. Theoretical results and examples are presented to show that strong orthogonal arrays of maximum strength are favourable under the proposed criterion. For strong orthogonal arrays of the same strength, the space-filling criterion can further rank them based on their space-filling patterns.
The female effect—how female receptivity influences faecal testosterone metabolite levels, socio-positive behaviour and vocalization in male Southern white rhinoceroses
Authors: Jenikejew Julia , Wauters Jella , Dehnhard Martin , Scheumann Marina
Published: March 2021

Testosterone is known to be essential for sexual maturation as well as for the display of behavioural traits linked to reproduction. At the same time, external factors such as the presence of receptive females may affect testosterone levels, stressing the hormone’s substantial role in reproductive success. It is therefore of major interest to investigate the links between androgens, behaviour and the social environment especially in species that rely on a resilient reproduction rate, such as the white rhinoceros (WR). We collected faecal samples of 16 male Southern WR (Ceratotherium simum simum) aged between 1 and 44 years from 11 European zoos. Audio and video recordings were simultaneously taken from five of the study males that were sexually mature and had direct contact with receptive females. Our results showed a positive correlation of faecal testosterone metabolite (fTM) concentrations and progressing age up until adulthood followed by a decline in older males. While previous reproductive success did not show any effect, the access to receptive females resulted in higher fTM levels. Thereby, fTM concentrations remained at the same level regardless of the receptivity phase, while social cohesion with respective females, affiliative behaviour as well as call rates of Pant and Hiss distinctly peaked during the receptive compared to the non-receptive periods. Conclusively, the immediate presence of receptive females poses a female effect that enhances the overall androgen levels in males and, thus, might facilitate their reproductive success. However, androgens do not seem to be the main driver of behavioural changes during courtship or mating. By linking endocrinological and socio-behavioural factors, we were able to provide an applicable basis for non-invasive monitoring of reproductive behaviour in male WR in captivity, thereby contributing to deeper understanding of potential reproduction impairments in a species whose population in captivity remains not fully self-sustaining.
Shuttle-box systems for studying preferred environmental ranges by aquatic animals
Authors: Christensen Emil A F , Andersen Lars E J , Bergsson Heiðrikur , Steffensen John F , Killen Shaun S
Published: March 2021

Animals’ selection of environments within a preferred range is key to understanding their habitat selection, tolerance to stressors and responses to environmental change. For aquatic animals, preferred environmental ranges can be studied in so-called shuttle-boxes, where an animal can choose its ambient environment by shuttling between separate choice chambers with differences in an environmental variable. Over time, researchers have refined the shuttle-box technology and applied them in many different research contexts, and we here review the use of shuttle-boxes as a research tool with aquatic animals over the past 50 years. Most studies on the methodology have been published in the latest decade, probably due to an increasing research interest in the effects of environmental change, which underlines the current popularity of the system. The shuttle-box has been applied to a wide range of research topics with regards to preferred ranges of temperature, CO 2 , salinity and O 2  in a vast diversity of species, showing broad applicability for the system. We have synthesized the current state-of-the-art of the methodology and provided best practice guidelines with regards to setup, data analyses, experimental design and study reporting. We have also identified a series of knowledge gaps, which can and should be addressed in future studies. We conclude with suggesting some obvious directions for research using shuttle-boxes within evolutionary biology and behavioural and physiological ecology.
H3ABioNet genomic medicine and microbiome data portals hackathon proceedings
Authors: Fadlelmola Faisal M , Ghedira Kais , Hamdi Yosr , Hanachi Mariem , Radouani Fouzia , Allali Imane , Kiran Anmol , Zass Lyndon , Alsayed Nihad , Fassatoui Meriem , Samtal Chaimae , Ahmed Samah , Da Rocha Jorge , Chaqsare Souad , Sallam Reem M , Chaouch Melek , Farahat Mohammed A , Ssekagiri Alfred , Parker Ziyaad , Adil Mai , Turkson Michael , Benchaalia Aymen , Benkahla Alia , Panji Sumir , Kassim Samar , Souiai Oussema , Mulder Nicola
Published: March 2021

African genomic medicine and microbiome datasets are usually not well characterized in terms of their origin, making it difficult to find and extract data for specific African ethnic groups or even countries. The Pan-African H3Africa Bioinformatics Network (H3ABioNet) recognized the need for developing data portals for African genomic medicine and African microbiomes to address this and ran a hackathon to initiate their development. The two portals were designed and significant progress was made in their development during the hackathon. All the participants worked in a very synergistic and collaborative atmosphere in order to achieve the hackathon's goals. The participants were divided into content and technical teams and worked over a period of 6 days. In response to one of the survey questions of what the participants liked the most during the hackathon, 55% of the hackathon participants highlighted the familial and friendly atmosphere, the team work and the diversity of team members and their expertise. This paper describes the preparations for the portals hackathon and the interaction between the participants and reflects upon the lessons learned about its impact on successfully developing the two data portals as well as building scientific expertise of younger African researchers.

Database URL: The code for developing the two portals was made publicly available in GitHub repositories: [https://github.com/codemeleon/Database; https://github.com/codemeleon/AfricanMicrobiomePortal].
Escalation and de-escalation of mechanical circulatory support in cardiogenic shock
Authors: Bertoldi Letizia F , Delmas Clement , Hunziker Patrick , Pappalardo Federico
Published: March 2021

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a clinical entity that includes a wide spectrum of different scenarios. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) plays a fundamental role in the contemporary treatment of CS, and device selection is a key element in determining optimal treatment in this complex population. Cardiac support with mechanical devices should allow reduction and complete weaning from inotropes. Persistence of elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressures, pulmonary congestion, metabolic decompensation, and end-organ damage during current MCS are criteria for MCS escalation. Precise diagnosis of the underlying cause of right ventricular (RV) failure is fundamental for undertaking the correct escalation strategy. In the setting of both MCS escalation and de-escalation, it is important to select a strategy in relation to long-term perspectives (bridge-to-recovery, bridge-to-LV assist device, or bridge-to-heart transplantation). Small retrospective studies have demonstrated that the BiPella approach is feasible, reduces cardiac filling pressures and improves cardiac output across a range of causes of CS. Simultaneous LV and RV device implantation and lower RV afterload may be associated with better outcomes in biventricular CS, but prospective studies are still required.
Weaning from Impella and mobilization of Impella patients
Authors: Bertoldi Letizia Fausta , Montisci Andrea , Delmas Clement , Pappalardo Federico
Published: March 2021

Weaning of patients from Impella is complex and includes evaluation of the underlying disease, which is essential for estimating the potential for heart recovery. Monitoring during the weaning phase with echocardiography and pulmonary artery catheters will be discussed, as well as the use of intravenous and oral heart failure drugs. Patients who are candidates for weaning must be stable, without inotropes, and must have recovered from acute end-organ damage. Coronary artery disease and valvular heart diseases should be appropriately addressed before weaning to take the maximum advantage of haemodynamic stability provided by the support and to maximize the possibility of weaning. Tips and tricks for the mobilization of Impella patients will also be discussed.
A scoping review: global health literacy interventions for pregnant women and mothers with young children
Authors: Melwani Satish , Cleland Verity , Patterson Kira , Nash Rosie
Published: March 2021

The World Health Organization is focused on enhancing health literacy (HL) throughout the life-course to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. Pregnancy and early motherhood offer a window of opportunity to address NCDs risk earlier in the life-course. Empowering women through HL may help to reduce the intergenerational impact of NCDs. A scoping review of the international literature was conducted to identify HL interventions that focused on improving NCD-related health outcomes or health behaviors of pregnant women and/or mothers with young children. The search was conducted on 4 databases and identified 5019 articles. After full text screening, 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. No study acknowledged their intervention as an HL intervention, even though they were assessed as targeting various HL dimensions. Only one study measured the HL of mothers. The review suggests that HL interventions are being underutilized and highlight the need to create awareness about the importance of addressing HL of pregnant women and mothers using appropriate tools to understand HL strengths and challenges in achieving healthy lifestyle practices. This can help to co-design locally responsive solutions that may enable women to make informed healthier lifestyle choices for themselves and for their children and thus may accelerate prevention of NCDs globally.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram ameliorates cognitive decline and protects against amyloid beta-induced mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, autophagy, mitophagy and synaptic toxicities in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Reddy Arubala P , Sawant Neha , Morton Hallie , Kshirsagar Sudhir , Bunquin Lloyd E , Yin Xiangling , Reddy P Hemachandra
Published: March 2021

In the current study, we investigated the protective role of citalopram against cognitive decline, impaired mitochondrial dynamics, defective mitochondrial biogenesis, defective autophagy, mitophagy and synaptic dysfunction in APP transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (ad). We treated 12-month-old wild-type (WT) and age-matched transgenic APP mice with citalopram for 2 months. Using Morris Water Maze and rotarod tests, quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting, biochemical methods and transmission electron microscopy methods, we assessed cognitive behavior, RNA and protein levels of mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, autophagy, mitophagy, synaptic, ad-related and neurogenesis genes in wild-type and APP mice treated and untreated with citalopram. Citalopram-treated APP mice relative to citalopram-untreated APP mice exhibited improved cognitive behavior. Increased levels of mRNA associated with mitochondrial fission and ad-related genes; decreased levels of fusion, biogenesis, autophagy, mitophagy, synaptic and neurogenesis genes were found in APP mice relative to WT mice. However, APP mice treated with citalopram compared to citalopram-untreated APP mice revealed reduced levels of the mitochondrial fission and ad-related genes and increased fusion, biogenesis, autophagy, mitophagy, synaptic and neurogenesis genes. Our protein data agree with the mRNA levels. Transmission electron microscopy revealed significantly increased mitochondrial numbers and reduced mitochondrial length in APP mice; these were reversed in citalopram-treated APP mice. Further, Golgi-cox staining analysis revealed reduced dendritic spines in APP mice relative to WT mice. However, citalopram-treated APP mice showed significantly increased dendritic spines, indicating that citalopram enhances spine density, synaptic activity and improved cognitive function in APP mice. These findings suggest that citalopram reduces cognitive decline, Aβ levels and mitochondrial and synaptic toxicities and may have a strong protective role against mutant APP and Aβ-induced injuries in patients with depression, anxiety and ad.
Diminished Circulating Levels of Angiogenic Factors and Rage Ligands in Helminth–Diabetes Comorbidity and Reversal Following Anthelmintic Treatment
Authors: Rajamanickam Anuradha , Munisankar Saravanan , Menon Pradeep A , Nutman Thomas B , Babu Subash
Published: March 2021

Background

Various epidemiological and experimental studies propose that helminths could play a preventive role against the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM induces microvascular and large vessel complications mediated by elevated levels of angiogenic factors and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE) ligands. However, the interactions between helminths and host angiogenic factors and RAGE ligands are unexplored.

Methods

To assess the relationship between a soil-transmitted helminth, Strongyloides stercoralis (Ss), and T2DM, we measured plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–A, -C, and -D; angiopoietins 1 and 2 (Ang-1 and Ang-2); and their receptors VEGF-R1, -R2, and -R3 as well as soluble RAGE (sRAGE) and their ligands advanced glycation end products (AGEs), S100A12, and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) in individuals with T2DM with or those without Ss infection. In Ss-infected individuals, we also measured the levels of aforementioned factors 6 months following anthelmintic therapy.

Results

Ss-infected individuals exhibited significantly decreased levels of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, Ang-1, and Ang-2 and their soluble receptors VEGF-R1, -R2, and -R3, that increased following anthelmintic therapy. Likewise, Ss-infected individuals exhibited significantly decreased levels of AGEs and their ligands sRAGE, S100A12, and HMGB-1, which reversed following anthelmintic therapy.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that Ss infection could play a beneficial role by limiting or delaying T2DM-related vascular complications.
Engineering Task-based Augmented Reality Guidance: Application to the Training of Aircraft Flight Procedures
Authors: Lallai Giorgia , Loi Zedda Giovanni , Martinie Célia , Palanque Philippe , Pisano Mauro , Spano Lucio Davide
Published: March 2021

Training operators to efficiently operate critical systems is a cumbersome and costly activity. A training program aims at modifying operators’ knowledge and skills about the system they will operate. The design, implementation and evaluation of a ‘good’ training program is a complex activity that requires involving multi-disciplinary work from multiple stakeholders. This paper proposes the combined use of task descriptions and augmented reality (AR) technologies to support training activities both for trainees and instructors. AR interactions offer the unique benefit of bringing together the cyber and the physical aspects of an aircraft cockpit, thus providing support to training in this context that cannot be achieved by software tutoring systems. On the instructor side, the LeaFT-MixeR system supports the systematic coverage of planed tasks as well as the constant monitoring of trainee performance. On the trainee side, LeaFT-MixeR provides real-time AR information supporting the identification of objects with which to interact, in order to perform the planned task. The paper presents the engineering principles and their implementation to bring together AR technologies and tool-supported task models. We show how these principles are embedded in LeaFT-MixeR system as well as its application to the training of flight procedures in aircraft cockpits.
DNA damage response in vascular endothelial senescence: Implication for radiation-induced cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Nagane Masaki , Yasui Hironobu , Kuppusamy Periannan , Yamashita Tadashi , Inanami Osamu
Published: March 2021

A post-exposure cohort study in Hiroshima and Nagasaki reported that low-dose exposure to radiation heightened the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as stroke and myocardial infarction, by 14–18% per Gy. Moreover, the risk of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries reportedly increases with radiation therapy of the chest, including breast and lung cancer treatment. Cellular senescence of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) is believed to play an important role in radiation-induced CVDs. The molecular mechanism of age-related cellular senescence is believed to involve genomic instability and DNA damage response (DDR); the chronic inflammation associated with senescence causes cardiovascular damage. Therefore, vascular endothelial cell senescence is believed to induce the pathogenesis of CVDs after radiation exposure. The findings of several prior studies have revealed that ionizing radiation (IR) induces cellular senescence as well as cell death in ECs. We have previously reported that DDR activates endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase, and NO production promotes endothelial senescence. Endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is a major isoform expressed in ECs that maintains cardiovascular homeostasis. Therefore, radiation-induced NO production, a component of the DDR in ECs, may be involved in CVDs after radiation exposure. In this article, we describe the pathology of radiation-induced CVD and the unique radio-response to radiation exposure in ECs.