bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPLEMENTASI APLIKASI PENGINPUTAN INVENTORY MENGGUNAKAN METODE AGILE BERBASIS WEB
Authors: Tampubolon Dumayanti , Simanjuntak Pastima
Published: October 2023

The process of collecting  manual input data info  Microsoft Exel takes a long time, data management cannot be done by several warehouse admins at the same time, making inventory reports is often not on time from schedule because they have to recapitulate goods receipt data and goods expenditure data, submit inventory reports to the department takes a long time, data management errors often occur in entering data, deleting data. Microsoft Excel also cannot store data and information centrally in a database, so there is often a discrepancy between the information obtained and data loss caused by human error. Agile development methods are a methodology in software development that is based on an iterative process consisting of rules and agreed solutions. With the aim to produce a software that has a high selling value but uses the lowest possible manufacturing costs. So as to obtain research results in the form of applications built for inventory input systems, namely with web-based agile methods.
RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM ABSENSI MENGGUNAKAN FACE RECOGNITION
Authors: Manurung Sesi Susanti , Simanjuntak Pastima
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
ANALISIS PEMILIHAN SUPPLIER PART MESIN PRIMARY PACKAGING PADA PT XYZ
Authors: Rahmadhani Ara , Arista Anggia
Published: October 2023

PT XYZ is a company engaged in the field of medical devices, namely contact lenses. PT XYZ carries out its production activities using Primary Packaging machines in the form of O-ring Viton parts. Based on observations, the supplier selection process for O-ring Viton parts is less efficient. To overcome this issue, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods can be used. This study aims to provide supplier rankings for consideration in obtaining the best suppliers so that they can work together in the long term. The results showed that there were 4 criteria and 12 sub-criteria, where the Quality criterion (K2) had the greatest value (0.6237), the Accuracy in the Number of Delivery sub-criteria (D1) had the greatest value (0.7215), and based on the calculation of the AHP method which became the priority the first is the IHI supplier (0.4144). Based on the calculation of the TOPSIS method, the first priority is IHI suppliers with a preference value (0.7922). The results of this study show that IHI suppliers are a top priority and are able to meet all the raw material needs for Viton O-ring parts at PT XYZ.
USULAN PENYUSUNAN MATERIAL DI PT KATINDO UTAMA
Authors: Novialdri Ogik , Tarigan Elsya Paskaria Loyda
Published: October 2023

ABSTRAK

 

Dalam perencanaan tata letak warehouse perlu mempertimbangkan beberapa hal, seperti berdasarkan jenis barang dan aliran barang. Aliran barang dibedakan menjadi dua, yaitu fast moving dan slow moving. Dampak yang dihasilkan dari tata letak gudang antara lain mengoptimalkan biaya dan kualitas lingkungan kerja menjadi lebih efisien. PT Katindo Utama adalah perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang  sector industri dalam penjualan material konstruksi. Kondisi tata letak pada saat ini masih belum berdasarkan suatu perancangan tata letak yang efesien dan efektif sehingga menyebab kan akhir – akhir ini perusahaan sering mengalami kerugian terutama pada area warehouse khusus material keramik, permasalahan yang terjadi ini dikarenakan pada peletakan material keramik yang masih acak dan tidak beraturan sehingga meyebabkan material keramik yang bertumpuk tinggi terjatuh dan pecah. Masalah penting dalam peyusunan material adalah bagaimana mengatur fasilitas-fasilitas agar diperoleh tata letak yang efektif sehingga diperoleh efisiensi yang tinggi dalam pengoperasiannya. Oleh sebab itu masalah tata letak fasilitas perlu diperhatikan karena merupakan suatu permasalahan sistem yang komplek. Metode Class Based Storage adalah sebuah kebijakan penyimpanan gudang yang mengategorikan produk kedalam 3 group kelas yaitu group A, group B dan group C berdasarkan hasil klasifikasi ABC.  Teknik penyusunan barang yang digunakan metode class based storage ini adalah menyusun barang group class A di dekat pintu in- out, group class B ditata sesudah kelas A, dan group class C ditempatkan setelah kelas B. Metode ABC merupakan satu metode yang digunakan untuk melakukan pengelompokkan barang ke dalam kelas-kelas tertentu berdasarkan permintaan tahunan dari barang tersebut Hasil perencanaan re-layout membuat penataan barang di warehouse menjadi lebih rapi dan teratur dikarenakan barang yang disimpan dikelompokkan berdasarkan frekuensi pergerakan barang.Sehingga mempermudah melakukan pengambilan dan pengeluaran barang  karena barang yang akan di ambil berada pada lokasi yang terdekat dengan I/O
PENERAPAN SISTEM PAKAR BERBASIS WEB UNTUK DIAGNOSA PENYAKIT PADA MATA
Authors: Elvitasari Khairani , Fajrin Alfannisa Annurrullah
Published: October 2023

Masalah gangguan penglihatan pada manusia disebabkan kurangnya ilmu pengetahuan tentang penyakit pada mata dan sering sekali dianggap remeh mengenai penyakit pada mata, karna itulah diperlukan sebuah sistem pakar yang dapat membantu manusia untuk mengenali penyakit mata yang dimilikinya dan memberikan solusi apa yang harus dilakukan untuk menangani penyakit tersebut.Forward Chaning adalah metode pelacakan dimulai dengan informasi atau fakta dan proses pencocokan aturan berlanjut lanjutkan sampai pada kesimpulan ebuah sistem yang menggunakan kepintaran seorang ahli dapat mendiagnosa dan dapat digunakan untuk melakukan proses konsultasi untuk mengetahui jenis penyakit mata dan memberikan solusi yang sesuai dan metode forward chaining dapat memberikan solusi berdasarkan pada data gejala yang dipilih oleh pengguna dan dapat memberikan feedback hasil atau solusi sesuai dengan faktar yang diberikan. Lebih bagus lagi jika sistem ditambahkan lebih banyak sebuah indikasi masalah dan penyebab masalah supaya bisa lebih akurat dalam mendeteksi penyakit.
PENERAPAN DATA MINING PADA TRANSAKSI PENJUALAN MENGGUNAKAN ALGORITMA APRIORI DI ALFAMART CENTRE PARK
Authors: Zega Martinus , Fauzi Rahmat
Published: October 2023

Along with the development of the economy from year to year, the retail industry is one of several industries that is experiencing quite good development, one of which is PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya Tbk. or commonly known as Alfamart. Marketing activities at Alfamart that focus on buying and selling food and non-food goods with a large enough number of transactions in total daily sales, a company needs analytical tools to provide useful information for the company. Because Alfamart is a large-scale retail company, there are several problems that are often encountered daily, namely determining the layout of goods that are less strategic and easily noticed by customers, not knowing which products are most often purchased simultaneously by consumers and several types of goods in an overstock warehouse. Therefore, research was carried out with the implementation of data mining on sales at Alfamart using the Apriori algorithm and testing using the Rapidminer software to produce the highest association rules. The results of this study are the discovery of 10 association rules with a minimum support of 40% and 70% confidence which are expected to be recommendations for business actors to improve sales strategy.
PERANCANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI PENGELOLAAN PEMASARAN, PEMESANAN DAN PENJUALAN AIR ISI ULANG SYIFAQUA
Authors: Agustira Felia , Elisa Erlin
Published: October 2023

Today's increasingly fierce business competition requires a company to operate with strategies that are relevant to the changing times. This sharp global competition is faced by many companies, this is a sign that the increasingly rapid business growth encourages each company to always provide the best to achieve company goals. Companies must be more competitive in optimizing the management of all company resources, both in financial management, production, marketing, and human resources. This is done to produce something of value and be able to meet consumer needs and desires. The research method was carried out using the waterfall method with the process being carried out as follows. The information system installed at the current Syifaqua Depot that is being built can help increase sellers or orders and transactions online. This system makes it easy for customers to get information about the gallons of water they want to buy whether available or not and the price of the gallons of water. According to the analysis and design of this information system which has been carried out by researchers, there are several tips for this research, namely in further research it is hoped that the system can be further developed, and the website menus can be added or developed to make Android more attractive and effective.
RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM INFORMASI PENGELOLAAN WISATA PULAU RANOH BERBASIS WEBSITE
Authors: Nurjaya Nurjaya , Elisa Erlin
Published: October 2023

The purpose of making the Design and Development of a Website-Based Ranoh Island Tourism Management Information System is to promote and facilitate booking of tour packages on Ranoh Island. Web-based visual information system is a system consisting of text and graphic images. It is these factors that make these tours interesting and make bookings easy. In addition, the Website-Based Ranoh Island Tourism Management Information System is a system that contains complete information for tourists and can be found at any time. This support cannot be separated from the research process design and technology. This study aims to design a Website-Based Ranoh Island Tourism Management Information System as a source of information for viewing and ordering tourist attractions and other facilities on Ranoh Island. The Website-Based Ranoh Island Tourism Management Information System was developed using the PHP programming language and data stored in a database using MySQL to optimize system and database performance. The Google Maps API is one of the features of this information system that can be used to add maps to websites using JavaScript. The result of the design is a web tourism information system which should be a way to promote tourism in the city of Batam, so that through this web design it is hoped that there will be a similar system to create better services. and more complete than existing services.
ANALISIS PENGARUH KESELAMATAN DAN KESEHATAN KERJA TERHADAP PRODUKTIVITAS KERJA PADA PT XYZ
Authors: Marbun Dedek Andri , Arista Anggia
Published: October 2023

According to the relevant standards, the business undertakes workplace precautions for health and safety among its personnel. The aforementioned precautions are implemented to prevent employee incidents, and an approach for managing workplace security has been designed in accordance therewith PP. 50 Year 2012 on SMK3.to determine the percentage of staff members that miss time from work as a result of incidents that happen there, which can have an impact on output. Then the researcher uses the Lost Time Frequency Rate (LTFR) method.The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of work safety on work productivity, occupational health on work productivity and safety and health on work productivity in employees. The research method is quantitative, the research analysis uses the LFTR method and linear regression. The results show the calculation of the lost time ratio of workers who experience work accidents with the highest frequency is in 2018 which occurred a loss of working time of 31300.00 hours per million people working. There is an influence of occupational safety on work productivity in employees.
ANALISIS KELELAHAN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN BAGIAN WELDING DI PT MCDERMOTT BATAM
Authors: Taufik Sulamat , Zetli Sri
Published: October 2023

In Employees who perform welding are often exposed to heat sources, including sunlight and heat from welding machines because some employees perform welding outdoors. Cutting iron, heating, grinding, joining, painting and sanding are steps in the welding process that are performed in a work environment exposed to sunlight. Thus, the question of whether fatigue has an impact on employee performance at PT Mcdermott Batam must be answered. A person's fatigue level can be assessed by several methods, including subjectively using the Industrial Fatigue Research Committee (IFRC) questionnaire. The level of fatigue is assessed using this questionnaire. At PT Mcdermott Batam, employee performance is assessed using a questionnaire which is prepared based on employee performance criteria. The objectives of this study are to determine the level of employee fatigue using the IFRC method, to determine the level of employee performance in the welding section and to determine the level of relationship between fatigue and employee performance. This study uses simple linear regression test. The results showed that there is an influence between job fatigue on employee performance.
PERANCANGAN JIG PROSES DRILLING DI PT. DUO WORK ENGINEERING
Authors: Alqodri M. Rido , Sirait Ganda
Published: October 2023

The rapid development of technology, especially in the industrial sector, has led many companies to conduct research and innovation to enhance production efficiency and product quality. High-quality products reflect a company's efforts to increase production volume and minimize the amount of rejects or waste generated during production. The drilling process at PT. Duo Work Engineering utilizes the Laguna FTV1 milling machine. The purpose of this research is to determine the design of a drilling jig to minimize the rate of defective products. The method used in this research is DFMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly). The data used in this study consists of the total number of defective products during the drilling process. The calculation results based on the defective products without using the jig showed 26 pieces with a success rate of 83.3%. After implementing the designed jig, the success rate increased to 96.6%, indicating a reduction in defective product rate by 13.3%.
PERANCANGAN MESIN PICK TO LIGHT PADA STATION PACKING DI PT. XYZ
Authors: Tambunan Yopi Partomuan , Sirait Ganda
Published: October 2023

At the packing station, the automation system that can be used is the pick to light system. Pick to light is a paperless picking system designed to simplify the order fulfillment and picking process, or the packing process. Pick to light offers an innovative and efficient solution, thus improving efficiency, productivity, and picking accuracy, while saving costs. The research method uses a way by identifying problems, determining the formulation of problems, knowing the objectives of the research, supported by a theoretical basis, then collecting data by interview and observation, then designing the machine with the NIDA method. The result of this research is the creation of a machine that can reduce the Missing Process in the product packaging process, with the NIDA method as a guide, then complaints are found from operators who work in the product packaging process, then researchers develop these complaints to get needs. Based on the research that has been carried out by researchers on the product packaging process, it can be concluded that the machine that has been designed, namely the pick to light machine, can reduce the missing process. not only reduce, this machine also turns out to be able to prevent missing processes.
Application of Image Processing in Different Machining Processes: A Short and Technical Review
Authors: Uslu Gonca , Özdemir Mehmet Tayyip , Demirsöz Recep , Günay Mustafa , Korkmaz Mehmet Erdi
Published: October 2023

This article discusses the use of digital image processing in a variety of machining processes and the benefits that it brings to the industry. In this article, we will also cover the benefits and drawbacks of using digital image processing techniques instead of the various different sensors that are utilized in machining in order to increase product quality. This article provides a concise introduction to several image processing methods that are utilized in the machining process. This paper contains a discussion of a comprehensive analysis of the applications of image processing that have been used in machining during the past ten years. In addition, an illustration of one approach to image texture analysis that may be applied for cutting tool condition identification through the examination of photographs of machined surfaces is shown. A general conclusion that can be drawn from this and leads to the necessary further research in this area has also been discussed.
Application of Arc Thermal Spray Process in Corrosion Protection of Steels and Electromagnetic Pulse Shielding
Authors: Singh Jitendra Kumar
Published: October 2023

In the present work, an overview has been discussed on the application of arc thermal spray technology. This process used in erosion, corrosion and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) shielding. The Al coating exhibits excellent corrosion properties in simulated weathering i.e., Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J2334 as well as 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at long run of application. However, weathering condition possesses Cl- and CO3-- ions, which simultaneously influence in the deterioration of Al coating. Once the Zn is alloyed with Al in coating, it enhances the corrosion attributed to the formation of severe defects and galvanic coupling between Al and Zn. The stainless steel and Ti coatings have been used on the concrete surface to reduce the corrosion of waste water reservoir where Ti is exhibited more corrosion resistance due to dense and uniform morphology as well as on the surface of Ti coating during exposure in acidic solution, it forms rutile and anatase, which further provide corrosion protection. Moreover, the Zn has beneficial properties in regards of EMP shielding rather than iron and Cu plate. Zn with copper has excellent EMP shielding compared to pure Cu. As the thickness is increased, the EMP shielding properties are increased. From this review article, it is suggested to reduce the porosity of arc thermal sprayed coating using some chemical post treatment.
Performance Assessment of Different Cooling Conditions in the Machining of Inconel 718 Alloy
Authors: Sivalingam Vinothkumar , Zhou Qian
Published: October 2023

Manufacturing sectors strive towards low-toxic, environmentally friendly machining to combat climate change. Due to its low heat conductivity, machining Inconel 718 alloy is a difficult process nowadays. The purpose of this research is to investigate the turning of Inconel 718 alloy under PVD TiAlN inserts, in two distinct environments: Dry and Atomized spray cutting fluid (ASCF). The effect of various machining performances such as Surface roughness (Ra) and Tool life (TL) analysis of Inconel 718 alloy on ecologically friendly machining were investigated. According to the results of the study, the surface roughness of the ASCF machining improved significantly, which was around 40%, when compared to its dry machining. The use of the ASCF significantly decreased the notch and abrasion wear of the tool. This was due to its various features, such as its ability to provide effective lubrication and reduce the cutting temperature.
Graphene: A State-of-the-Art Review of Types, Properties and Applications in Different Sectors
Authors: Etri Hamza
Published: October 2023

Being one of the most lightweight, toughest, and most flexible materials in the world, having exceptional mechanical, electrical, thermal, and tribological properties, makes graphene and its several based materials crucial applicants for biomedical, medical, aerospace, automotive, electrical, energy, sensing, food, and other industrial sectors. Graphene is classified as a carbon allotrope, with one-thick-atom planar 〖sp〗^2 layers of attached carbon atoms tightly loaded within a crystal honeycomb lattice. Various techniques to produce graphene were established over a brief period of time, including top-down and bottom-up methods. Graphene itself can be used as a coating to improve other materials; likewise, it could be added to further composite materials. This review recaps the applications of graphene, its types, synthesis methods, and mechanical, tribological, and thermal characteristics, in addition to enhancement methods for graphene and its based materials.
2D Discrete Wavelet Transformation (2D-DWT) for Nanoscale Morphological Analysis
Authors: Bhatt Kanishk , Kumar Tushar , Hassan Suriaya , Kimothi Sanjeev
Published: October 2023

Digital image processing nowadays is widely used in various applications in micro to macro scale such as Nano-structure for medical, defense, natural resource management, security purposes. This article reviewed the 2-Dimensional Discrete Wavelet Transformation (2D-DWT) for morphological analysis of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image of Ni-P-CNF nanocomposite plated on mild steel substrate (grade AISI1040) for analyzing the multi-level decomposition, denoising and compression test. It was concluded that the 2D-DWT method is more efficient and precise as compared to the conventional methods like Power Spectral Density (PSD) and histogram equivalence. These methods are limited by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, whereas, the wavelet theorem provides a multi-resolution analysis. The wavelet function can capture localized characteristics and transients in the data since it is often localized in both time and frequency. These features make wavelets ideal for storing transient and steady-state components of a signal or image, allowing them to simultaneously offer excellent time and frequency localization. SEM images usually contain huge information which can lead to computational complexities. 2D-DWT is a very effective tool to de-noise the image. In order to test its efficiency, we have intentionally added some noise in the image and de-noise it. Also, we have compressed the image at different at different levels. This study provides the utility of the 2D-DWT for image processing as well as compared with other approaches for image decomposition, denoising and image compression.
Unique allergen-specific human IgE monoclonal antibodies derived from patients with allergic disease
Authors: Smith Bryan R. E. , Reid Black Kristina , Bermingham Max , Agah Sayeh , Glesner Jill , Versteeg Serge A. , van Ree Ronald , Pena-Amelunxen Glorismer , Aglas Lorenz , Smith Scott A. , Pomés Anna , Chapman Martin D.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Allergic reactions are mediated by human IgE antibodies that bind to and cross-link allergen molecules. The sites on allergens that are recognized by IgE antibodies have been difficult to investigate because of the paucity of IgE antibodies in a human serum. Here, we report the production of unique human IgE monoclonal antibodies to major inhaled allergens and food allergens that can be produced at scale in perpetuity.

Materials and methods

The IgE antibodies were derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of symptomatic allergic patients, mostly children aged 3–18 years, using hybridoma fusion technology. Total IgE and allergen-specific IgE was measured by ImmunoCAP. Their specificity was confirmed through ELISA and immunoblotting. Allergenic potency measurements were determined by ImmunoCAP inhibition. Biological activity was determined in vitro by comparing β-hexosaminidase release from a humanized rat basophilic cell line.

Results

Human IgE monoclonal antibodies (n = 33) were derived from 17 allergic patients with symptoms of allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, or red meat allergy. The antibodies were specific for five inhaled allergens, nine food allergens, and alpha-gal and had high levels of IgE (53,450–1,702,500 kU/L) with ratios of specific IgE to total IgE ranging from <0.01 to 1.39. Sigmoidal allergen binding curves were obtained through ELISA, with low limits of detection (<1 kU/L). Allergen specificity was confirmed through immunoblotting. Pairs of IgE monoclonal antibodies to Ara h 6 were identified that cross-linked after allergen stimulation and induced release of significant levels of β-hexosaminidase (35%–80%) from a humanized rat basophilic cell line.

Conclusions

Human IgE monoclonal antibodies are unique antibody molecules with potential applications in allergy diagnosis, allergen standardization, and identification of allergenic epitopes for the development of allergy therapeutics. The IgE antibody probes will enable the unequivocal localization and validation of allergenic epitopes.
Sputum induction and its diagnostic applications in inflammatory airway disorders: a review
Authors: Goncalves Beatriz , Eze Ukpai A.
Published: October 2023

Sputum induction is a technique that covers the induction and the subsequent processing of the expectorate primarily for the analysis of cells and different inflammatory biomarkers present in the airways to further understand the pathophysiology of different inflammatory respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as the diagnosis of lung diseases such as lung cancer, tuberculosis, and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. It is a non-invasive, safe, cost-effective, and reliable technique reported to exhibit a high success rate. However, due to being technically demanding and time-consuming and having the need of employing trained staff, this technique is only used in restricted research centres and in limited centres of clinical use. When the sputum is collected after induction, the primary goal is to obtain a differential cell count and evaluate the molecular biomarkers of airway inflammation such as eosinophil cationic protein, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin, major basic protein, tryptase, cytokine production [e.g., interleukin (IL)-5], albumin, and fibrinogen. In addition, cytospins from the processed sputum are used for immunocytochemical staining of cellular products such as EG-2 reactive protein, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, tumour necrosis factor alpha, and IL-8 that play significant roles in understanding the pathophysiology of inflammatory airway diseases. Nowadays, this technique can be further used by performing an additional analysis such as flow cytometry and in situ hybridisation on the sputum supernatant to investigate more the immune response and pathophysiological process of such various respiratory diseases. In addition, the application of sputum fluid phase to assess the biomarkers could be used more routinely in pathological laboratories for diagnosing lung cancer, COPD, and asthma as well as for monitoring lung cancer progression and asthma and COPD treatment, allowing for early detection and a better treatment provided by the clinicians.
Transcription and chromatin regulation by TAF4b during cellular quiescence of developing prospermatogonia
Authors: Gura Megan A. , Bartholomew Myles A. , Abt Kimberly M. , Relovská Soňa , Seymour Kimberly A. , Freiman Richard N.
Published: October 2023

Prospermatogonia (ProSpg) link the embryonic development of male primordial germ cells to the healthy establishment of postnatal spermatogonia and spermatogonial stem cells. While these spermatogenic precursor cells undergo the characteristic transitions of cycling and quiescence, the transcriptional events underlying these developmental hallmarks remain unknown. Here, we investigated the expression and function of TBP-associated factor 4b (Taf4b) in the timely development of quiescent mouse ProSpg using an integration of gene expression profiling and chromatin mapping. We find that Taf4b mRNA expression is elevated during the transition of mitotic-to-quiescent ProSpg and Taf4b-deficient ProSpg are delayed in their entry into quiescence. Gene ontology, protein network analysis, and chromatin mapping demonstrate that TAF4b is a direct and indirect regulator of chromatin and cell cycle-related gene expression programs during ProSpg quiescence. Further validation of these cell cycle mRNA changes due to the loss of TAF4b was accomplished via immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Together, these data indicate that TAF4b is a key transcriptional regulator of the chromatin and quiescent state of the developing mammalian spermatogenic precursor lineage.
Semi-automation of keratopathy visual acuity grading of corneal events in belantamab mafodotin clinical trials: clinical decision support software
Authors: Talekar Mala K. , Painter Jeffery L. , Elizalde Mica A. , Thomas Michele , Stein Heather K.
Published: October 2023

Background

Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) has demonstrated clinically meaningful antimyeloma activity in patients with heavily pretreated multiple myeloma. However, it is highly active against dividing cells, contributing to off-target adverse events, particularly ocular toxicity. Changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and corneal examination findings are routinely monitored to determine Keratopathy Visual Acuity (KVA) grade to inform belamaf dose modification.

Objective

We aimed to develop a semiautomated mobile app to facilitate the grading of ocular events in clinical trials involving belamaf.

Methods

The paper process was semiautomated by creating a library of finite-state automaton (FSA) models to represent all permutations of KVA grade changes from baseline BCVA readings. The transition states in the FSA models operated independently of eye measurement units (e.g., Snellen, logMAR, decimal) and provided a uniform approach to determining KVA grade changes. Together with the FSA, the complex decision tree for determining the grade change based on corneal examination findings was converted into logical statements for accurate and efficient overall KVA grade computation. First, a web-based user interface, conforming to clinical practice settings, was developed to simplify the input of key KVA grading criteria. Subsequently, a mobile app was developed that included additional guided steps to assist in clinical decision-making.

Results

The app underwent a robust Good Clinical Practice validation process. Outcomes were reviewed by key stakeholders, our belamaf medical lead, and the systems integration team. The time to compute a patient's overall KVA grade using the Belamaf Eye Exam (BEE) app was reduced from a 20- to 30-min process to <1–2 min. The BEE app was well received, with most investigators surveyed selecting “satisfied” or “highly satisfied” for its accuracy and time efficiency.

Conclusions

Our semiautomated approach provides for an accurate, simplified method of assessment of patients’ corneal status that reduces errors and quickly delivers information critical for potential belamaf dose modifications. The app is currently available on the Apple iOS and Android platforms for use by investigators of the DREAMM clinical trials, and its use could easily be extended to the clinic to support healthcare providers who need to make informed belamaf treatment decisions.
Construction of obsidian during explosive-effusive eruptions: insights from microlite crystals in obsidian pyroclasts
Authors: Aubin Wade L. , Gardner James E. , Watkins James M. , Lloyd Madeline H.
Published: October 2023

Obsidian pyroclasts are common in deposits from silicic sub-Plinian eruptions and can record pre- and syn-eruptive processes in the volcanic conduit. Previous work focusing on dissolved volatiles and vesicle textures has been useful in extracting timescales of sintering, diffusion, and vesicle relaxation recorded by obsidian pyroclasts. Here we focus on microlite crystals (<100 µm in size) to augment previous work because they form at different rates than vesicles or than rates of volatile degassing. Hence, they have the potential to disclose additional information about processes occurring in an explosive conduit. We examine microlites in 72 samples from tephra deposits of the 1340 C.E. North Mono eruption, California, U.S.A., and complement these measurements with hydrothermal experiments at 800°C, 10–50 MPa, and durations from 1 to 7 h. Three observations of the natural obsidians further elucidate their formation. First, microlite number densities (MND) increased as the eruption progressed. Second, multiple microlite morphologies occur for feldspars (blocky, swallowtail, tabular, cluster, skeletal) and pyroxenes (individual rods or clusters of acicular crystals) in each obsidian, regardless of any other characteristic. Third, microlite orientations correlate with the dominant morphology of vesicles, being generally well aligned in samples with ellipsoid vesicles, generally poorly aligned in samples with spherical vesicles, and either unaligned or aligned into planes in samples with distorted vesicles. In hydrothermal experiments, MND increase with time, microlites display only one morphology, and microlites are randomly oriented at any given pressure or temperature. When compared to natural obsidians, our experiments suggest most of the microlites could have grown in ≤∼7 h. The variety of microlite morphologies and orientations argue for repeated in-conduit fragmentation and sintering, consistent with the idea that each individual obsidian pyroclast is the product of ash sintering at multiple depths in the conduit prior to finally being erupted. During most of the eruption, obsidian pyroclasts were extracted from many depths in the conduit, preserving an array of volatile contents and microlite textures. Near the end of the explosive phase, however, higher MND record longer periods of stalling while dissolved volatile contents record vapor-melt equilibration at shallow depths in the conduit.
Ingestion of car tire crumb rubber and uptake of associated chemicals by lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus)
Authors: Hägg Fanny , Herzke Dorte , Nikiforov Vladimir A. , Booth Andy M. , Sperre Kristine Hopland , Sørensen Lisbet , Creese Mari Egeness , Halsband Claudia
Published: October 2023

Car tire rubber constitutes one of the largest fractions of microplastics emissions to the environment. The two main emission sources are tire wear particles (TWPs) formed through abrasion during driving and runoff of crumb rubber (CR) granulate produced from end-of-life tires that is used as infill on artificial sports fields. Both tire wear particles and crumb rubber contain a complex mixture of metal and organic chemical additives, and exposure to both the particulate forms and their leachates can cause adverse effects in aquatic species. An understanding of the exposure pathways and mechanisms of toxicity are, however, scarce. While the most abundant metals and organic chemicals in car tire rubber have multiple other applications, para-phenylenediamines (PDs) are primarily used as rubber antioxidants and were recently shown to cause negative effects in aquatic organisms. The present study investigated the responses of the marine lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) to crumb rubber exposure in a controlled feeding experiment. Juvenile fish were offered crumb rubber particles with their feed for 1 week, followed by 2 weeks of depuration. Crumb rubber particle ingestion occurred in >75% of exposed individuals, with a maximum of 84 particles observed in one specimen. Gastrointestinal tract retention times varied, with some organisms having no crumb rubber particles and others still containing up to 33 crumb rubber particles at the end of the experiment. Blood samples were analyzed for metals and organic chemicals, with ICP-MS analysis revealing there was no uptake of metals by the exposed fish. Interestingly, high resolution GC-MS analysis indicated that uptake of PDs into lumpfish blood was proportionate to the number of ingested CR particles. Three of the PDs found in blood were the same as those identified in the additive mixture Vulkanox3100. N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) was the most concentrated PD in both the crumb rubber and lumpfish blood. The transformation product 6PPD-quinone was detected in the rubber material, but not in the blood. This study demonstrates that PDs are specific and bioavailable chemicals in car tire rubber that have the potential to serve as biomarkers of recent exposure to tire chemicals, where simple blood samples could be used to assess recent tire chemical exposure in vertebrates, including humans.
A maximum entropy approach to defining geographic bounds on growth and yield model usage
Authors: Peay W. Spencer , Bullock Bronson P. , Montes Cristian R.
Published: October 2023

Growth and yield models are essential tools in modern forestry, especially for intensively managed loblolly pine plantations in the southeastern United States. While model developers often have a good idea of where these models should be used with respect to geographic location, determining geographic bounds for model usage can be daunting. Such bounds provide suitable areas where model predictions are likely to behave as expected or identify areas where models may do a poor job of characterizing the growth of a resource. In this research, we adapted a niche model methodology, commonly used to identify suitable spots for species occurrence (maximum entropy), to identify areas for using growth and yield models built from plots established in the Lower Coastal Plain and Piedmont/Upper Coastal Plain in the southeastern United States. The results from this analysis identify areas with similar climatic envelopes and soil properties to the areas where data was collected to fit these growth and yield models. These areas show notable overlap with the areas prescribed for use by the evaluated growth and yield models and support practitioners use of these models throughout these regions. Furthermore, this methodology can be applied to different forest models built using large regional extents as long as climatic and soil values are available for each site.
Integration of multiple-omics data to reveal the shared genetic architecture of educational attainment, intelligence, cognitive performance, and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Fuxu , Wang Haoyan , Yuan Ye , Han Bing , Qiu Shizheng , Hu Yang , Zang Tianyi
Published: October 2023

Growing evidence suggests the effect of educational attainment (EA) on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but less is known about the shared genetic architecture between them. Here, leveraging genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for AD (N = 21,982/41,944), EA (N = 1,131,881), cognitive performance (N = 257,828), and intelligence (N = 78,308), we investigated their causal association with the linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) and Mendelian randomization and their shared loci with the conjunctional false discovery rate (conjFDR), transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS), and colocalization. We observed significant genetic correlations of EA (rg = −0.22, p = 5.07E-05), cognitive performance (rg = −0.27, p = 2.44E-05), and intelligence (rg = −0.30, p = 3.00E-04) with AD, and a causal relationship between EA and AD (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.58–0.94, p = 0.013). We identified 13 shared loci at conjFDR <0.01, of which five were novel, and prioritized three causal genes. These findings inform early prevention strategies for AD.
ROS generating BODIPY loaded nanoparticles for photodynamic eradication of biofilms
Authors: Kromer Charlotte , Schwibbert Karin , Radunz Sebastian , Thiele Dorothea , Laux Peter , Luch Andreas , Tschiche Harald R.
Published: October 2023

Bacterial biofilms can pose a serious health risk to humans and are less susceptible to antibiotics and disinfection than planktonic bacteria. Here, a novel method for biofilm eradication based on antimicrobial photodynamic therapy utilizing a nanoparticle in conjunction with a BODIPY derivative as photosensitizer was developed. Reactive oxygen species are generated upon illumination with visible light and lead to a strong, controllable and persistent eradication of both planktonic bacteria and biofilms. One of the biggest challenges in biofilm eradication is the penetration of the antimicrobial agent into the biofilm and its matrix. A biocompatible hydrophilic nanoparticle was utilized as a delivery system for the hydrophobic BODIPY dye and enabled its accumulation within the biofilm. This key feature of delivering the antimicrobial agent to the site of action where it is activated resulted in effective eradication of all tested biofilms. Here, 3 bacterial species that commonly form clinically relevant pathogenic biofilms were selected: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. The development of this antimicrobial photodynamic therapy tool for biofilm eradication takes a promising step towards new methods for the much needed treatment of pathogenic biofilms.
Genome sequencing and analysis of Bacillus velezensis VJH504 reveal biocontrol mechanism against cucumber Fusarium wilt
Authors: Yang Fan , Jiang Huayan , Ma Kai , Wang Xin , Liang Shen , Cai Yuxin , Jing Yancai , Tian Baoming , Shi Xuanjie
Published: October 2023

One major issue in reducing cucumber yield is the destructive disease Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (Foc). When using the isolate VJH504 isolated from cucumber rhizosphere soil and identified as Bacillus velezensis, the growth of Foc in the double culture experiment was effectively inhibited. Phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genomic analyses were conducted to enhance understanding of its biocontrol mechanism. According to the result of the phenotype analysis, B. velezensis VJH504 could inhibit cucumber fusarium wilt disease both in vitro and in vivo, and significantly promote cucumber seed germination and seedling growth. Additionally, the tests of growth-promoting and biocontrol characteristics revealed the secretion of proteases, amylases, β-1,3-glucanases, cellulases, as well as siderophores and indole-3-acetic acid by B. velezensis VJH504. Using the PacBio Sequel II system, we applied the complete genome sequencing for B. velezensis VJH504 and obtained a single circular chromosome with a size of 3.79 Mb. A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences of B. velezensis VJH504 and 13 other Bacillus species, and Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) analysis was performed using their whole-genome sequences, confirming isolateVJH504 as B. velezensis. Following this, based on the complete genome sequence od B. velezensis VJH504, specific functional analysis, Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZymes) analysis, and secondary metabolite analysis were carried out, predicting organism’s abilities for biofilm formation, production of antifungal CAZymes, and synthesis of antagonistic secondary metabolites against pathogens. Afterwards, a comparative genomic analysis was performed between B. velezensis VJH504 and three other B. velezensis strains, revealing subtle differences in their genomic sequences and suggesting the potential for the discovery of novel antimicrobial substances in B. velezensis VJH504. In conclusion, the mechanism of B. velezensis VJH504 in controlling cucumber fusarium wilt was predicted to appear that B. velezensis VJH504is a promising biocontrol agent, showcasing excellent application potential in agricultural production.
Unlocking the potential of Tregs: innovations in CAR technology
Authors: Requejo Cier Christopher J. , Valentini Nicolas , Lamarche Caroline
Published: October 2023

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) adoptive immunotherapy is emerging as a viable treatment option for both autoimmune and alloimmune diseases. However, numerous challenges remain, including limitations related to cell number, availability of target-specific cells, stability, purity, homing ability, and safety concerns. To address these challenges, cell engineering strategies have emerged as promising solutions. Indeed, it has become feasible to increase Treg numbers or enhance their stability through Foxp3 overexpression, post-translational modifications, or demethylation of the Treg-specific demethylated region (TSDR). Specificity can be engineered by the addition of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), with new techniques designed to fine-tune specificity (tandem chimeric antigen receptors, universal chimeric antigen receptors, synNotch chimeric antigen receptors). The introduction of B-cell targeting antibody receptor (BAR) Tregs has paved the way for effective regulation of B cells and plasma cells. In addition, other constructs have emerged to enhance Tregs activation and function, such as optimized chimeric antigen receptors constructs and the use of armour proteins. Chimeric antigen receptor expression can also be better regulated to limit tonic signaling. Furthermore, various opportunities exist for enhancing the homing capabilities of CAR-Tregs to improve therapy outcomes. Many of these genetic modifications have already been explored for conventional CAR-T therapy but need to be further considered for CAR-Tregs therapies. This review highlights innovative CAR-engineering strategies that have the potential to precisely and efficiently manage immune responses in autoimmune diseases and improve transplant outcomes. As these strategies are further explored and optimized, CAR-Treg therapies may emerge as powerful tools for immune intervention.
Simulating human walking: a model-based reinforcement learning approach with musculoskeletal modeling
Authors: Su Binbin , Gutierrez-Farewik Elena M.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Recent advancements in reinforcement learning algorithms have accelerated the development of control models with high-dimensional inputs and outputs that can reproduce human movement. However, the produced motion tends to be less human-like if algorithms do not involve a biomechanical human model that accounts for skeletal and muscle-tendon properties and geometry. In this study, we have integrated a reinforcement learning algorithm and a musculoskeletal model including trunk, pelvis, and leg segments to develop control modes that drive the model to walk.

Methods

We simulated human walking first without imposing target walking speed, in which the model was allowed to settle on a stable walking speed itself, which was 1.45 m/s. A range of other speeds were imposed for the simulation based on the previous self-developed walking speed. All simulations were generated by solving the Markov decision process problem with covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy, without any reference motion data.

Results

Simulated hip and knee kinematics agreed well with those in experimental observations, but ankle kinematics were less well-predicted.

Discussion

We finally demonstrated that our reinforcement learning framework also has the potential to model and predict pathological gait that can result from muscle weakness.