bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Assessment and Mapping of Carbon Footprints to Campus Activities in Hasanuddin University Faculty of Engineering
Authors: Zakaria R , Aly S H , Hustim M , Oja A D M
Published: July 2020

The Hasanuddin University Faculty of Engineering in Gowa is the largest engineering campus in South Sulawesi. The lecture activities are very complex which are not only teaching and learning but also households and offices activities. Therefore, it is important to know the mapping of existing carbon footprint on the campus due to the complexity of the campus activities. The purpose of this study is to determine the level and mapping of the carbon footprint on campus. The method used is to halve emissions into primary and secondary carbon footprint emissions. The results of this study indicate that the greatest emissions is generated from the secondary carbon emissions which is electricity consumption amounting to 1,315,429.63 KgCO2/Year, and the lowest emissions is resulted from the use of paper at 49.39 kgCO2/Year. For the buildings the highest CO2 emissions is generated from the Architecture Department building at 289,176.26 KgCO2/year and the lowest CO2 emissions is generated from the Naval B Department building at 20,599.20 KgCO2/year. The mitigation scenario in reducing CO2 emissions effectively is by implementing Earth Hour for 1 hour every month which can reduce electricity consumption by 582,541.78kWh/Year and CO2 emissions at 164,428.70 KgCO2/year. The effective scenario to decrease waste is by implementing 3R with 2% waste reduction which is 167,332.79 Kg/Year and emissions CO2 are 4,772.41 KgCO2/Year.
Partial Discharge Analysis on Crossed-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) Cable 150 KV
Authors: Salama M , Ikhlas K , Wahyu S M
Published: July 2020

Partial discharge is the flashover of sparks that occur in an insulating part. as a result of the high potential difference in the insulation. Partial discharge can occur in solid insulation materials. It is play an important role in the electrical power system to separate two or more conductor of electric voltage. So, between these conductors do not occur flashover. The material was chose as the insulation material for high voltage equipment is polymer material, it is because in addition to having a high breakdown voltage. Polyethylene is one of the materials included in the polymer group, generally better known as plastic because the material is thermoplastic. There are several methodologies before conduct this research, that includes literature studies. Literature Studies is a research method by finding material from various libraries on topics that will be discussed in this research. Do Partial Discharge testing. And then, record the data obtained. From the experiments that have been done, the results show that a good Partial Discharge value is below 10 pC, if the cable has more than doubled from the normal value, the cable have been damaged or have been consumed by the age of the cable.
Interactive Learning Media Based on Android for Computer Programming Course
Authors: Achmad A D , Achmad A , Putra Z M
Published: July 2020

Computer Programming is one of the basic compulsory subjects for the electrical engineering field. This subject needs continuous practice so that it can be mastered well. This study aims to develop an interactive learning media based on Android so that students can practice anywhere. The interactive learning media for computer programming course takes in explanation of operator c++, input-output statement, program structure, data type, condition, repetition, string, and array, complemented with evaluation facility using the cosine similarity method so that the automated essay scoring feature is available. Interactive features provided in this learning media are the auto complete syntax and function in the code editor. For the evaluation used the black box testing method to test the functionally of the android application and the distribution of questionnaire to determine the response of students. The responses of student have proven that the level of practically of this interactive learning media is 87.5%.
Smart City Application: Community Survey System of Urban Comfort Level
Authors: Warni E , Zainuddin Z , Amperiento M F
Published: July 2020

Based on the projected increase in urban population in Indonesia released by the Ministry of PUPR and Bappenas in 2017 that there was a significant increase in urbanization, which is estimated that in 2015-2035 the population in urban areas will exceed the population in rural areas (66.6% of the population urban and 33.4% rural population). Increasing the number of the urban population needs to get proper handling from the government. If not, it will trigger the emergence of various urban problems ranging from the physical city to the problems that will have an impact on the reduced level of comfort in life in the region. Based on this, it is necessary for the participation of city dwellers in playing the role of planners, actors, and supervisors of city development. This research work develops a framework which uses fuzzy Inference System to calculate urban comfort level, starting from a questionnaire-based survey. There are seven input variables used to produce an output of urban comfort level. Based on the stages of using the Mamdani Model Fuzzy Inference Logic System starting from the formation of the fuzzy set, the application of the impulse function, the composition of the rules to the process of affirmation (defuzzification), it can be proven that there is a correlation between the input variables so that it can determine the output of urban comfort level results. The outcomes help the city government in making public policy on city development.
Control Design of Automatic Voltage Regulator to Improve the Voltage Stability at Sengkang Power Plant, South Sulawesi Indonesia
Authors: Gunadin I C , Muslimin Z , Ilyas A M , Siswanto A
Published: July 2020

The change in voltage at the generator terminal is highly correlated with the change in reactive power at the center load. There are several reactive power sources in the power system including those from field amplifiers that are controlled by equipment called Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR). Changes in reactive power in the system will change the voltage profile including the voltage at the generator terminal. To maintain the voltage level on the generator terminal, the AVR must be adjusted properly. Determination of the value of the amplifier gain on the AVR largely determines the performance of the AVR in stabilizing the voltage. Wind Turbine penetration greatly affects the system voltage. This research is to see the impact of voltage changes due to wind turbine penetration in sulseltrabar interconnection systems. Determination of AVR gain is generated from the Routh-Hurwitz equation. Furthermore, in this study PID control will be applied to increase the AVR output response. Determination of the correct Kp, Ki and Kd constants is obtained with the help of a MATLAB simulation model. The simulation shows that using a PID controller, the overshoot and settling times obtained are better. The maximum exceeded voltage is 1 per unit and the settling time is 10.15 seconds.
Design and Implementation of REST API for Academic Information System
Authors: Prayogi A A , Niswar M , Indrabayu  , Rijal M
Published: July 2020

With the increased number of information systems used in an organization, there is also an increased importance of data exchange between these systems. This research deals with prototype development and performance analysis of Rest API for academic information system. Rest API was developed using two different server technologies, NodeJS and PHP. The prototype was developed on top of a database server using one sample table that represents employee in a higher education institution. For each of the Rest API developed, there were 2 types of endpoint created. Experiment was set with one database containing a single table and utilized Apache Jmeter to simulate up to 1000 concurrent requests. The results of the experiment show NodeJS implementation of REST API consistently has better performance compared to PHP based REST API implementation. NodeJS implementation reached 100% throughput for up to 1000 concurrent requests, while PHP reached 48.70% throughput when serving the same number of concurrent requests.
Stability Analysis and Fault Changes on Wind Turbine Effect in Multi Machine Power System
Authors: Ashad B A , Siswanto A , Gunadin I C , Yusran
Published: July 2020

This study presents stability analysis using a new approach to model the disturbances that occur in multi-machine systems connected with wind turbines. Consideration of stability and operability of conventional electric power systems planning and developing facing problems with the integration of installations in wind power plants (WPP) is needed because the current system is connected with renewable energy. This study highlighting the effects of WPP connected to a multi-engine 9 bus system from the effect of changes in disturbances occurring on several buses when operating. Disruption in multi-machine systems connected with wind turbines can affect system stability. The noise changes from bus to bus in the voltage drop effect on the system bus. The effect of wind turbine when a fault has a small moment of inertia can make the system unstable on the bus. The results of simulations carried out using ETAP to observe system stability have been carried out. The simulation results show that a system disruption that occurs in a multi engine system connected to the wind turbine does not result in a decrease in the bus near the fault then the stability decreases.
Sensitivity Analysis of Net Present Value due to Optimal Pit Limit in PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama, Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province
Authors: Anas A V , Amalia R , Qaidahiyani N F , Djamaluddin  , Herin S R D
Published: July 2020

PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama is planning to open a new mining site in Lapaopao Block area. In order to determine the most profitable pit design on this new area, pit limit optimization is required. Pit limit is optimized by considering economic parameters, geotechnical parameters, and production target. The optimal pit limit generates the highest Net Present Value (NPV) which is affected by economic parameters. The objective of this research is to analyse the NPV sensitivity of pit due to the changes of economic parameters namely mining cost, processing cost, and selling cost by using sensitivity analysis. Data used in this research were drill hole, ore and waste density, slope geometry, production target. The planned production target, ore price, recovery factor, dilution factor, mining cost, processing cost, and selling cost. The analysis results showed when mining costs increased by 20%, NPV decreased from $2,407,032 to $1,683,430 and when mining costs decreased by 20%, NPV increased from $2,407,032 to $3,130,635. When processing cost increased by 20%, NPV decreased from $2,407,032 to $2,133,523 and when processing cost decreased by 20%, NPV increased from $2,407,032 to $2,680,542. When selling cost increased by 20%, NPV decreased from $2,407,032 to $1,995,755 and when selling cost decreased by 20%, NPV increased from $2,407,032 to $2,818,310. It indicated that the economic parameters significantly affect the NPV and most sensitive to the mining cost parameter changes.
Identification of Landslide Disaster Potential based on Weathering Grade of Rock in Parepare City South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Busthan  , Safruddim  , Pachri H
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this research is to identify the potential of landslide disaster based on weathering grade of rocks from selected areas. There are three aspects of field observation method used in this research, consist of slope geometry, lithology, and weathering grade of rocks aspects. The result shows that the rocks on research area have been slightly to completely weathered, some areas have became residual soil and slope angles of the research area varieties from steep to very steep. With those condition of weathering and slope angle, the research area will be slightly to very susceptible to landslide. The landslide models or types that will occur are debris slide and debris fall.
Characteristic of Variable Compression Ratio Diesel Engine Operating on Diesel and Biodiesel B20
Authors: Amaliyah N , Mire B , Putra A E E , Syam M , Zakariah H
Published: July 2020

The limitation of natural resources especially crude oil employed in automotive engine has made an attention to switch over to biodiesel. Biodiesel is known as carbon neutral and produce no carbon dioxide leads to decrease of pollution and potentially improve the engine performance. In this study, an experimental investigation on variable compression ratio diesel engine is observed based on the engine performance using the VCR Engine test setup 1 cylinder, 4 strokes with EGR (computerized). The effect of compression ratio change on the torque, specific fuel consumption (SFC), indicated power, and brake thermal efficiency has been studied using mineral diesel and biodiesel B20. When increasing the compression ratio from 13 to 18, it was found that torque was significantly increased when using biodiesel B20. As the torque increase resulted in higher indicated power. The decreasing of SFC were about 44% and 11% for mineral diesel and biodiesel B20 respectively. Specific fuel consumption was optimum at 0.21 g/kW.h at a compression ratio of 16 using mineral diesel.
Energy Absorption Analysis of aluminum Filled Foam Tube Under Axial Load using Finite Element Method with Cross Section Variations.
Authors: Renreng I , Djamaluddin F , Furqani F
Published: July 2020

This study aims to determine the effect of the use of aluminum-filled foam tubes on crash boxes and the effect of cross-sectional variations in the use of aluminum-filled foam tubes on crash boxes. There are several parameters to determine crashworthiness performances such as energy absorption and deformation. Test specimens used are single walled (SW), single walled foam filled (SWFF), and double walled foam filled (DWFF), where DWFF is varied into 4 different wall thicknesses. All models have validated with experiment data from relevant reference and it evident that there are good agreement between simulation and experiment results. Tubes are impacted by rigid wall as impactor with velocity 0.4 m/s. From the simulation results, it was concluded that the aluminum crushbox construction added with aluminum foam is able to absorb more energy, where the recommended thickness is neither too thin nor too thick. Tube of DWFF 3 has energy absorption of 11.911 Joule, however the highest of deformation value is 178.66 mm for SWFF.
Potential of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder in Traditional Salt Farmers
Authors: Bakri I , Mudiatuti R D , Mulyadi  , Darmawan A , Akmal
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to identify work postures and determine the risk of health problems due to the body postures of traditional salt farmers. The sample used in this study was 37 traditional salt farmers from Pundata Baji, Pangkep Regency - Indonesia. The analysis techniques used were the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) methods. The results show that based on the RULA score, there were two work postures that require investigation and change as soon as possible (urgently) (Level 4). As for the REBA score, there was one posture that is included in the very high-risk category, which needs improvement right now. Subjective complaints data show that the most complaints from traditional salt farmers occur in the back area with a percentage of 72.97%. This is caused by the fact that most work postures are carried out in a bent position for a long time.
Hardness Improvement of Aluminum Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes through Forging and Friction Surfacing Process
Authors: Arma L H , Arsyad H , Syahid M , Iskandar E , Nurhudaedah  , Asruddin
Published: July 2020

This research deals with the improvement of hardness property on the composite material made from aluminum matrix reinforced with carbon nanotubes (Al-CNTs). There were two experiments conducted to enhance hardness property; forging and friction surfacing process. An axial mechanical force forged the Al-CNTs composite up to 40% of height of a cylindrical aluminum. A thermo-mechanical force was also applied in producing Al-CNTs coating by the friction surfacing process using Al-CNTs composite rod. Then, the hardness property obtained from these two processes was investigated. Results of the experiments showed that the hardness of Al-CNTs after the forging process improved 40–50% due to high amount of dislocation during forging which avoids deformation. This was indicating that 1 wt% CNTs does not decrease the hardenability of aluminum alloys. Meanwhile, the hardness Al-CNTs coating was not altered too much by the process of friction surfacing. This is becaused that the homogenous dispersion of the CNTs have occurred during the stir casting process.
Six Sigma Implementation in Quality Evaluation of Raw Material: A Case Study
Authors: Darmawan A , Bahri S , Putra A T B
Published: July 2020

The study aims to evaluate the quality level of raw material in order to improve its quality. This study is constructed based on the implementation of six sigma methodology. Six Sigma is one powerful tool that used in this study to identify the problem, determine the quality level, and to develop the improvement comprehensively. Five phases of the model has been structured by stages respectively. Six sigma had been implemented in many kinds of industry, particularly in production process phase. However, there is a challenge to implement the methodology in other phase in supply chain in the context of developing country. The implementation was conducted on receiving raw material process part in the industry. The result showed some defects identified dominantly; damage seed, broken seed, insects, and moldy seed. There are 6734.13 possibilities of raw material in experiencing defect per million opportunities (DPMO). Lack of knowledge of the workers about the raw material and lack of supporting equipment are the two main causes of poor quality of receiving raw material process.
Structural Modeling Using 2D Shell Element to Predict the Initial Plastic Condition of Tubular Frame Structures
Authors: Asykur  , Hadiwidodo Y S , Handayanu
Published: July 2020

A Fixed Jacket Platform is usually designed using tubular structures in which every steel pipe has a thickness and diameter. Generally, for the structural analysis of this structure, the tubular members are represented using 1D beam elements. But stress distribution, plastic strain and also ovalization around the tubular member cannot be determined by a beam element. In this research, all tubular structures were modeled using 2D shell elements to identify how the stress distribution around a tubular member is. And the non-linear analysis was carried out to identify the initial plastic condition. This study was focusing on the splash zone where this area was assumed to be exposed to the extreme wave in 8 directions according to the API RP2A-WSD code, in addition to the structure weight and deck load. Due to each direction of the wave loads, the stress distribution and initial plastic condition are studied. The modeling and non-linear static analysis in this study were done using Altair Hyperworks software.
Plate Deflection Analysis with Different Mesh
Authors: Alie M Z M , Juswan  , Paroka D , Rakib M R S
Published: July 2020

Ocean structures like a jacket, jack-up, and other floating structures consist of many structural elements to support and strengthen from internal and external loads. The structural element, like a beam, plate, and the stiffened plate, has a significant influence on the ultimate strength of the global structure. So that all these elements components should be evaluated and analyzed for the local and global of the structural strength. The objective of the present study is to analyze the plate deflection due to different mesh dimension. The plate is modeled by shell elements with different mesh dimensions; those are 8 x 8 and 16 x 16. The clamped edges as boundary conditions are applied to all sides of the plated. The applied load is located at the center of the plate. The Finite Element Method is used to analyze the plate deflection with different mesh dimensions under axial load acts at the center of the plate. The result obtained by FE Method is therefore compared to the analytical solution. It is found that the plate deflection obtained by the FE method is in good agreement with the analytical solution, and the behavior of the plate is also presented in this study.
NC3 CPP Jacket Launching Analysis by Using Numerical Simulation (Case Study of NC3 Gas Field, SK316 Block Bintulu Sarawak Malaysia)
Authors: M Saeful M H , Juswan  , Paroka D
Published: July 2020

In most relatively shallow waters, fixed platforms are the optimum economical choice. One of the important aspects of offshore fixed platform design is their installation procedure. Among the several conditions during installation, launching is probably the most critical. This operation has to be modelled and examined carefully in order to insure safe separation of jacket from barge. Sensitivity studies are performed to clarify the influences of the initial condition of launch barge to the jacket launch process. Launch analysis is carried out by using numerical simulation methods that supported by MOSES software. Jacket structure and launch barge are modelled on SACS and MOSES respectively. The jacket structure is laid on top of barge with the position of the top of jacket in the stern launch barge. Simulation results on the base case with a barge initial trim is 3.5° and a draft at midship is 6.1 m show that the jacket launch process can take place safely. Sensitivity analysis shows that the greater the trim angle and the initial draft of the barge the shorter the sliding speed and the reaction of the rocker arm decreases. While changes in the LCG jacket and the additional weight of the jacket have a significant effect on the bottom clearance and jacket free floating conditions after being separated from the launch barge.
Analysis of the Ship and Cargo Service Facilities at the Local Port of Sorong
Authors: Dewa S , Idrus M , Chairunnisa A S , Djafar W , Djalante A H , Karyadi A
Published: July 2020

Sorong local port is one of the ports in Sorong City that provides services for pioneer ships, machine-sail ships, and fast passenger ship for tourists. Currently, mooring locations for the pioneer ships and machine-sail ships are nearby the mooring location of fast passenger ships. This condition affects the safety and amenities of passengers, mainly when the loading and unloading of cargoes and passengers take place at the same time. Besides, their ave not been proper supporting facilities such as passenger terminal, warehouse, and parking area. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the performance of existing facilities and the required capacity of supporting facilities for service improvement purposes. Some methods are being applied to assess the performance of berth (Berth Occupancy Ratio or BOR), passenger terminal, and warehouse (Shed Occupancy Ratio or SOR). The result shows that the ship calls grow by 13.33 % annually, where the highest number of visiting ships is the fast passenger ship (47.62%). Current BOR of Sorong local port can reach up to 77.88 %, which is higher than the standard BOR 70 %, while SOR of the warehouse is 20.98 %, which indicates that the utility of the warehouse is low. In the meantime, the required area for the passenger terminal is 617 m2.
An Improvement for the Design of the Small Fiberglass Seaweed Farmers Boat to Minimize the Sinkable Risk
Authors: Mustafa W , Asri S , Firmansyah M R , Fachruddin F , Apelaby G
Published: July 2020

The boat plays significant role in supporting the household business scale for the seaweed farmers. Their current boat are made from fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) which is lighter then the wooden boat. However, based on the field survey in the seaweed farmers boats in the area of Pattontongan village, Jeneponto regency, their boat is susceptible for sinking if any leak is occur on the boat body since they are not designed with the reserved buoyancy system. Geometry and the reserved buoyancy of their boat become the serious issues. Hence, an improved design for their boat is need to be developed with the criteria of the boat capacity and safety. This paper discusses two of the improved design of the boats which are ND1 (design 1) and ND2 (design 2). The result shows an improved design with the additional of the boat reserved buoyancy while considering the boat capacity. The parameter of the boat design is the relationship between the boat reserved buoyancy volume and the boat weight which is called anti sinking ratio. The anti sinking ratio for ND1 with the boat length 6 meters, width 0.85 meter, and height 0.5 meter is ≥ 1. The ratio is obtained in the condition of the boat reserved buoyancy of 0.066m3 and the boat carrying capacity of 0.969m3. Meanwhile, the anti sinking ratio for ND2 with the boat length of 4.2 meters, width 1 meter and height 0.5 meter is ≥ 1 in the condition of the boat reserved buoyancy of 0.055m3 and the boat carrying capacity of 0.936m3.
Modeling Origin Destination Matrix in the Inter Island Cluster of North Liukang Using Gravity Model
Authors: Chairunnisa A S , Asri S , Bochary L , Firmansyah M R , Zulkifli
Published: July 2020

Trip Distribution is one of the step in the Four-Step Transportation Planning Model. The modelling of inter-zone trip patterns considered several things as the effect of the inter-zone accessibility network system level as well as each-zone production and attraction level. The trip distribution model that used in this study is gravity model (GR) which is classified in synthetic method group. The aims of this study is to estimate the distribution trip model into origin-destination matrix form in both the passengers and cargo trip flow at archipelago North Liukang Tupabbiring sub-district region, Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi. Determination the number of trip is using Production Constraint Gravity Models with exponential barrier function to estimate inter-island traffic distance. The results showed that the total number of passenger trip from the urban capital to Pangkajene Regency was around 137 passengers per day and the inter-island trip was around 41 passengers per day while the total of cargo trip from the capital sub-district to the city of Pangkajene was around 0.96 tons per day and the inter-islands trip was around 0.28 tons. The result of this distribution trip matrix will be used as a basis for capacity planning of inter-island passenger transport fleets in the North Liukang Tupabbiring sub-district.
Fuzzy Logic Method as Determining of Internet Network VSAT performance in Black Spot Region at District of Enrekang
Authors: Buwarda S , Rasyid K H , Muhlis  , Hidayat M
Published: July 2020

Internet networks using VSAT have some disadvantages caused by the relative distance of the satellite and the earth which is a significant propagation delay. To determine the optimal quality of VSAT internet network, a study of VSAT internet network performance was performed using Fuzzy Logic method, based on the parameters of bandwidth, delay, packet loss, and throughput conducted for 2 days in the morning, afternoon and night in 2 villages in Enrekang Regency, namely Singki Village and Tindalun Village. Retrieval of data parameters at these locations using a wireshark application software which is then inputted into fuzzy logic so as to produce three categories of performance, good or sufficient, and bad network quality. It is said that performance is good if the results on fuzzy logic are 0, sufficient performance compilation of results from fuzzy logic is 0.5 and performance is poor if the results of fuzzy logic are valued 1. The VSAT internet network requests optimal compilation parameters of network quality such as 6 mbps bandwidth, delays below 1,000 ms, packet loss less than 50% and throughput above 50 kbps which has been designed in fuzzy logic. From the results of the study, obtained a value for the village of Tindalun 0.5 which means enough. Whereas, for performance in Singki Village, 2 different values were obtained, while compilation using Wifi was valued at 0.5, which was sufficient, and compilation using WireLAN was 0 which meant good.
Parking Slot Detection Using GLCM and Similarity Measure
Authors: Irfan A P , Nur N , Wajidi F
Published: July 2020

Increasing the number of vehicles, especially cars, raises some quite complicated problems. One of them is parking availability. Searching for empty parking slots is often be problematic related to time efficiency issues. In this paper, we proposed the detection of parking slots using GLCM and similarity measure. There are four main step that using in this paper. The first step is getROI, then feature extraction using GLCM method. For the classification step, similarity measure with Euclidean distance is used and the last step we calculate the accuracy. Detection of parking slots using gray level co-occurrence matrices and similarity measure is pretty good, marked by an average accuracy rate that is above 95% in all three datasets with different weather.
The mechanical and corrosion properties of WCCo–Al coatings formed on AA2024 using the HVOF method
Authors: Akkaş Mehmet
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates the microstructural, mechanical, and electrical-conductivity properties of WCCo–Al composite coatings produced on the Al alloy AA2024 using the high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) thermal-spray method. In an experimental study, the amount of WCCo added to Al powders was varied between 25, 50, 75, and 100 wt%. The AA2024 used as the substrate material was cleaned in acetone solution and then subjected to a sanding process using Al2O3 sand that had a grain size of 24–35 mesh for improved bonding of the coating layer. Nitrogen was used as the powder-carrier gas. After the coating process, the substrates were cooled using high-pressure air jets. The coated samples were then compared in terms of their microstructure, phase composition, microhardness, electrical conductivity, and wear properties. The microstructure, phase composition, and surfaces of the coatings after abrasion were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an x-ray diffractogram (XRD). The XRD results showed that the WCCo–Al coating layer was composed of Al, Al0.52Co0.48, Al30Mg23, Al0.47Co0.53, MgCuAl2, WCu2Al8, AlCo, Al12W, and BNi2 phases. The addition of WCCo increased the hardness of the coatings. For instance, the highest hardness value was measured as 1,335 HV0.2 in the coating produced using 100% WCCo. The amount of WCCo in the powder also affected the microstructure, phase composition, and hardness of the coatings. Moreover, the addition of WCCo lowered the electrical conductivity, wear rates, and friction coefficients of the coatings. In indentation tests, the hardness values of the coatings were generally found to increase with increasing applied load. In corrosion tests, the corrosion resistance of the coatings was observed to increase as the amount of WCCo in the coating layer increased. The highest peak depth was 36.94 μm in the sample coated with 100% Al, and the lowest peak depth was 6.82 μm in the sample coated with 100% WCCo. The coated materials had outstanding tribological performance compared to the uncoated ones. The increase in wear resistance provided by the coating was caused by a large amount of dispersed WC and Co.
Selecting Controls for Minimizing SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol Transmission in Workplaces and Conserving Respiratory Protective Equipment Supplies
Authors: Brosseau Lisa M , Rosen Jonathan , Harrison Robert
Published: July 2020

With growing evidence of inhalation of small infectious particles as an important mode of transmission for SARS-CoV-2, workplace risk assessments should focus on eliminating or minimizing such exposures by applying the hierarchy of controls. We adapt a control banding model for aerosol-transmissible infectious disease pandemic planning to encourage the use of source and pathway controls before receptor controls (personal protective equipment). Built on the recognition that aerosol-transmissible organisms are likely to exhibit a dose–response function, such that higher exposures result from longer contact times or higher air concentrations, this control banding model offers a systematic method for identifying a set of source and pathway controls that could eliminate or reduce the need for receptor controls. We describe several examples for workers at high risk of exposure in essential or return to work categories. The goal of using control banding for such workers is to develop effective infection and disease prevention programs and conserve personal protective equipment.
Autumn MIST 2019
Authors: Walach Maria-Theresia , Hunt Greg , Fogg Alexandra , Bader Alexander
Published: July 2020

Maria-Theresia Walach, Greg Hunt, Alexandra Fogg and Alexander Bader report on the rescheduled Autumn MIST Meeting for 2019, organized by the MIST Council, which took place in January 2020.
Eculizumab, SARS-CoV-2 and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Trimarchi Hernán , Gianserra Raquel , Lampo Mauro , Monkowski Matias , Lodolo Jimena
Published: July 2020

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) treatment consists of eculizumab. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes severe pneumonia and endothelial injury that leads to a prothrombotic state that may be complicated by macrovascular and microvascular thrombosis. Complement activation is thought to contribute to endothelial injury and there are at least seven ongoing clinical trials testing six different anti-complement strategies for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including eculizumab. We herein report on a kidney transplant patient with aHUS on chronic eculizumab therapy that developed severe COVID-19 despite eculizumab administration early in the course of the disease. Although eculizumab was unable to prevent the development of severe endothelial cell injury, as assessed by increasing D-dimer levels from 292 to 10 586 ng/mL, the patient eventually recovered following dexamethasone and convalescent plasma administration.
The validity of Dutch health claims data for identifying patients with chronic kidney disease: a hospital-based study in the Netherlands
Authors: van Oosten Manon J M , Brohet Richard M , Logtenberg Susan J J , Kramer Anneke , Dikkeschei Lambert D , Hemmelder Marc H , Bilo Henk J G , Jager Kitty J , Stel Vianda S
Published: July 2020

Background

Health claims data may be an efficient and easily accessible source to study chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence in a nationwide population. Our aim was to study Dutch claims data for their ability to identify CKD patients in different subgroups.

Methods

From a laboratory database, we selected 24 895 adults with at least one creatinine measurement in 2014 ordered at an outpatient clinic. Of these, 15 805 had ≥2 creatinine measurements at least 3 months apart and could be assessed for the chronicity criterion. We estimated the validity of a claim-based diagnosis of CKD and advanced CKD. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)-based definitions for CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and advanced CKD (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) satisfying and not satisfying the chronicity criterion served as reference group. Analyses were stratified by age and sex.

Results

In general, sensitivity of claims data was highest in the population with the chronicity criterion as reference group. Sensitivity was higher in advanced CKD patients than in CKD patients {51% [95% confidence interval (CI) 47–56%] versus 27% [95% CI 25–28%]}. Furthermore, sensitivity was higher in young versus elderly patients. In patients with advanced CKD, sensitivity was 72% (95% CI 62–83%) for patients aged 20–59 years and 43% (95% CI 38–49%) in patients ≥75 years. The specificity of CKD and advanced CKD was ≥99%. Positive predictive values ranged from 72% to 99% and negative predictive values ranged from 40% to 100%.

Conclusion

When using health claims data for the estimation of CKD prevalence, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the population at hand. The younger the subjects and the more advanced the stage of CKD the higher the sensitivity of such data. Understanding which patients are selected using health claims data is crucial for a correct interpretation of study results.
Anthropogenic effects on the physiology and behaviour of chacma baboons in the Cape Peninsula of South Africa
Authors: Chowdhury Shahrina , Brown Janine , Swedell Larissa
Published: July 2020

As animals increasingly occupy habitats in proximity to humans, with home ranges a mosaic of natural and anthropogenic landscapes, it becomes imperative from a conservation perspective to understand the impacts of human activities on wildlife. Many non-human primates share habitats with humans, an ability stemming largely from shared ecological needs due to our close evolutionary relationship. Such proximity, however, is often accompanied by direct conflict between humans and wildlife, leading to higher stress levels, injuries, mortality and behavioural changes, with detrimental effects on long-term health and fitness. Glucocorticoid (GC) hormones, which are released in response to ecological and social challenges, are increasingly employed to understand responses to anthropogenic disturbance. Here we investigate physiological and behavioural responses of female chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) to variation in spatial overlap and conflict with humans in their natural home range. The baboons resided in the Tokai Section of Table Mountain National Park in the Cape Peninsula of South Africa, where their home range included four types of habitats: protected, suburban, agricultural and mosaic areas. We studied the largest group of baboons in Tokai (70 individuals) and examined the effects of ranging in these different habitats on the faecal GCs and behaviour of all adult females in the troop (N = 16). We found time spent ranging in more anthropogenic habitats to be associated with higher levels of GCs, more aggression, less time socializing and shorter grooming bouts. Self-directed behaviour, however, varied and did not necessarily reflect physiological measures of stress. Taken together, the results of this study highlight the risks associated with ranging in anthropogenic environments and point to the need for a multifaceted approach to studying the negative impacts of human activities on animals so as to better inform conservation practices.
Diversity of Bee Assemblage (Family Apidae) in Natural and Agriculturally Intensified Ecosystems in Uruguay
Authors: Santos Estela , Daners Gloria , Morelli Enrique , Galván Guillermo A
Published: July 2020

Bees (Family Apidae) hold a key role as pollinators in a wide range of angiosperm communities. South America suffered strong modifications during the last decade due to increasing anthropic activities and the expansion of agricultural areas, particularly the boom of soybean. The goal of this research was to know the current diversity of bees in South and Low Littoral regions in Uruguay. Specimens were collected in the seasons 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 on natural meadows, cultivated grasslands, soybean fields, among others flowering communities. Collected specimens were classified following taxonomic keys. Forty-five bee species or taxa were distinguished belonging to the subfamilies Megachilinae (11), Apinae (22), Halictinae (7), Colletinae (2), and Andreninae (3). Most taxa were classified up to genus and 14 to species level. Bee diversity was higher for the South region, with traditional agriculture and rangelands, than that of the Low Littoral region where an increasing agricultural land use took place during the last decade, particularly soybean. In addition, this research aimed to study the presence of native bees and the introduced Apis mellifera (Apinae) in a soybean field at four transects located at 0, 50, 100, and 200 m from the crop border in both seasons. Native bee species were only present at 0 and 50 m, pointing to the relevance of natural edge plant communities for their preservation. This is the first survey on native bee diversity in Uruguay to be regarded as a baseline and the setup of conservation strategies.
Effect of sugar-sweetened beverages on oral health: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Valenzuela Maria Josefina , Waterhouse Beverley , Aggarwal Vishal R , Bloor Karen , Doran Tim
Published: July 2020

Background

The impact of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) on health outcomes such as obesity have been studied extensively, but oral health has been relatively neglected. This study aims to assess the association between SSB consumption and dental caries and erosion.

Methods

Systematic review of observational studies. Search strategy applied to Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, SciELO, LILACS, OpenGrey and HMIC. The risk of bias was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cross-Sectional Studies and evidence certainty using Grading of Recommendation Assessment Development and Evaluation. Relationships between SSB consumption and caries and erosion were estimated using random-effects model meta- and dose–response analyses.

Results

A total of 38 cross-sectional studies were included, of which 26 were rated as high quality. Comparing moderate-to-low consumption, there was significantly increased risk of both caries [OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.28–1.92; decayed, missing and filled teeth weighted mean differences (DMFT WMD) = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.38–1.26] and erosion (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.01–2.03). Comparing high-to-moderate consumption, there was further increased risk of caries (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.17–1.99; DMFT WMD = 1.16, 95% CI: −0.59–2.91) and erosion (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.37–6.97). A dose–response gradient and high certainty of evidence was observed for caries.

Conclusions

Increasing SSB consumption is associated with increased risk of dental caries and erosion. Studies were cross-sectional, hence temporality could not be established, but the positive dose–response suggests this relationship is likely to be causal. These findings illustrate the potential benefits to oral health of policies that reduce SSB consumption, including sugar taxation.
Tannins from senescent Rhizophora mangle mangrove leaves have a distinctive effect on prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities in a Distichlis spicata salt marsh soil
Authors: Zhang Qiu-Fang , Laanbroek Hendrikus J
Published: July 2020

Due to climate warming, tannin-rich Rhizophora mangle migrates into tannin-poor salt marshes, where the tannins interfere with the biogeochemistry in the soil. Changes in biogeochemistry are likely associated with changes in microbial communities. This was studied in microcosms filled with salt marsh soil and amended with leaf powder, crude condensed tannins, purified condensed tannins (PCT), all from senescent R. mangle leaves, or with tannic acid. Size and composition of the microbial communities were determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, high-throughput sequencing and real-time PCR based on the 16S and 18S rRNA genes. Compared with the control, the 16S rRNA gene abundance was lowered by PCT, while the 18S rRNA gene abundance was enhanced by all treatments. The treatments also affected the composition of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene assemblies, but the effects on the 18S rRNA gene were greater. The composition of the 18S rRNA gene, but not of the 16S rRNA gene, was significantly correlated with the mineralization of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Distinctive microbial groups emerged during the different treatments. This study revealed that migration of mangroves may affect both the prokaryotic and the eukaryotic communities in salt marsh soils, but that the effects on the eukaryotes will likely be greater.
The biosurfactants iturin, lichenysin and surfactin, from vaginally isolated lactobacilli, prevent biofilm formation by pathogenic Candida
Authors: Nelson Jakline , El-Gendy Ahmed O , Mansy Moselhy S , Ramadan Mohamed A , Aziz Ramy K
Published: July 2020

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), particularly lactobacilli, are major components of the vaginal microbiota. Lactobacilli are facultative anaerobes forming a critical line of defense against pathogenic microorganisms, including those forming biofilms, such as Candida spp. This study aimed to investigate the anti-adhesion capabilities of vaginal Lactobacillus isolates against biofilms formed by pathogenic Candida species. When the extracellular biosurfactant activities of culture supernatants from 120 Lactobacillus isolates were evaluated by the oil-spreading method, clear spreading zones were recognized. Biofilm formation was quantified by the crystal violet plate assay, and different isolates exhibited anti-adhesion activity that ranged from 65.6to 74.4% inhibition against Candida spp. biofilms. Liquid chromatography high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-HRESIMS) identified biosurfactants, extracted from three representative Lactobacillus isolates, as surfactin, iturin and lichenysin. Finally, the distribution of representative genes from six different biosynthetic clusters, related to the production of different biosurfactants, was investigated by the polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, surfactin, iturin and lichenysin were identified for the first time in vaginal Lactobacillus spp. These biosurfactants, which showed strong anti-adherence activity may be used as promising antibiofilm agents in equipment care to prevent vaginal infections by pathogenic Candida spp. with the prospect of reducing nosocomial infections.
Towards yeast taxogenomics: lessons from novel species descriptions based on complete genome sequences
Authors: Libkind D , Čadež N , Opulente D A , Langdon Q K , Rosa C A , Sampaio J P , Gonçalves P , Hittinger C T , Lachance M A
Published: July 2020

In recent years, ‘multi-omic’ sciences have affected all aspects of fundamental and applied biological research. Yeast taxonomists, though somewhat timidly, have begun to incorporate complete genomic sequences into the description of novel taxa, taking advantage of these powerful data to calculate more reliable genetic distances, construct more robust phylogenies, correlate genotype with phenotype and even reveal cryptic sexual behaviors. However, the use of genomic data in formal yeast species descriptions is far from widespread. The present review examines published examples of genome-based species descriptions of yeasts, highlights relevant bioinformatic approaches, provides recommendations for new users and discusses some of the challenges facing the genome-based systematics of yeasts.
Review of Denonvilliers’ fascia: the controversies and consensuses
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Ming , Yu Guan-Yu , Zheng Nan-Xin , Liu Hui-Min , Gong Hai-Feng , Lou Zheng , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2020

The Denonvilliers’ fascia (DVF) plays an important role in rectal surgery because of its anatomic position and its relationship to the surrounding organs. It affects the surgical plane anterior to the rectum in the procedure of total mesorectal excision (TME). Anatomical and embryological studies have helped us to understand this structure to some extent, but many controversies remain. In terms of its embryonical origin, there are three mainstream hypotheses: peritoneal fusion of the embryonic cul-de-sac, condensation of embryonic mesenchyme, and mechanical pressure. Regarding its architecture, the DVF may be a single, two, or multiple layers, or a composite single-layer structure. In women, most authors deem that this structure does exist but they are willing to call it the rectovaginal septum rather than the DVF. Operating behind the DVF is supported by most surgeons. This article will review those mainstream studies and opinions on the DVF and combine them with what we have observed during surgery to discuss those controversies and consensuses mentioned above. We hope this review may help young colorectal surgeons to have a better understanding of the DVF and provide a platform from which to guide future scientific research.