bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of quality function deployment for the development of sulam tumpar motif design
Authors: Cahyadi Dwi , Soeprapto Etwin Fibrianie , Hidayanto Andi Farid , Nizaora Ditha
Published: August 2020

Regional crafts from East Kalimantan Province is a special embroidery, that’s call sulam tumpar. Sulam tumpar is a decoration made on cloth or other materials with sewing needles and thread. Craft originating from the Dayak tribe in the East Kalimantan Province has a variety of patterns with bright colors. The problem in this research is how to develop a new motif of sulam tumpar by not leaving the local wisdom characteristic in its design in order to raise the name of this East Kalimantan craft in national and international. The purpose of developing this sulam tumpar motif is to design and develop a new motif that can be applied to all handicraft products, including fashion products for men and women. The results of this research activity are contributing new ideas in the development of the sulam tumpar motif in accordance with customer desires using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method, which is a blend of modern and traditional concepts followed by unisex motif designs and universal designs.
Implementation of The Rought Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP) Methods for The Planning of Bottled Drinking Water Production Capacity: A study case
Authors: Rapi A , Muthalib I S , Asmal S
Published: August 2020

Syifa Ltd is a manufacturing company that produces bottled drinking water with several types of products produced from their production floor. The main objective of this research was to predict the total quantity production of the 220 ml bottled mineral water to meet the consumer demand as scheduled time. In forecasting the demand for production of the 220 ml glass bottle packaging, the methods used were the Weighted Moving Average (WMA) method and the Single Exponential Smoothing (SES) method by comparing the size of forecasting errors using Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD), Mean Square Error (MSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). To determine the supply of glass bottles used the EOQ (Economy Order Quantity) method to determine the purchase of the most economical glass bottles. The Rought Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP) analysis result shows that there was insufficient capacity/lack of capacity in the filling and packing work center. Alternative capacity management used to optimize production utility to 95% and make capacity adjustments (re-adjustment). So that alternative capacity management was able to meet the capacity shortages that occur
Reducing variability in process and the risk of product defects: A case study in SME’s
Authors: Darmawan A , Hanafi R , Asqarye A
Published: August 2020

The study aims to determine the quality control level of mineral water packaging. Six Sigma is recognized as an essential tool used in this study in determining the quality level by measuring variability in the process, reducing product defects (packaging), and developing the improvement comprehensively. The implementation of Six Sigma has been implemented in many advanced companies. The implementation was conducted in one small-medium enterprise (SME) that produced the mineral water. However, the implementation of Six Sigma in the small-medium level of industries has relatively new challenges. The result showed that identified four defects: bottle cover defect, bottle defect, label defect, label, and process defect. The process variability was highly fluctuated and identified about 28 data out from control lines. Based on the capability process was measured and gained sigma level in 3.76. Some recommendations were set to reduce the variability of the process.
Drying of extracted betacyanin from red dragon fruit (Hylocereus Costaricensis) as natural colorant by using spray dryer in various operating condition
Authors: Susanti I , Hasanah F , Wijaya H , Heryani S , Hartanto E S
Published: August 2020

One of the natural dyes that can be used in food is betacyanin from red dragon fruit. The betacyanin extracted from the red dragon fruit potentially be used for industrial ingredients such as a natural dye that is appropriate and can be applied further for food colouring. The drying process is one of the important stages in producing betacyanin extract from dragon fruit. The objective of this research was to study drying process of extract betacyanin from red dragon fruit using spray dryer in various operation condition. There materials from red dragon fruit: whole fruit, fruit flesh and fruit skin were used for extraction process with water as a solvent. Maltodextrin (30 %) was added as filler to the extracts. The inlet temperature that used in spray dryer condition were: 140 °C, 160 °C, 180 °C. The results showed the highest betacyanin content was found in whole dragon fruit extracts used spray dryer with Inlet temperature 140°C (411.80 mg / kg).
Hygiene Factors of Outsourcing Workers: A Literature Review
Authors: Ramdhani I , Bakri I
Published: August 2020

In a large company, the human resources consist of permanent employees and temporary employees. Both in industry, service, banking, etc., workers outsourcings also one of the supporting factors in the company’s business. Therefore, we need a study to identify reviews of their satisfaction and dissatisfaction at work. This study aims to find out the working conditions of outsourced workers in various fields of work and relate them to the two-factor theory of Herzberg. This research was carried out based on a literature review from various previous studies on outsourcing workers, work motivation and also a factor of two theories by Herzberg. The results of this study show that outsourcing workers both in Indonesia and abroad have been protected by law from the government. So that some companies have implemented outsourcing labour regulations following applicable regulations. The results of several previous studies show that the two-factor theory by Herzberg influences the job satisfaction of outsourcing workers. Both that is influenced by motivational factors and hygiene factors.
Food safety assurance through thermal process on canned corned beef
Authors: Rohaman M M , Siregar N C
Published: August 2020

As one of critical control point (CCP) of canned processed corned beef, thermal process application needs to be investigated to ensure that the product get enough heat to destruct all bacteria and spores to get commercial sterile condition while saving energy to produce heat. The result showed that at retort temperature of 121°C the sterilization value or minimum F0 value for corned beef 340 grams was 12.08 minutes and maximum value of 15.72 minutes. This value is above of F0 for processed meat of beef which is about 7 minutes. The observation of the process showed that the sterilization was over process and the holding time needs to be reduced by 10 minutes from 72 minutes. This value was similar for canned size of 198 grams which gave minimum F0 of 12.07 minutes and-maximum value of 16.69 minutes but with different holding time. The later was obtained by sterilizing it with holding time of 57 minutes. The determination of optimum heat adequacy time (sterilization) is very useful for the industrial canning of meat, because with the optimum sterilization time, safe sterilization results can be obtained and the nutritional value can be maintained with efficient operating costs.
Identification of production planning and supply of glass bottles at the bottled tea company
Authors: Nurulinzany  , Amrin
Published: August 2020

Sinar Sosro Limited (SS Ltd) is a company that produces a variety of packaged teas with superior products of bottled tea with 220 ml glass bottles. Based on the preliminary research, the glass bottles still can meet the production but with the demand. In their production planning, the company applies a method of estimating or predicting so that production results cannot meet production demand. This is the background of the researchers to make production planning based on forecasting methods and determine the quantity of glass bottle orders to meet demand. In forecasting the demand for production of the 220 ml glass bottle packaging, the methods used are Moving Average, Exponential Smoothing, and Linear Regression by comparing the size of forecasting errors using Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD), Mean Square Error (MSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). To determine the supply of glass bottles used the EOQ (Economy Order Quantity) method to determine the purchase of the most economical glass bottles. Base on the data, the Moving Average method (n=9) was the best forecasting used to predict the 220 ml glass bottle packaging demand for the next period of 233,862 crates with MAD forecasting error of 13,680, MSE of 561,420,907, and MAPE 5.49% which is the smallest value of the three methods. The application of the EOQ method results in the most economical order of glass bottles that is 136,234 crates for one message with a total repurchase frequency of 21 times a year.
Analysis of social demographic factors and its effect on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in front shovel operators of a mining company
Authors: Imran R A , Bakri I , Mulyadi  , Husain A E U
Published: August 2020

Worker comfort is one important factor in the production operation. The attention to comfort in the workplace will be able to reduce the occurrence of complaints. Facilities and workplace conditions that are not ergonomic increase worker’s complaints, such as musculoskeletal disorders are often experienced. Many factors affect the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. In this research, social demographic factors retrieved and the influence its effect on musculoskeletal experienced by front shovel operators at a mining company in South Sulawesi was analyzed. This research was based on subjective questionnaries and data obtained were processed by using bivariate statistical method. Dependent and independent variables are musculoskeletal disorder, social demography factor, handgrip strength, subjective physical complaint and environmental factors (temperature, noise, vibration, lighting, and dust). Results concluded from 28 front shovel operators, they have a senior high school education background (86%), with over 3 years work (3-5 years 32%,> 5 years 39%), generally slept in a day for 5-8 hours (71%), and most operators are smokers (75%) with the number of cigarettes consumed in an average a day 4-12 sticks (57%), generally operators are having a breakfast (89%) by consuming rice and side dishes (88%). Statistical tests showed no significant relationship between social-demographic factors to muscle complaints. The influence of environmental factors has a significant relationship to subjective physical complaints but the results obtained inconsistent because the number of samples is still limited.
Quality Improvement Using PDCA Methodology in the Beverage Industry
Authors: Raodah  , Astutik W , Aris A A , Bahri S
Published: August 2020

This paper has an objective to apply PDCA methodology as a way to improve the quality of production processes in the beverage industry. As part of it, a prior analysis has been done and found the highest breakdown was in the conditioning area of the bottle making production. It has been proofed by the secondary data which showedthe average breakdown in the conditioning area of the bottle making production was about 40% from July to September 2019. A preliminary brainstorming involved a manager and a supervisor of the production department to identify the possible causes of the problem. From brainstorming, there were several potential causes of the breakdown problem have been identified using the cause and effect analysis. They were categorised from machine, man and method factors. For machine factors the potential causes came from the faulty conditioning capacitors, the cable of power condition was short, semi-finished bottle burns in conditioning and low of reliability of conditioning sensors. Meanwhile, from the man factor the potential causes came from the lack of skill from operators in centering the conditioning of the collect. Therefore, from the method factor, the cause was because lack of method with relation to the centering conditioning of the collect. The next stage of this research will apply PDCA methodology to overcome the problem and improve the quality of processes in this company.
Identifying Cybersickness When Wearing a Head-Mounted Display through Heart Rate Variability Data
Authors: Setiowati N O , Wijayanto T , Trapsilawati F
Published: August 2020

Cybersickness is one of the common problems related to Virtual Reality (VR). The symptoms are classified into three categories: nausea, oculomotor, and disorientation. The purpose of this study is to identify cybersickness symptoms based on simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ) and physiological signal using heart rate variability (HRV) when wearing a head-mounted display. Fifteen participants performed a 15-min driving simulation task using head-mounted display. From the SSQ results, the most dominant category of cybersickness symptoms induced by participants are nausea and disorientation. The results showed a correlation between the nausea score and the high frequency (HF)/component of HRV (r=0.618, p=0.032) as well as the ratio of low and high frequency component (LF/HF) (r=-0.718, p=0.009). These findings confirm that the occurrence of nausea when wearing a head-mounted display is influenced by the activation of sympathetic nervous system.
U-Th-PbTOTAL dating of REE-phosphate by electron microprobe: Review and progress
Authors: Allaz J M , Jercinovic M J , Williams M L
Published: August 2020

Monazite (Mnz) and xenotime (Xnt) are rare earth element (REE) phosphate minerals that occur in a large variety of rocks. They are known to contain very limited amounts of common Pb, and thus, a date can be calculated by simply measuring the total lead- and actinide-contents. Such a measurement can be done at high spatial resolution with an electron probe microanalyser (EPMA), together with a complete mineral analysis. The U-Th-Pbtotal dating method was developed almost 30 years ago, to provide an in-situ age for several (U, Th)-bearing minerals such as uraninite, Mnz, and Xnt. This technique permits identification of events that are not recorded by other minerals, allows dates to be related to structural or geochemical features, and ultimately reinforces the age interpretation. The principal challenge is the accurate measurement of Pb, which is commonly present at the trace level (< 1,000 ppm).

This paper reviews the most recent advances in the U-Th-Pbtotal dating technique of Mnz and Xnt, notably in terms of a) accurate background acquisition using the multipoint background technique, and b) improved peak interference correction for trace and REE elements. This paper also discusses a new method of quantitative element mapping, which helps with the identification of compositional domains in Mnz (or Xnt). Finally, a date cannot be interpreted as an age without the proper context, and several key factors in the interpretation are discussed and illustrated with several case studies.
Spatial resolution limits of EPMA
Authors: Buse B , Kearns S L
Published: August 2020

The development of field emission EPMA, has significantly improved the lateral resolution of EPMA. Two strategies are available for achieving high spatial resolution, either low overvoltage or low voltage analysis. Determining the spatial resolution for a particular analysis is complex and depends on the voltage, spot size, beam current, density of the sample, X-rays analysed and the precision and sensitivity required. Monte carlo simulations can be used to evaluate the spatial resolution for different analytical conditions and samples, provided the minimum spot size achievable at the conditions is known. Spot size is important in determining lateral resolution, which initially improves with decreasing accelerating voltages, and then increases as the minimum spot size becomes more significant than the distance electrons travel. For trace elements, the requirement for precision and sensitivity demands either higher overvoltages increasing the volume from which X-rays are generated, and/or higher beam currents increasing the spot size. At low overvoltage or low voltage conditions many additional factors must be considered: carbon contamination, coat thickness, erosion of the carbon coat, the stability of the sample and the problems surrounding the measurement of soft X-ray lines including L-lines for first row transition metals. When analysing L-lines for quantifying first row transition metals, either calibration curves must be used, or the anomalous mass absorption and variations in the fluorescence yields from partial shell occupancy must be accounted for, by using fits to experimentally determined values. By taking these factors into consideration, high quality measurements can be performed.
Quantifying phase transformation during the manufacturing process of AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel
Authors: Collado I , Núñez Galindo A , Ruiz A , Almagro Bello J F , Botana F J
Published: August 2020

The effect of ferrite to austenite transformation phenomenon on microstructure and annealing performance of AISI 430 (EN 1.4016) ferritic stainless steel 16%Cr-0.04%C and 17%Cr-0.02%C was studied by electron backscatter diffraction and X-ray diffraction. Hot-rolled and annealed specimens of each ferritic stainless steel were collected from manufacturing route, where different states were analysed. Chemical composition shift of AISI 430 is correlated to microstructural behaviour of each material, while annealing temperature impact over grain growth phenomena is discussed.
Classification and characterisation of magmatic-hydrothermal tourmaline by combining field observations and microanalytical techniques
Authors: Drivenes K , Brownscombe W , Larsen R B , Seltmann R , Spratt J , Sørensen B E
Published: August 2020

Tourmaline from the St. Byron lobe of the Land’s End granite, SW England, was assessed by macroscopic, optical and quantitative microanalytical methods. In total, seven types of tourmaline were distinguished. The seven types reflect different crystallisation environments and stages in the magmatic-hydrothermal transition. Types 1-3 are interpreted to represent a gradual transition from tourmaline crystallising from a silicate melt to precipitation from magmatic aqueous fluids. Types 5-7 crystallised at subsolidus conditions from a different fluid generation than types 1-3. These fluids may be magmatic or mixed with other fluids (e.g., meteoric or formation waters). The Sn-mineralisation in the area is mostly related to the latter fluid generation, and the mineralising potential is reflected by the tourmaline composition.
New horizons in quantitative compositional mapping – Analytical conditions and data reduction using XMapTools
Authors: Lanari P , Piccoli F
Published: August 2020

Quantitative compositional mapping is a key technique for imaging solids and, therefore, for trying to understand compositional zoning systematics in a broad range of geological materials. Compositional mapping requires an adapted analytical method for efficient data collection, a post-processing calibration stage to obtain elemental concentration values, and specific computer tools for exploring and visualising the data. In this contribution, we describe optimal analytical conditions, possible physical limitations and data reduction strategies for compositional maps of major, minor and trace elements obtained by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Data reduction is performed using the computer software XMapTools, which incorporates a large variety of options and tools for data processing, data calibration and data visualisation based on single and multi-channel maps or via binary, ternary and spider diagrams.
Recent developments in soft X-ray emission spectroscopy microscopy
Authors: Terauchi M , Hatano T , Koike M , Pirozhkov A S , Sasai H , Nagano T , Takakura M , Murano T
Published: August 2020

This paper discusses the path to the commercialization of a soft-X-ray emission spectrometer system for EPMA/SEM, its application, how it can be used to investigate new materials, and offers an update on improvements being investigated to further optimise the performance. The ultimate energy resolution of 0.08 eV at Al L- Fermi edge is shown with current optics using a fine pixel detector. The spectral mapping technique can show chemical shift images by using an appropriate region-of-interest energy window. L-emissions of 3d transition metal elements inform one not only of the density of states of bonding but also the number of outer shell or 3d electrons. Furthermore, progress leading to improvements in the detection efficiency has resulted in more than three times increase in the B K-emission peak. Testing and evaluation of new high energy-resolution spectrometer for EPMA, and a new calibration procedure for C K-peak on graphite has resulted in improved energy calibration procedure is presented.
Synthesis of Irregular Tantalum Pentoxide (Ta2O5) Microparticles by Direct Thermal Oxidation of Ta Foils in Atmospheric Oxygen
Authors: Pérez-Pérez D. , Acosta-Vera R. , Ramírez-Morales A. O. , Cigarroa-Mayorga Oscar E.
Published: August 2020

In this work, Tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) microparticles were achieved by one-step thermal oxidation of Tantalum (Ta) foils under 600 °C for 6 h. The effect of time and temperature was explored in the process (50 to 600 °C, 1 to 6 h). Thus, Ta foil was chemically cleaned with nitric and hydrochloric acid and then was immersed in water; finally it was dried with Nitrogen flux. The foils were isothermally oxidized in a horizontal furnace with 21 wt. % Oxygen atmosphere in a constant flux of 20 L/min. The x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy led to the conclusion that formation mechanism of microparticles is mainly constituted by lattice parameters mismatching between Ta and Ta2O5and crystallite size difference. Along the oxidation process at 600 °C, the phase transformation across time carries defect concentrations on entire material experimentally demonstrated by Ta2O5Raman shift and then the sample is broken in irregular shape. As oxidation time reaches 6 h value, phase transformation in Ta foil causes mismatching that firstly diminishes crystallite size, then evolves to cracks and finish by the formation of the particles in the micrometer order size.
Effects of process parameter variation on the surface roughness of polylactic acid (PLA) materials using design of experiments (DOE)
Authors: Burke C , Dalal A , Abukhalaf A , Noorani R
Published: August 2020

3D Printing (3DP) is an additive manufacturing technology used to rapidly build parts that are designed using 3D modeling software. 3DP builds a part by adding one layer of the working material at a time until the process is complete. One main concern with 3D printed samples is the high levels of surface roughness, which can result in the rejection of parts by many precision manufacturing companies. The objective of this research is to use the Design of Experiment (DOE) to analyze which factors influence the surface roughness of the part built from a 3D printer. In this research, a two-level, three-factor, full factorial design of experiment is used to select the best combination of factors that will minimize the surface roughness of parts made from Polylactic Acid (PLA) materials. The selected factors are printing orientation, nozzle diameter, and infill percentage. Based on the preliminary result, it is determined all the factors and their two-factor interactions are shown to significantly affect the surface roughness. However, it is shown that the nozzle diameter has had the most effect on surface roughness. These results will be explained in terms of the optical microscopy of the processed PLA test specimens.
Elastoplastic Behavior of Wide Flange Beam - to-Wide Flange Column Welded Connections
Authors: Pangandaman M D , Taclendo C S , Cantila K B
Published: August 2020

A beam-to-column connection is considered to be one of the most critical sections of various types of load-carrying structures. Many parameters such as the geometrical and material properties of both beams and columns influenced its performance. The purpose of this study is to derive analytical models for the connection’s yield and ultimate strength and displacements using the depth of wide flange (WF) beam and WF-column, and the length of WF-beam as design parameters. Experimental tests involved testing of three specimens until reaching their maximum strength. The behavior of the connection observed in the experiment were employed in the finite element analyses (FEA), where the thirty numerical models generated with the parametric script in SolidWorks, provided the design information for the mechanical properties. Lastly, the derivation of analytical formulae used to predict the mechanical properties of wide flange beam-to-wide flange column connections employed regression analysis. In conclusion, (1) There is a good agreement between FEA and test results, (2) The dimensional parameters Lb
/Db
and Dc
/Lb
ratios have been found to significantly characterize the elastic-plastic properties of fully welded beam-to-column connections with stiffeners, and (3) The mechanical properties of the connections can be well predicted by the derived analytical formulae.
MOFs-derived Co3O4 loaded hollow In2O3 nanofibers with greatly enhanced acetone sensing performance
Authors: Zhu L , Chang X , Lu W B
Published: August 2020

In this paper, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-derived Co3O4 were easily functionalized on In2O3 nanofibers (NFs) by electrospinning followed a calcination at 600 °C in air. The influences of doping content, morphology, and operating temperature on the acetone sensing performances of In2O3 based NFs were comprehensively studied. Our results showed that the 20 wt% Co3O4-In2O3 NFs exhibited outstanding acetone sensing properties at 300 °C. Exactly, it showed a high response to acetone (S∼43.67 @ 100 ppm acetone), which was ∼22 times larger than that of pristine In2O3 NFs. On the same time, it exhibited a short response time (∼13 s). The excellent acetone sensing properties of MOFs-derived Co3O4-In2O3 NFs can be explained by the formation of p-n junction between Co3O4 and In2O3. Our work offers a facile and cost-effective approach to load MOFs-derived Co3O4 on other metal oxides based NFs as a promising gas sensing material and shows the prospects of MOFs-derived metal oxides loaded in metal oxide NFs used for gas sensors.
Tension analysis of bolted sleeve connection between pultruded GFRP tube and steel member considering adhesion
Authors: Xiong Zhihua , Liu Yuqing , Wang Zhengzhong , Sun Yun
Published: August 2020

Pultruded Glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP)-steel hybrid structures have become increasingly popular in civil infrastructures. However, the connection between GFRP and steel members is one of the key issues limiting the development of the innovative structure. This paper presents tensile capacity of bolted sleeve connection between GFRP and steel members. With consideration of the pre-loaded bolt effect, the appropriate fastening torque was proposed by finite element investigation. The adhesive effect was also considered and investigated by cohesive zone method. The bolted sleeve connection provides a good solution for the tubular and large-span structures.
Determination of Hydraulic Conductivity Value by using Sunjoto Shape Factor
Authors: Aye Thinzar , Sunjoto S. , Luknanto Djoko
Published: August 2020

Hydraulic conductivity, K value, is important for soil properties determination and there are many equations and method that can be used in this region. In 1951, Hvorslev introduced the shape factor method to determine K value that only depends on geometry of well. The geometry of well or shape factor is mainly focused on the length, screen and base of the groundwater well. Later, many researchers used this method and developed different kind of equations for different geometry of wells. Sunjoto also developed equations and shape factor to determine the K value. This method can be used easily by using iteration method. In this research, the comparison has been performed using constant laboratory test method and Sunjoto method. The experiment test was conducted in the laboratory and it took measurements for three tests. The Sunjoto equation was used for analysis to the experiment test measurements. The hydraulic conductivity value with constant head test is 0.00038 m/sec and with Sunjoto shape factor method is 0.000184 m/sec for test (1), 0.000180 m/sec for test (2) and 0.000119 for test (3). According to this comparison value, the hydraulic conductivity value is more acceptable when it uses shape factor method since the constant laboratory test is using disturb sample. Moreover, according to the result, Sunjoto method can be used as a new method to determine hydraulic conductivity value.
Assessment of tool platform micro vibrations induced by moving vehicles in hi-tech factories
Authors: Lee C L
Published: August 2020

This study explores the micro vibrations of floors and tool platforms induced by internal moving automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in hi-tech factories. The equation of motion of a simplified multi-span floor (or beam) system installed with a tool platform under AGV moving forces generated by a modified Kanai-Tajimi power spectral density (MKT-PSD) function is derived. Dynamic time history analyses of the continuous beam model travelled by different AGV weights are performed. The corresponding root-mean-square (RMS) floor and platform vibration spectra are obtained by using a one-third octave band spectrum analysis and in turn used to compare with the micro vibration criterion. Simulated results indicated that the floor and platform vibrations increase with the AGV weight. For the maximum AGV weight considered, the floor vibration exceeds VC-A, while under the minimum AGV weight, the floor vibration reaches VC-B which is required by the vibration-sensitive tools. Moreover, the platform vibrations are far more than VC-A regardless of the AGV weight. Therefore, the introduction of a proper vibration control scheme is recommended to suppress the excessive micro vibrations of the floors and taller tool platforms.
General and central obesity operate differently as predictors of falls requiring medical care in older women: a population-based cohort study in Spain
Authors: Hermenegildo-López Ygor , Sandoval-Insausti Helena , Donat-Vargas Carolina , Banegas Jose Ramón , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Guallar-Castillón Pilar
Published: August 2020

Objectives

to examine the association of general and abdominal obesity with falls, falls requiring medical care and falls with fractures in older women.

Design

a population-based prospective cohort of 1,185 women aged ≥60 in Spain, followed up from 2008 to 2010 through 2012.

Measures

weight, height and waist circumference were measured at baseline using standardised techniques. Participants were classified according to body mass index as normal weight (<25), overweight (25–29.9) and general obesity (≥30). Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference >88 cm. In 2012, participants reported the falls experienced in the previous year. Logistic regression models were mutually adjusted for general and abdominal obesity and for main confounders.

Results

in this cohort of older women, a total of 336 women experienced falls, 168 of them had falls requiring medical care and 64 falls with fractures. For falls, no association was found with general obesity nor abdominal obesity. However, compared with normal weight, overweight women had a decreased risk for falls requiring medical care [odds ratio (OR) 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.94] and for falls with fractures (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.12–0.63). The corresponding values for general obesity were 0.44 (0.24–0.81) and 0.30 (0.11–0.82). Abdominal obesity was positively associated with falls requiring medical care (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.12–2.94) and falls with fractures (OR 2.75; 95% CI 1.18–6.44).

Conclusions

in older women, general obesity may protect from falls requiring medical care and falls with fractures. On the contrary, abdominal obesity increased the risk of suffering from types of falls.
Wide variation in the suboptimal distribution of photosynthetic capacity in relation to light across genotypes of wheat
Authors: Salter William T , Merchant Andrew , Trethowan Richard M , Richards Richard A , Buckley Thomas N
Published: August 2020

Suboptimal distribution of photosynthetic capacity in relation to light among leaves reduces potential whole-canopy photosynthesis. We quantified the degree of suboptimality in 160 genotypes of wheat by directly measuring photosynthetic capacity and daily irradiance in flag and penultimate leaves. Capacity per unit daily irradiance was systematically lower in flag than penultimate leaves in most genotypes, but the ratio (γ) of capacity per unit irradiance between flag and penultimate leaves varied widely across genotypes, from less than 0.5 to over 1.2. Variation in γ was most strongly associated with differences in photosynthetic capacity in penultimate leaves, rather than with flag leaf photosynthesis or canopy light penetration. Preliminary genome-wide association analysis identified nine strong marker-trait associations with this trait, which should be validated in future work in other environments and/or materials. Our modelling suggests canopy photosynthesis could be increased by up to 5 % under sunny conditions by harnessing this variation through selective breeding for increased γ.
Efficient and effective control of confounding in eQTL mapping studies through joint differential expression and Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Fan Yue , Zhu Huanhuan , Song Yanyi , Peng Qinke , Zhou Xiang
Published: August 2020

Motivation

Identifying cis-acting genetic variants associated with gene expression levels—an analysis commonly referred to as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) mapping—is an important first step toward understanding the genetic determinant of gene expression variation. Successful eQTL mapping requires effective control of confounding factors. A common method for confounding effects control in eQTL mapping studies is the probabilistic estimation of expression residual (PEER) analysis. PEER analysis extracts PEER factors to serve as surrogates for confounding factors, which is further included in the subsequent eQTL mapping analysis. However, it is computationally challenging to determine the optimal number of PEER factors used for eQTL mapping. In particular, the standard approach to determine the optimal number of PEER factors examines one number at a time and chooses a number that optimizes eQTLs discovery. Unfortunately, this standard approach involves multiple repetitive eQTL mapping procedures that are computationally expensive, restricting its use in large-scale eQTL mapping studies that being collected today.

Results

Here, we present a simple and computationally scalable alternative, Effect size Correlation for COnfounding determination (ECCO), to determine the optimal number of PEER factors used for eQTL mapping studies. Instead of performing repetitive eQTL mapping, ECCO jointly applies differential expression analysis and Mendelian randomization analysis, leading to substantial computational savings. In simulations and real data applications, we show that ECCO identifies a similar number of PEER factors required for eQTL mapping analysis as the standard approach but is two orders of magnitude faster. The computational scalability of ECCO allows for optimized eQTL discovery across 48 GTEx tissues for the first time, yielding an overall 5.89% power gain on the number of eQTL harboring genes (eGenes) discovered as compared to the previous GTEx recommendation that does not attempt to determine tissue-specific optimal number of PEER factors.

Availabilityand implementation

Our method is implemented in the ECCO software, which, along with its GTEx mapping results, is freely available at www.xzlab.org/software.html. All R scripts used in this study are also available at this site.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Zika virus in rhesus macaque semen and reproductive tract tissues: a pilot study of acute infection†
Authors: Schmidt Jenna K , Mean Katherine D , Puntney Riley C , Alexander Eric S , Sullivan Ruth , Simmons Heather A , Zeng Xiankun , Weiler Andrea M , Friedrich Thomas C , Golos Thaddeus G
Published: August 2020

Although sexual transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) is well-documented, the viral reservoir(s) in the male reproductive tract remains uncertain in humans and immune-intact animal models. We evaluated the presence of ZIKV in a rhesus macaque pilot study to determine persistence in semen, assess the impact of infection on sperm functional characteristics, and define the viral reservoir in the male reproductive tract. Five adult male rhesus monkeys were inoculated with 105 PFU of Asian-lineage ZIKV isolate PRVABC59, and two males were inoculated with the same dose of African-lineage ZIKV DAKAR41524. Viremia and viral RNA (vRNA) shedding in semen were monitored, and a cohort of animals were necropsied for tissue collection to assess tissue vRNA burden and histopathology. All animals exhibited viremia for limited periods (1–11 days); duration of shedding did not differ significantly between viral isolates. There were sporadic low levels of vRNA in the semen from some, but not all animals. Viral RNA levels in reproductive tract tissues were also modest and present in the epididymis in three of five cases, one case in the vas deferens, but not detected in testis, seminal vesicles or prostate. ZIKV infection did not impact semen motility parameters as assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Despite some evidence of prolonged ZIKV RNA shedding in human semen and high tropism of ZIKV for male reproductive tract tissues in mice deficient in Type 1 interferon signaling, in the rhesus macaques assessed in this pilot study, we did not consistently find ZIKV RNA in the male reproductive tract.
Brain TSPO-PET predicts later disease progression independent of relapses in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sucksdorff Marcus , Matilainen Markus , Tuisku Jouni , Polvinen Eero , Vuorimaa Anna , Rokka Johanna , Nylund Marjo , Rissanen Eero , Airas Laura
Published: August 2020

Overactivation of microglia is associated with most neurodegenerative diseases. In this study we examined whether PET-measurable innate immune cell activation predicts multiple sclerosis disease progression. Activation of microglia/macrophages was measured using the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO)-binding radioligand 11C-PK11195 and PET imaging in 69 patients with multiple sclerosis and 18 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Radioligand binding was evaluated as the distribution volume ratio from dynamic PET images. Conventional MRI and disability measurements using the Expanded Disability Status Scale were performed for patients at baseline and 4.1 ± 1.9 (mean ± standard deviation) years later. Fifty-one (74%) of the patients were free of relapses during the follow-up period. Patients had increased activation of innate immune cells in the normal-appearing white matter and in the thalamus compared to the healthy control group (P = 0.033 and P = 0.003, respectively, Wilcoxon). Forward-type stepwise logistic regression was used to assess the best variables predicting disease progression. Baseline innate immune cell activation in the normal-appearing white matter was a significant predictor of later progression when the entire multiple sclerosis cohort was assessed [odds ratio (OR) = 4.26; P = 0.048]. In the patient subgroup free of relapses there was an association between macrophage/microglia activation in the perilesional normal-appearing white matter and disease progression (OR = 4.57; P = 0.013). None of the conventional MRI parameters measured at baseline associated with later progression. Our results strongly suggest that innate immune cell activation contributes to the diffuse neural damage leading to multiple sclerosis disease progression independent of relapses.
Bullying and Cyberbullying among Students with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Feijóo Sandra , Foody Mairéad , Pichel Rafael , Zamora Laia , Rial Antonio
Published: August 2020

Bullying is a significant problem for young people nowadays, regardless of their identity, culture, or background. Although the scientific evidence warns of a greater impact of bullying on vulnerable groups such as cochlear implant (CI) users, few specific studies have been carried out in this regard. As such, the fundamental objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of both traditional bullying and cyberbullying among Spanish adolescents and young people with CI. Parents with children CI users were also invited to participate to explore their perspective concerning the victimization of their children. The information was collected using one survey for students aged 11–23 year (n = 102) and another for parents (n = 127). Beyond the frequency and types of bullying suffered or the methods used for coping with victimization, results also show lower rates of bullying when students were asked specifically with a single-item question than when applying multi-item questionnaires. The results are discussed in terms of the broader international bullying and victimization literature.
U-Shaped Relationship of Leukocyte Telomere Length With All-Cause and Cancer-Related Mortality in Older Men
Authors: Yeap Bu B , Hui Jennie , Knuiman Matthew W , Flicker Leon , Divitini Mark L , Arscott Gillian M , Twigg Stephen M , Almeida Osvaldo P , Hankey Graeme J , Golledge Jonathan , Norman Paul E , Beilby John P
Published: August 2020

Background

Telomeres are essential DNA–protein complexes whose attrition results in cellular dysfunction and senescence. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) correlates with tissue telomere length, representing a biomarker for biological age. However, its predictive value for mortality risk, and for cardiovascular versus cancer deaths, in older adults remains uncertain.

Method

We studied 3608 community-dwelling men aged 77.0 ± 3.6 years. Leukocyte telomere length was measured using multiplex quantitative PCR, expressed as amount of telomeric DNA relative to single-copy control gene (T/S ratio). Deaths from any cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer were ascertained using data linkage. Curve fitting used restricted cubic splines and Cox regression analyses adjusted for age, cardiometabolic risk factors, and prevalent disease.

Results

There was a U-shaped association of LTL with all-cause mortality. Men with T/S ratio in the middle quartiles had lower mortality (quartiles, Q2 vs Q1, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–0.97, p = .012; Q3 vs Q1 HR = 0.88, CI 0.79–0.99, p = .032). There was no association of LTL with CVD mortality. There was a U-shaped association of LTL with cancer mortality. Men with LTL in the middle quartiles had lower risk of cancer death (Q2 vs Q1, HR = 0.73, CI 0.59–0.90, p = .004; Q3 vs Q1, HR = 0.75, CI 0.61–0.92, p = .007).

Conclusions

In older men, both shorter and longer LTL are associated with all-cause mortality. A similar U-shaped association was seen with cancer deaths, with no association found for cardiovascular deaths. Further research is warranted to explore the prognostic utility of LTL in ageing.
Foetal virilisation caused by overproduction of non-aromatisable 11-oxygenated C19 steroids in maternal adrenal tumour
Authors: Nagasaki Keisuke , Takase Kaoru , Numakura Chikahiko , Homma Keiko , Hasegawa Tomonobu , Fukami Maki
Published: August 2020

It is widely believed that adrenal tumours and ovarian luteomas in pregnant women cause virilisation of female foetuses through overproduction of testosterone and/or androstenedione. However, this notion raises a fundamental question as to how these classic androgens pass through the placenta without being converted by aromatase into oestrogens. Here, we report a case of maternal adrenal tumour, in which overproduction of 11-oxygenated C19 steroids (11ox C19s), newly characterised non-aromatisable androgens in humans, caused foetal virilisation. The female proband presented with severely virilised external genitalia at birth. The mother exhibited hirsutism, hyperglycaemia and hypertension and was diagnosed as having adrenal tumour. The mother was subjected to comprehensive steroid measurement. Serum levels of 11ox C19s were markedly elevated. In contrast, testosterone and androstenedione levels remained within the normal range, and levels of most other steroids in the conventional and backdoor androgenic pathways were normal or only mildly elevated. After tumour removal, levels of 11ox C19s were markedly reduced. These results provide the first evidence that 11ox C19s can be synthesised in adrenal adenomas and, due to their non-aromatisable nature, can pass through the placental barrier to cause foetal virilisation. These findings highlight a unique pathogenic property of these newly specified androgens in humans.
Trade-offs in fishery management objectives when allowing catch limit carry-over between years
Authors: Wiedenmann John R , Holland Daniel S
Published: August 2020

Fisheries managed with explicit annual catch limits often have realized catches below the total allowable catch. Carry-over provisions allowing aggregate or individual carry-forward of catch underages are included in many fishery management systems, but the ramifications of these provisions on different fishery management objectives such as average catch, variability in catch, and probability and degree of overfishing are not well understood. We developed a management strategy evaluation simulation to explore performance of alternative carry-over policies assuming different life histories and under different causes of catch underages. We evaluated the impacts of the carry-overs across common management objectives to understand the trade-offs associated with different amounts of allowable carry-over. We find that carry-overs can increase yield to the fishery but can also increase the risks of overfishing, low stock biomass, low catch, and the interannual variability in catch. All of these risk measures increase with the amount of carry-over allowed in most cases, but for cases of low stock productivity or positively biased stock assessment estimates, larger carry-over allowances resulted in similar or lower yield compared to smaller allowances. The analysis suggests that some benefits of carry-over can be maintained and risks can be limited by restricting the maximum carry-over allowed.
A Non-commutative Fejér Theorem for Crossed Products, the Approximation Property, and Applications
Authors: Crann Jason , Neufang Matthias
Published: August 2020

We prove that a locally compact group has the approximation property (AP), introduced by Haagerup–Kraus [ 21], if and only if a non-commutative Fejér theorem holds for its associated $C^*$- or von Neumann crossed products. As applications, we answer three open problems in the literature. Specifically, we show that any locally compact group with the AP is exact. This generalizes a result by Haagerup–Kraus [ 21] and answers a problem raised by Li [ 27]. We also answer a question of Bédos–Conti [ 4] on the Fejér property of discrete $C^*$-dynamical systems, as well as a question by Anoussis–Katavolos–Todorov [ 3] for all locally compact groups with the AP. In our approach, we develop a notion of Fubini crossed product for locally compact groups and a dynamical version of the slice map property.