bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of the coefficient of rolling friction of a hollow
cylinder rolling on a curved track using a smartphone’s
sensors
Authors: Laotreephet Pimpakarn , Khemmani Supitch , Puttharugsa Chokchai
Published: August 2020

This paper demonstrated a simple experiment for determining the coefficient of
rolling friction of a hollow cylinder rolling on a curved track using a
smartphone’s sensors. We studied theoretically and experimentally the
rolling motion of a hollow cylinder uncovered and covered with various materials
(synthetic leather and sponge sheets). The smartphone (iPhone 4s) was attached
to the end of the hollow cylinder for recording the angular position and angular
velocity via the Rolling Cylinder application. The results showed that the
coefficient of rolling friction depends on the velocity of the hollow cylinder.
We expect that the experiment can be an alternative method for determining the
coefficient of rolling friction and will help students better understand rolling
motion.
Anatomically-adaptive multi-modal image registration for image-guided external-beam radiotherapy
Authors: Zachiu C , Denis de Senneville B , Willigenburg T , Voort van Zyp J R N , de Boer J C J , Raaymakers B W , Ries M
Published: August 2020

Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) allows observation of the location and shape of the tumor and organs-at-risk (OAR) over the course of a radiation cancer treatment. Such information may in turn be used for reducing geometric uncertainties during therapeutic planning, dose delivery and response assessment. However, given the multiple imaging modalities and/or contrasts potentially included within the imaging protocol over the course of the treatment, the current manual approach to determining tissue displacement may become time-consuming and error prone. In this context, variational multi-modal deformable image registration (DIR) algorithms allow automatic estimation of tumor and OAR deformations across the acquired images. In addition, they require short computational times and a low number of input parameters, which is particularly beneficial for online adaptive applications, which require on-the-fly adaptions with the patient on the treatment table.

However, the majority of such DIR algorithms assume that all structures across the entire field-of-view (FOV) undergo a similar deformation pattern. Given that various anatomical structures may behave considerably different, this may lead to the estimation of anatomically implausible deformations at some locations, thus limiting their validity. Therefore, in this paper we propose an anatomically-adaptive variational multi-modal DIR algorithm, which employs a regionalized registration model in accordance with the local underlying anatomy. The algorithm was compared against two existing methods which employ global assumptions on the estimated deformations patterns.

Compared to the existing approaches, the proposed method has demonstrated an improved anatomical plausibility of the estimated deformations over the entire FOV as well as displaying overall higher accuracy. Moreover, despite the more complex registration model, the proposed approach is very fast and thus suitable for online scenarios. Therefore, future adaptive IGRT workflows may benefit from an anatomically-adaptive registration model for precise contour propagation and dose accumulation, in areas showcasing considerable variations in anatomical properties.
Decreased low-frequency brain effective connectivity in seafarers during voyages: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Bu Lingguo , Xu Ning , Wang Yonghui , Liu Heshan
Published: August 2020

Objective: During voyages, seafarers experience psychological problems that act to decrease operational safety. Psychological problems in seafarers can lead to changes in functional brain networks. This study investigated the low-frequency brain effective connectivity (EC) in seafarers during voyages by using the coupling strength (CS) of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) imaging. Approach: This study recruited 15 seafarers (seafarer group) working on a container ship and 15 healthy age-matched controls (control group). The EC was assessed using dynamic Bayesian inference (DBI) of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration (delta HbO2) as measured through a 14-channel fNIRS system. These channels covered the left and right prefrontal cortices (LPFC/RPFC), left and right motor cortices (LMC/RMC), and left and right occipital lobes (LOL/ROL). Main results: The EC levels of LPFC to RMC (F = 4.239, p = 0.049), LPFC to ROL (F = 5.385, p = 0.028), LOL to RPFC (F = 11.128, p = 0.002), ROL to RPFC (F = 10.714, p = 0.003) and LMC to ROL (F= 6.136, p = 0.02) were significantly lower in the seafarer group than in the control group. Correlation analysis revealed that the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores were positively correlated with the systolic blood pressure (SBP) values, delta HbO2 values and EC levels, respectively. Meanwhile, the correlation analysis revealed that the SBP values significantly positively correlated with the CS values. Significance: Decreased EC levels may be a marker of psychological subhealth in seafarers. The approach combines fNIRS and PHQ-9 scores, providing a quantitative method for the assessment of mental health problems and further help with better rehabilitation designs in seafarers during voyages.
Learning how structures form in drift-wave turbulence
Authors: Heinonen R A , Diamond P H
Published: August 2020

Drift-wave turbulence produces anomalous transport via cross-correlations between fluctuations. This transport has profound implications for confinement, structure formation, and virtually all aspects of the non-linear turbulent dynamics. In this work, we use a data-driven method based on deep learning in order to study turbulent transport in the 2D Hasegawa–Wakatani system and infer a reduced mean-field model from numerical solution. In addition to the usual turbulent diffusion, we find an effect which couples the particle flux to the local gradient of vorticity, which tends to modulate the density profile. The direct coupling to the shear is relatively weak. In addition, the deep learning method finds a model for spontaneous zonal flow generation by negative viscosity, stabilized by non-linear and hyperviscous terms. We compare these results to analytic calculations using quasilinear theory and wave kinetics, finding qualitative agreement, though the calculations miss certain higher-order effects. A simplified, 1-D model for the evolution of the profile, flow, and intensity based on the deep learning results is solved numerically and compared to previous models for staircasing based on bistability. We see that the physics uncovered by the deep learning method provided simple explanations for the formation of zonal structures in the density, flow, and turbulence fields. We highlight the important role of symmetry in the deep learning method and speculate on the portability of the method to other applications.
Vibrational quenching by water in a CO2 glow discharge measured using quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Damen M A , Martini L M , Engeln R
Published: August 2020

In situ quantum cascade laser (QCL) absorption spectroscopy is used to investigate the effect of admixed water in a pulsed CO2 glow discharge on the vibrational excitation of CO2 and CO and the conversion of CO2. Time-resolved transmittance spectra of the non-equilibrium CO2 plasma are measured with a 100 μs time resolution. A custom fitting routine is used to extract the time evolution of the gas temperature, rotational temperature and vibrational temperatures of CO2 and CO, while the CO2 conversion is determined from measured CO2 and CO number densities. Rotational Raman scattering is additionally performed in the centre of the reactor to verify measured rotational and vibrational temperatures from line-of-sight absorption spectroscopy. The plasma is operated at 6.7 mbar, with up to 10% water admixed, and is pulsed with a 5–10 ms on-off cycle, with a current of 50 mA supplied during the plasma on-time. Vibrational temperatures and CO2 conversion are not significantly affected by water admixtures below 0.5%. However, the asymmetric stretch temperature of CO2 (T
3) shows considerable quenching upon admixing 10% water vapour, with the maximum elevation above the rotational temperature (T
rot) decreasing from 580 ± 86 K to 230 ± 63 K. For the vibrational temperature of CO (T
CO), a similar trend is measured. However, the slopes of T
3 and T
CO within the first few hundred μs after the start of the plasma remain unchanged, even when admixing 10% water vapour, suggesting equal excitation of the vibrational modes through e–V and V–V interactions. The conversion decreases by almost a factor of 4 when admixing 10% water. We argue that vibrational quenching of CO2 by water can explain part of the decrease. Changes in electron density and temperature and reactions between CO and OH can also play a role.
Organic photodiodes for near-infrared light detection
Authors: Qin Mingcong , Li Qingyuan , Guo Yunlong , Liu Yunqi
Published: August 2020

High-sensitivity near-infrared organic photodetectors (NIR OPDs) have bright application prospects in the fields of optical communication, surveillance, chemical/biological detection and so on. In this review, we summarize recent works on NIR organic photodiodes and detail four main strategies: binary bulk heterojunctions (BHJs) with fullerene derivatives, binary BHJs with non-fullerene acceptors, ternary BHJs and a special kind of OPDs—visible blind NIR selective OPDs. Finally, based on the current development and challenges, we put forward the perspectives in this field.
Nanostructural evolution of intermediate grown superconducting joint layers between GdBa2Cu3Oy coated conductors
Authors: Kato Takeharu , Yoshida Ryuji , Yokoe Daisaku , Ohki Kotaro , Nagaishi Tatsuoki , Yanagisawa Yoshinori , Hirayama Tsukasa , Ikuhara Yuichi , Maeda Hideaki
Published: August 2020

We have fabricated GdBa2Cu3Oy (GdBCO) jointed coated conductors (CCs) using a method in which intermediate grown superconductive (iGS) layers of (Y,Gd)Ba2Cu3Oy ((Y,Gd)BCO) are formed from an YBa2Cu3Oy precursor material to investigate their growth mechanism in the superconducting joint. We characterized the nanostructural evolution of the iGS layers by in-plane x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The iGS layers contained Gd elements and were mainly composed of (Y,Gd)BCO grains. The c-axis oriented (Y,Gd)BCO grains nucleated on the GdBCO layers of both a joining strap and a CC. The thickness of the c-axis oriented (Y,Gd)BCO grains grew with time during the joining process at 800 °C, and finally both of the GdBCO layers were jointed together by the c-axis oriented (Y,Gd)BCO grains, resulting in a well-defined superconducting joint.
Quantifying coherence of quantum measurements
Authors: Baek Kyunghyun , Sohbi Adel , Lee Jaehak , Kim Jaewan , Nha Hyunchul
Published: August 2020

In this work we investigate how to quantify the coherence of quantum measurements. First, we establish a resource theoretical framework to address the coherence of measurement and show that any statistical distance can be adopted to define a coherence monotone of measurement. For instance, the relative entropy fulfills all the required properties as a proper monotone. We specifically introduce a coherence monotone of measurement in terms of off-diagonal elements of positive-operator-valued measure components. This quantification provides a lower bound on the robustness of measurement-coherence that has an operational meaning as the maximal advantage over all incoherent measurements in state discrimination tasks. Finally, we propose an experimental scheme to assess our quantification of measurement-coherence and demonstrate it by performing an experiment using a single qubit on IBM Q processor.
Cabya (Piper retrofractum Vahl) fruit under open sun drying: drying behavior and modeling of thin layer drying kinetics
Authors: Hawa L C , Ubaidillah Ubaidillah , Afifah F N , Yosika N I W , Nurlaily A , Maharani D M
Published: August 2020

Cabya (Piper retrofractum Vahl) fruit is one of Piper species, which indigenously grown in East Java Province, Indonesia, has huge utilizations but lacks postharvest processing investigation. The present study aimed to quantify moisture removal characteristic as well as to determine thin layer drying kinetics model, which represent the drying behavior of cabya fruit under open sun drying. The effect of blanching pre-treatment on the drying behavior of cabya fruit was also evaluated. The cabya fruit at the red edible maturity stage with 68.57±2.20% (wb) of average moisture content were used as raw material. The moisture content, drying rate, and moisture ratio during drying (18 and 24 h in three and four days) were measured and calculated. The calculated moisture ratio data were fitted to the twelve commonly used thin drying kinetics models. The results indicated that blanching pre-treatment affected greatly on drying behavior, i.e., final moisture content, drying rate, and drying kinetics. From all twelve drying kinetics models investigated, Midilli et al. model is found as the best one to depict cabya fruit drying kinetics in both blanching treated and untreated, based on its coefficient of correlation (R), root mean square error (RMSE) and reduced chi-square (χ
2).
Drying kinetics and anticoagulant activity of microwave-vacuum, dehumidified-air and freeze-dried african night crawler (Eudrilus eugeniae kinberg)
Authors: Fortu A F , Lozada E P , Peralta E K , Yaptenco K F , Suministrado D C
Published: August 2020

In this study, the drying kinetics and anticoagulant activity of dried earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae were compared using microwave-vacuum, dehumidified-air, and freeze-drying. Data showed that microwave-vacuum and dehumidified-air drying methods have relatively short drying time, higher drying rate, and have low operational cost compared with freeze-drying. The Two-term, Midilli, and Diffusion models fit the best in describing drying kinetics under microwave-vacuum, dehumidified-air, and freeze-drying, respectively. The water activity of the dried sample was in the acceptable value for safe storage through the dehumidified-air dried sample was in the critical range. Proximate analysis showed that dried earthworms have high protein content ranging from 60 to 70 percent of its total dry weight. The anticoagulant assay showed that fresh earthworm is potent as heparin showing no coagulation. Microwave-vacuum dried earthworm exhibited the strongest anticoagulant activity compared with other drying methods though weaker than the fresh sample. This study suggests that earthworms have anticoagulant activity, and microwave-vacuum and dehumidified-air drying could be an alternative method for drying the heat-sensitive sample.
Non-destructive determination of the main chemical components of red dragon fruit peel flour by using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS)
Authors: Hotmaida Y , Sutrisno
Published: August 2020

Red dragon fruit peel is still not optimally utilized and only becomes waste. According to previous research, it is known that red dragon fruit peel contains 72.1% carbohydrate, 0.7% fat, 3.2% protein, and 46.7% food fiber and contains betacyanin of 186.90 mg / 100g dry weight and 53.71% antioxidant. One of the solutions to use red dragon fruit peel is to process it into flour. The accurate and efficient determination of the chemical content of red dragon fruit peel flour can be realized through the development of the Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) technology. The sample that used was made directly from the waste of red dragon fruit peel with a process of flouring, then measured the spectra with NIRS and the chemical content of the sample destructively. The reflectance spectra as output were transformed into absorbance spectra. Data calibration uses a partial least squares (PLS) method with several variations in the number of factors and pretreatment data in the form of normalization and smoothing Savitzky-Golay smoothing (SGs), resulting in the best calibration regression model in estimating water, ash, carbohydrate, and protein content. In contrast, the estimation of fat cannot be done non-destructively by using the NIRS method.
Extraction and characteristic of Dioscorea alata mucilage
Authors: Fortuna D , Mardjan S S , Sunarti T C , Darmawati E , Widayati S M , Purwanti N
Published: August 2020

Dioscorea alata (DA) mucilage is classified as water-soluble polysaccharides, which has potential as a source of hydrocolloid. This research was conducted to investigate effects of salt types on water to tuber ratio to produce the most optimal mucilage yield. This research was conducted using Completely Randomized Factorial Design 3 x 5. The DA mucilage was extracted using two factors, i.e., types of salt (without salt, sodium chloride, and calcium chloride) and water to tuber ratios (2:1, 4:1, 6:1, 8:1, and 10:1). The results showed that the types of salt significantly affect (P<0.05) on starch content, but did not have a significant effect on mucilage yield and water content of the mucilage. The water to tuber ratios significantly affected (p<0.05) the mucilage yield and starch content of the mucilage, however it did not affect the water content. Addition of calcium chloride when water to tuber ratio was 4:1 was recommended to produce the optimal mucilage yield (1.58%) with relatively low starch content (7.86%).
The effect of degreening on antioxidants of tangerine cv. Batu-55
Authors: Kailaku S I , Nurjanah R , Jamal I B , Broto W
Published: August 2020

Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture has selected several superior citrus cultivars to be widely cultivated, one of which is tangerine cv. Batu-55 (Citrus reticulata). The shortcoming of this cultivar is its green colour when harvested, causing low attraction and selling price. Degreening is a common method practiced by farmers and traders to promote colour development in citrus. However, concerns on the effect of degreening methods on the internal quality of the fruit had arisen. The objective of this research was to study the effect of degreening treatment on the antioxidants of tangerine cv. Batu-55. Completely Randomized Design was applied with ethylene concentration (0, 1, 3, 5 ppm) and the temperature of storage rooms (ambient, air-conditioned) as factors. Ethylene exposure was applied for 24 hours. The parameters observed were vitamin C, flavonoid and phenol contents, total acid, and total soluble solid. The results showed that storage temperature gave more influence on vitamin C, flavonoid contents, total acid, and total soluble solid compared to the concentration of ethylene gas. There were no significant differences in the total soluble solid, total acid, vitamin C, and flavonoids content between samples with and without degreening treatment. This result suggested that degreening treatment would not negatively affect the internal quality of this particular cultivar of tangerine.
Prediction of Piperine content in white pepper by NIR spectroscopy using Partial Least Square (PLS) method
Authors: Athfiyah S N , Budiastra I W , Sutrisno  , Purwanto Y A
Published: August 2020

Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is one of the prime spices and has great potential in improving the Indonesian economy. Pepper has an identity compound that has a spicy and savory taste that is piperine. Piperine is usually measured using a chemical method, which is time-consuming and rather high cost. So in this study, a faster method using NIRS is assessed to predict the piperine content of white pepper. Fifty samples of white pepper powder (30 grams each) were prepared for the reflectance and piperine measurements. The reflectance of samples were measured by FT-NIR spectrometers at wavelengths of 1000-1500 nm, and the piperine content of samples was determined by the chemical method. For the data processing, the NIR spectra were processed by several NIR data pretreatments to improve the accuracy of prediction, and the piperine content was calibrated by using the PLS method. The results of this study showed that the piperine content of white pepper powder could be predicted well using 7 factors of PLS without NIR data pretreatment with the statistical evaluation values of r(0.91), CV(4.68%), RPD(1.67), and consistency(80%).
Effect of storage temperature and ultrafine bubbles water treatment on the breaking dormancy of garlic bulb
Authors: Shandra R.C. , Purwanto Y.A. , Sobir  , Sulassih  , Naibaho N. , Nurmalia  , Saputra M.I.
Published: August 2020

Seed dormancy is a physiological phenomenon in plants, it allows us to overcome periods that are unfavorable for seedling established. Several processes are known to be involved in the induction of dormancy and the switch from dormant to germinating state. Garlic bulb has a dormancy period of more than 3 months. Understanding seed dormancy and breaking dormancy is important in the cultivation process of garlic. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of storage temperature and ultrafine bubbles (UFBs) water on the breaking dormancy of garlic. Storage temperature was set at 5°C, 15°C and room temperature (29±2°C). Soaking treatments were carried using distilled water, UFBs water with dissolved oxygen 8 ppm and 20 ppm for 24 h and the control was carried without soaking treatment. After being soaked, the sample of garlic was placed at room temperature (29±2°C). The result shows that the highest percentage of sprouting 55.85% was observed for that garlic stored at 15°C using UFBs 8 ppm soaking treatment after placed at room temperature (29±2°C) during 2 weeks. This result indicates that UFBs water has an effect on enhancing the breaking dormancy of garlic bulbs.
Application of Rice Husk Silicate Extract to Increment Growth of Indoor Hydroponic Lettuce
Authors: Frasetya B , Rahmatullah P , Subandi M
Published: August 2020

The utilization of backyard or front yard for the cultivation of lettuce under hydroponics system is faced with a limited sunlight duration obtained by plants due to the shadow of buildings and other city infrastructure. This research aimed to overcome the limited sunlight by supporting various concentrations of rice husk extract. The experimental research method was used by a complete randomized design consisted of four treatments: A = without the application of silica extract, B = 10%, C = 20% and D = 30% silica extract of rice husk. Each treatment was repeated six times so that there were 24 experimental units obtained. The parameters measured were the main parameters (plant height, number of leaves, plant fresh weight) and secondary parameters (room temperature, room humidity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nutrient volume). The data were then analyzed by variance analysis at 5% significant level and Duncan multiple range test at 5% significant level. The results showed that the application of rice husk silica extract 10-30% concentration was not significantly different compared to without the application of rice husk silica extract. The application of rice husk silica extract has not been able to increase the growth of lettuce in conditions of light intensity lower than 4,500 lx.
Design of Automatic Spraying System for Liquid Pesticide Application on Cabbage Cultivation
Authors: Mustafid M A , Subrata I D M , Pramuhadi G
Published: August 2020

This research was conducted to analyze the performance of Knapsack Electric Sprayer (KES) compared with KES that controlled by an Automatic Control System (ACS). KES that is modified with ACS using Arduino Mega as the main controller equipped with a pressure sensor, solenoid valve, and PID control on the control system is able to produce almost constant flow pressure. The ACS was applied using a one-by-one spraying method toward cabbage plants. The performance test was conducted in Sprayer Test Laboratory to analyze two types of nozzles and determine Effective Spraying Debit (ESD), Effective Spraying Width (ESW), and droplet diameters. The results of the research showed that the performance of a 3-hole solid cone nozzle is better than a 4-hole solid cone nozzle at 4 bar pressure. Spraying with ACS using the 3-hole nozzle can produce 95% accuracy of spraying output volume. Using ACS, spray duration on each cabbage was controlled by the system based on input. The ACS type can be applied with high Forward Spraying Speed (FSS) than the sprayer without ACS. The FSS did not affect the output Application Dosage using ACS on the sprayer. The implementation of ACS for spraying cabbage can overcome inappropriate output application dosage.
Design and performance of ohmic-based fermentor model for controlling fermentation process
Authors: Sagita D , Darmajana D A , Hidayat D D , Novrinaldi  , Sitorus A
Published: August 2020

Traditional fermentation process usually takes a long time and hard to achieve and maintain the optimum temperatures condition. The controlled fermentation process can be done using a fermentor for conditioning the temperature at the beginning of the process as bacteria and yeast can develop optimally at certain temperatures. However, traditional heaters that utilize heat transfer by conduction and convection have not been able to homogenize the temperature of products so that the fermentation process is not well controlled. Heating technology that has great potential to produce fast and uniform heating is by using ohmic technology. This research aims to design and to conduct a test of ohmic-based fermentor model. Methods used in this study were a functional and structural analysis of fermentor design and performance test of the fermentor model. The test was conducted using two materials as the heated product (0.02 M NaCl solution as a liquid product and soybean as a non-liquid product) with three variations of voltage treatment (110, 165, and 220 V). Design of the ohmic-based fermentor model had been constructed and tested. Analysis of alternative methods, types, and ohmic fermentor material has been carried out as a reference in designing. Test results showed that the fermentor had been proven to be able to maintain, control, and monitor the temperature in the reactor in real-time. The energy efficiency achieved a high value of 81.96% up to 86.29%. The temperature distribution in the fermentor was also determined uniform for both liquid and non-liquid products with the average value of 40.01±0.16°C (the reference temperature is 40°C). It was indicated that the fermentor model can be used for further fermentation test using various products.
RGB-D sensor application for static anthropometry measurement
Authors: Jamil A , Herodian S , Saulia L
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to apply the RGB-D sensor for other alternative static anthropometric measurements. The RGB-D sensor that was used is Kinect Xbox 360 from Microsoft. The study was conducted by running the RGB-D sensor activation program so that it can detect static anthropometric measurements which include height, sitting height, leg length, knee length, hand length, forearm length, shoulder width and hip width. After the system run, the sensor captured objects that can be detected and then become input from the program and produce RGB data and depth (depth) and then processed again to get skeletal tracking. Skeletal tracking obtained if the sensor detects human presence. From the results of this skeletal tracking, the program can produce length data from each body part measured. Information processing results shown on the monitor screen in the form of units of length in centimeters (cm). The research results showed that from 110 anthropometric data that have been taken with this measurement system, the system showed the total absolute absolute error of 2.71%. Error for each antropometry measurement are height 2.53%, knee length 2.94%, foot length 2.97%, shoulder width 2.47%, hand length 2.16%, arm length 2.46%, hip width 2.67%, and sitting height 3.45%. From the results of regression analysis, the average correlation value between the actual value and the system value are 0.91 so that the results of the sensor measurements can be accepted. Can be concluded that the use of the Kinect sensor for anthropometric measurements can be used for anthropometric measurements.
Mist blower performance for liquid fertilizing on eggplant vertical culture cultivation system
Authors: Pramuhadi G , Sidik AJ
Published: August 2020

The objective of the research was to test the performance of two types of knapsack mist blowers for liquid fertilizing on eggplant vertical culture cultivation system. The research was conducted from March to June 2019 at the Sprayer Laboratory, Leuwikopo, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, to determine parameters of droplet diameter, droplet density, effective spraying width, and effective spraying debit. The research was also conducted on the field of Siswadhi Soepardjo Field Laboratory, Leuwikopo, to determine the harvested weight of eggplants. Spraying tools and material were knapsack mist blower type A (Shandong 3WF-3), knapsack mist blower type B (Tasco MD-160), and liquid fertilizer. Results of the research showed that mist blower type A had less wind speed and more nozzle vanes number than mist blower type B so that it influenced their liquid fertilizing performances. Mist blower type A produced smaller or finer droplet diameter, larger droplet density, and smaller effective spraying debit than mist blower type B, whereas mist blower type B produced larger effective spraying width than mist blower type A. Mist blower type A and type B produced droplet diameter, droplet density, effective spraying width, and effective spraying debit were 301.51 micronmeter, 64.63 droplet cm−2, 64 cm, and 2.37 liter min−1, and 331.12 micrometer, 181.28 droplet cm−2, 72 cm, and 3 liter min−1 in average respectively. Mist blower type A has produced maximum harvested eggplants weight of 96.22 g/fruit on average on the optimum walking speed of 0.92 m/s with 2 liter ha−1 liquid fertilizer dosage. Mist blower type B has produced maximum harvested eggplants weight of 61.66 g/fruit on average on the optimum walking speed of 1 m s−1 with 2 liter ha−1 liquid fertilizer dosage.
Design and performance test of drum kiln for durian peel carbonization
Authors: Agustina S. Endah , Firmansyah
Published: August 2020

Durian is one of famous fruit in several places in Indonesia. Only about 20 % of durian fruit is utilized or consumed. The huge amount of waste, especially durian peel, still un-utilized and potential causing some environmental problems. Based on the composition of durian peel, carbonization is one of the best process to utilize durian peel to produce bio-charcoal. The research aims to design a specific kiln for durian peel carbonization and conducting performance test of the kiln. The kiln has been designed as drum type, by using used oil drum as main raw material of the kiln, so it will be easy to find even in the village area and relatively cheaper and easier on kiln fabrication. The performance test shows that the kiln capacity is around 10 kg durian peel. The best performance was achieved in the second test, which produce yield 25% of good quality bio-charcoal in 75 minutes process at temperature range of 326 – 359 °C. The charcoal has LHV (low heating value) of 6347 kCal/kg at water content of 4.66% wet basis, which is compatible to Indonesian National Standard (SNI) quality. Based on the performance investigation, the kiln design should be improved to avoid some weakness performance such as smoke flow and duration time of carbonization.
A preliminary study of common defects of photovoltaic modules in West Timor, Indonesia
Authors: Tanesab Julius A. , Amheka Adrianus , Sinaga Rusman , Mauta James J. , Hattu Edwin
Published: August 2020

Photovoltaic (PV) modules deployed outdoor are exposed to various environmental conditions which can contribute to degrade their power output. Visual inspection is well known as an initial method commonly applied to assess degradation modes of PV modules. By applying the method, it was found that the modules installed on eight off-grid solar power systems in West Timor, Indonesia experienced several degradation modes such as delamination, discoloration, snail trails, microcracks, corrosion, and soiling. These types of degradation are likely attributed to the high temperature, humidity, and salinity level in the region. The degraded panels are still operating to provide electricity for the community in these areas. However, it can be predicted that the energy produced is not optimal as healthy PV modules. Further research needs to be carried out to assess relationship of the degradation modes and their effect to the value of electrical parameters of the modules.
Thermal efficiency analysis of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) System from low-grade heat resources using various working fluids based on simulation
Authors: Hartulistiyoso E , Sucahyo L. , Yulianto M. , Sipahutar M.
Published: August 2020

Thermal Efficiency of Organic Rankin Cycle (ORC) Power Plant System from low-grade heat resources using various working fluids has been analyzed based on the simulation. Four working fluids, namely R-134a, R-32, R-407A, and R-422C were selected on the simulated ORC system to determine its thermal efficiency in some temperature set up of evaporator and condenser. The working fluids are simulated with mass flow rate of 0.15 kg/s at evaporator exit temperature of 75°C, 80°C, and 85°C and at condenser exit temperature of 20°C to 50°C at each 5°C temperature difference. Fluid properties in these conditions are analyzed with REFPROP software then become data input for Cycle Tempo simulation. The thermal efficiency values of each temperature and refrigerant variation are then analyzed to obtain optimum value and variation for the simulated ORC system. The efficiency was obtained at the evaporator exit temperature of 75°C and condenser exit temperature of 45°C. ORC simulation revealed that the optimum and realistic working fluid was R-32 with thermal efficiency of 7.03 %.
SRI (Rice Intensification System) water management of rice productivity
Authors: Agustina H , Setiawan BI , Solahuddin M , Sugiyanta
Published: August 2020

Rice crop production in the field is influenced by water availability, nutrients, and rice seedlings. The application of the SRI (System of Rice Intensification) method is a method of rice cultivation that is water-efficient and can provide optimal rice crop yields. Various irrigation systems have been applied to regulate water in rice plants in SRI cultivation with varying yields. It shows that water management in the SRI method determines the production yield. The purpose of this study was to assess water management in SRI rice cultivation with varying availability of water and nutrients (the size of the growing media volume varies). The method used polynomial regression statistics on high variables, and the number of tillers was also descriptive methods on other parameters. The observations showed that irrigation management and media size affected production yields on SRI method of rice cultivation.
Strategic management in the business of agricultural equipment and machinery services in Bandung, West Java
Authors: Wardani I K , Erniati
Published: August 2020

The interest of young people to be a farmer is low. It could become a threat to the sustainability of agriculture in Indonesia. As an effort to prevent that conditions, The Ministry of the Agriculture Republic of Indonesia issued a policy on grant equipment and machinery for farmers. As a requirement, they must be incorporated in Agricultural Equipment and Machinery Services. It shows that Agricultural Equipment And Machinery Services is the spearhead in the successes of those programs. This study aims to measure the performance as a base to determine the strategies management on Agricultural Equipment And Machinery Services. The research analysis uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to build mathematical models that show the relationship between variable research: economic (EKO), organizational (ORG), and technical (TKS). Mathematical model analysis on this research are TKS = 0.99*ORG (t-test: 4.96) and EKO = 0.61*TKS (t-test : 2.79). The goodness of fit test index shows that the model criteria are classified into moderate until a good fit. Therefore, the model can be used to rank each indicator’s influence. SWOT analysis results show that Agricultural Equipment and Machinery Services performance on quadrant three. The main strategies take advantage of the opportunity by optimizing strength. It can be concluded that the strategies are developing human capital, building a knowledge management system, and developing a website or android to expand disseminating business information.
Effect of coating few-layer WS2 on the Raman spectra and whispering gallery modes of a microbottle resonator
Authors: Bhattacharya Shubhayan , Veluthandath Aneesh V , Huang C C , Murugan Ganapathy Senthil , Bisht Prem B
Published: August 2020

Multi-layered tungsten disulfide (WS2) coated silicon/silica (Si/SiO2) substrate and SiO2 micro-bottle resonators (MBRs) have been prepared by van der Waals epitaxy method. Raman spectra of WS2-coated MBR show that the out-of-plane Raman mode is sensitive to the polarization of the excitation laser. The quality factor (Q) values of the whispering gallery modes (WGMs) in the transmission spectrum of an MBR decrease by 2 orders of magnitude on coating with WS2. On coating, a cleaner spectrum is obtained along with a concomitant effect of decrease in the number of lossy modes. Fano resonances as well as Autler-Townes splitting (ATS) was observed for the WGMs in the cleaned transmission spectrum. From the simulations it has been verified that the scattered electric field of the WS2 flakes contributes to the observation of the Fano resonances and ATS in the coated MBR spectra.
MNIST-MIX: a multi-language handwritten digit recognition dataset
Authors: Jiang Weiwei
Published: August 2020

In this note, we contribute a multi-language handwritten digit recognition dataset named MNIST-MIX, which is the largest dataset of the same type in terms of both languages and data samples. With the same data format with MNIST, MNIST-MIX can be seamlessly applied in existing studies for handwritten digit recognition. By introducing digits from 10 different languages, MNIST-MIX becomes a more challenging dataset and its imbalanced classification requires a better design of models. We also present the results of applying a LeNet model which is pre-trained on MNIST as the baseline.
Shorter Granulocyte Telomeres Among Children and Adolescents With Perinatally Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Chronic Lung Disease in Zimbabwe
Authors: Ajaykumar Abhinav , Wong Glenn C , Yindom Louis-Marie , McHugh Grace , Dauya Ethel , Majonga Edith , Mujuru Hilda , Ferrand Rashida A , Rowland-Jones Sarah L , Côté Hélène C F
Published: August 2020

Background

Chronic lung disease (CLD) has been reported among African children with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (C-PHIV), despite combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). In adults, shorter telomere length (TL) has been reported in association with both CLD and HIV. As little is known in children, our objective was to compare TL in HIV-positive (cART-naive or -treated) and HIV-negative children with and without CLD.

Methods

Participants included Zimbabwean C-PHIV, aged 6–16, who were either newly diagnosed and cART-naive, or on cART for >6 months, and HIV-negative controls of similar age and sex. Packed blood cell (granulocyte) TLs from 621 children were compared cross-sectionally between groups. For a subset of newly diagnosed C-PHIV, changes in TL following cART initiation were evaluated.

Results

C-PHIV had shorter granulocyte TL compared with uninfected peers, regardless of cART. Among 255 C-PHIV without CLD, TL was shorter in cART-naive participants. In multivariable analyses adjusted for age, sex, CLD, and HIV/cART status, shorter TL was independently associated with older age, being HIV positive, and having reduced forced vital capacity (FVC). Last, cART initiation increased TL.

Conclusions

In this cohort, C-PHIV and those with reduced FVC have shorter granulocyte TL, possibly the result of increased immune activation and cellular turnover due to longstanding HIV infection with delayed cART initiation.
A Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Prediction Model From Standard Laboratory Tests
Authors: Bayat Vafa , Phelps Steven , Ryono Russell , Lee Chong , Parekh Hemal , Mewton Joel , Sedghi Farshid , Etminani Payam , Holodniy Mark
Published: August 2020

Background

With the limited availability of testing for the presence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus and concerns surrounding the accuracy of existing methods, other means of identifying patients are urgently needed. Previous studies showing a correlation between certain laboratory tests and diagnosis suggest an alternative method based on an ensemble of tests.

Methods

We have trained a machine learning model to analyze the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 test results and 20 routine laboratory tests collected within a 2-day period around the SARS-CoV-2 test date. We used the model to compare SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative patients.

Results

In a cohort of 75 991 veteran inpatients and outpatients who tested for SARS-CoV-2 in the months of March through July 2020, 7335 of whom were positive by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or antigen testing, and who had at least 15 of 20 lab results within the window period, our model predicted the results of the SARS-CoV-2 test with a specificity of 86.8%, a sensitivity of 82.4%, and an overall accuracy of 86.4% (with a 95% confidence interval of [86.0%, 86.9%]).

Conclusions

Although molecular-based and antibody tests remain the reference standard method for confirming a SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, their clinical sensitivity is not well known. The model described herein may provide a complementary method of determining SARS-CoV-2 infection status, based on a fully independent set of indicators, that can help confirm results from other tests as well as identify positive cases missed by molecular testing.
Early life factors are associated with risk for eosinophilic esophagitis diagnosed in adulthood
Authors: Dellon Evan S , Shaheen Olivia , Koutlas Nathaniel T , Chang Audrey O , Martin Lisa J , Rothenberg Marc E , Jensen Elizabeth T
Published: August 2020

Early life exposures have been associated with pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), but it is unknown if a similar association is present in adults. We aimed to assess the association between early life risk factors and development of EoE in adulthood. To do this, we conducted a case–control study which was nested within a prospective cohort study of adults undergoing outpatient endoscopy. Cases of EoE were diagnosed per consensus guidelines; controls did not meet these criteria. Subjects and their mothers were contacted to collect information on four key early life exposures: antibiotics taken during the first year of life, Cesarean delivery, preterm delivery (≤37 weeks’ gestation), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. We calculated the odds of EoE given in each exposure and assessed agreement between subjects and their mothers. For the 40 cases and 40 controls enrolled, we observed a positive association between each of the early life exposures and development of EoE (antibiotics in infancy, OR = 4.64, 95% CI = 1.63–13.2; Cesarean delivery, OR = 3.08, 95% CI = 0.75–12.6; preterm delivery, OR = 2.92, 95% CI = 0.71–12.0; NICU admission, OR = 4.00, 95% CI = 1.01–15.9). Results were unchanged after adjusting for potential confounders, though only early antibiotic use had CIs that did not cross 1.0. Moderate to strong agreement was observed between 54 subject–mother pairs (antibiotics, K = 0.44, P = 0.02; Cesarean delivery, K = 1.0, P < 0.001; preterm delivery, K = 0.80, P < 0.001; NICU, K = 0.76, P < 0.001). In sum, antibiotics in infancy was significantly associated with increased risk of EoE diagnosed in adulthood, while positive trends were seen with other early life factors such as Cesarean delivery, preterm delivery, and NICU admission. This may indicate persistent effects of early life exposures and merits additional study into conserved pathogenic mechanisms.
Characterization of an elastase-induced emphysema model in immune-deficient rats
Authors: Becerra David , Jeffs Sydney , Wojtkiewicz Gregory , Ott Harald
Published: August 2020

OBJECTIVES

Emphysema affects millions of patients worldwide. Cell transplantation and tissue engineering are promising approaches for the regeneration of gas exchange tissue in vivo. A reproducible and resource-efficient animal model with relevant pathological and physiological features is critical to assess efficacy of novel therapies. Here, we share a method for rapid development of emphysema in an adaptive immune-deficient rat with <5% mortality, which is ideal for high-throughput human cell-based experimentation.

METHODS

Porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) was intratracheally administered to male RNU rats. Rats were monitored for 21 days after which subjects underwent lung computed tomography (CT) scans. Rats were then weighed, intubated and mechanically ventilated to measure dynamic compliance. After sacrifice, lungs were fixed, and histological sections were quantitatively assessed for emphysematous changes.

RESULTS

A single instillation of elastase was enough to produce anatomic and physiological evidence of emphysema. Weight change for doses of 16 and 32 units PPE/100 g were significantly lower than controls (P = 0.028 and P = 0.043, respectively). Compliance values for doses of 16 and 32 units PPE/100 g were significantly higher than controls (P = 0.037 and P = 0.006, respectively). Lung hyperlucency was confirmed by CT with mean Hounsfield units for a dose of 32 units PPE/100 g being significantly lower than controls (P < 0.001). The mean linear intersect for doses of 16 and 32 units PPE/100 g were significantly higher than controls (both P < 0.001). All reported P-values are one-sided.

CONCLUSIONS

We present an efficient method for emphysema development in immune-deficient rats as a tool to evaluate human biological therapeutics. Changes in dynamic compliance, histology and cross-sectional imaging recapitulate human emphysema.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Polysaccharide-Degrading Rumen Bacterium Pseudobutyrivibrio xylanivorans MA3014 Reveals an Incomplete Glycolytic Pathway
Authors: Palevich Nikola , Maclean Paul H , Kelly William J , Leahy Sinead C , Rakonjac Jasna , Attwood Graeme T
Published: August 2020

Bacterial species belonging to the genus Pseudobutyrivibrio are important members of the rumen microbiome contributing to the degradation of complex plant polysaccharides. Pseudobutyrivibrio xylanivorans MA3014 was selected for genome sequencing to examine its ability to breakdown and utilize plant polysaccharides. The complete genome sequence of MA3014 is 3.58 Mb, consists of three replicons (a chromosome, chromid, and plasmid), has an overall G + C content of 39.6%, and encodes 3,265 putative protein-coding genes (CDS). Comparative pan-genomic analysis of all cultivated and currently available P. xylanivorans genomes has revealed a strong correlation of orthologous genes within this rumen bacterial species. MA3014 is metabolically versatile and capable of growing on a range of simple mono- or oligosaccharides derived from complex plant polysaccharides such as pectins, mannans, starch, and hemicelluloses, with lactate, butyrate, and formate as the principal fermentation end products. The genes encoding these metabolic pathways have been identified and MA3014 is predicted to encode an extensive range of Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes with 78 glycoside hydrolases, 13 carbohydrate esterases, and 54 glycosyl transferases, suggesting an important role in solubilization of plant matter in the rumen.