bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Evacuation of Hotel Staff Based on Pathfinder
Authors: Xinhai Zhang , Shoushi Zhang , Sichen Zhao , Kai Wang
Published: May 2021

In order to alleviate the serious congestion in the evacuation process of high-rise buildings in today’s society when a fire occurs, a hotel building in Xi’an was used as the background in this research process, and the disaster escape software Pathfinder was used to conduct a fire on all personnel in the hotel. The subsequent evacuation simulation shows that different behaviors and different groups of people need to spend time in the process of escape and the actual situation of the stairs, walkways, safety exits and other locations in this situation. Combined with the comparative analysis of the required evacuation time and evacuation width of the building in the “Code for Fire Protection Design of Buildings”, it is determined that the fastest evacuation of people can be carried out in 657s.
Preliminary study on the minimum reinforcement ratio of RC members in China, America, and Korea
Authors: Wu Yanjin , Xia Xinqiao , Zhang Shanshan , Xie Lei , Li Zhongxin , Li Mengyuan
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the minimum reinforcement ratio of reinforced concrete members, the minimum reinforcement area of the T-section, and the selection of reinforcement ratio when the minimum reinforcement ratio is not satisfied are compared and analyzed. The selection of minimum reinforcement ratio was explored through an example. The results show that the values of minimum reinforcement ratio in Chinese code are low, while those in other countries are close.
Study on the engineering geological problems of Nantong Metro and the construction countermeasure
Authors: Ren Zhilin , Zhao Feiyang
Published: May 2021

The special geological structure formed by the interactive sedimentation of the Yangtze river brings many potential engineering problems during the subway construction. It is particularly important to carry out the identification of the key layer of geological structure that affects the subway construction to ensure the safety of the project. Based on the geological data of Nantong Metro Line 1, two-dimensional geological model is established to carry out the geological suitability zoning of the project along the subway line, and the key geological formations in different regions are systematically identified. The results show that the key layer group is the thick water-rich sand layer, weak silt soil layer and the newly deposited soil layer in the area, which mainly faces the engineering water hazard problems such as substrate subsidence deformation, permeation deformation and saltwater corrosion. This study provides a reference for subway construction under similar geological conditions.
Consensus achievement method for a robotic swarm about the most frequently feature of an environment based on blockchain technology
Authors: Petrenko V I , Tebueva F B , Ryabtsev S S , Struchkov I V
Published: May 2021

The technological development and popularity of swarm robotics actualizes the issues of increasing the efficiency and safety of consensus achievement between the swarm elements. Currently, most studies have little or no regard for information security issues when consensus achievement among swarm elements in the presence of robots with arbitrarily malfunctioning or malicious behavior. However, in many practical applications, when exploring the external environment, a swarm of one or more malicious robots may be sufficient to allow the current consensus mechanisms to fail. One of the promising ways to ensure information security in collective decision-making is the use of blockchain technology as a distributed system designed to work in conditions of lack of trust between the parties. The use of distributed ledger technologies, due to their complexity, leads to reducing efficiency in consensus achievement. The aim of the work is to improve the safety of the process of consensus achievement in swarms of robots through the use of blockchain technology in collective design making while maintaining the effectiveness of consensus achievement between robots. Increasing the safety of decision-making by a swarm will increase the stability and the possibilities of practical application of swarm robotic systems for solving problems in aggressive environments.
Evaluation of the distribution model and mode of transportation of PT X
Authors: Sembiring Meilita Tryana , Nasution Andri , Alda Tania , Chailes Steven
Published: May 2021

Logistics contribute to cost efficiency accompanied by increased productivity and profits along with improvements in service to consumers or customers. Transportation issues are related to how companies reduce logistics costs by building efficient transportation networks. So far, the company PT.X has been sending products to all consumers using the Direct Shipment with Milk Runs distribution model with the truck transportation mode. The highest transportation costs at PT. X reached 19% and the average percentage of costs was 14% of the company’s net income (total Revenue). It appears that the cost of distribution of PT.X products has been Out of Control due to reaching more than 10% of the company’s net income. A percentage of this amount is included in the Major Opportunity for Savings or an opportunity for improvement. In this study a solution is proposed in the form of the best type of delivery and the mode of transportation that is suitable for the type of delivery. The right type of shipping at the company is Direct Shipment Milk Runs which has two alternative transportation. From the latest delivery route arrangement, transportation costs drop to 8% of total revenue when using truck and 4% of total revenue when using motorized rickshaw.
Development of electric bicycle and its impact on the environment
Authors: Ramadhan Ali , Dinata Rizky
Published: May 2021

An electric bicycle is a tool that is produced from a combination of a bicycle as a means of transportation which is added with an electric component as its driving force. It is known that bicycles can still be used even without electrical components. However, with the presence of an electrical component, the human power that is expended can be minimized. The current environment has undergone various changes. This is intended because of changes that occur because of humans. By using a qualitative descriptive method, this study is expected to provide knowledge about the impact on the environment from using an electric bicycle. And the result is that currently, the diversity of electric bicycles does not only provide the development of the bicycle itself.
Redesigning production floor layout with process layout and product layout approach in an electronic appliance manufacturing company
Authors: Tarigan U , Ishak A , Tarigan U P P , Rizkya I , Mangoloi B , William
Published: May 2021

The system of material handling is less systematic becomes a big problem and disrupts the smoothness of the production process that affects the system as a whole. Problems that occur in the company is a workstation that is too dense so that the trajectory of material handling (forklift) becomes narrow, in addition, there are also work stations that are located too far, causing empty space in the production floor area. This long-distance resulted in a great displacement moment that affected the amount of material handling cost. Therefore, it’s important to redesigning the facility layout to reduce material handling cost at the company. The goal of this research is to get an optimal design of facilities layout that provides minimal displacement moment by comparing the initial layout with the proposed layout with Process Layout and Product Layout approach. Process Layout is designed using graph theory while the product layout is designed using the method of Systematic Layout Planning. After that, the layout of the production floor with the product layout approach improves material handling efficiency with the displacement moment of the proposed production floor layout is 36.160 meters per year or 19.4% lower than the actual layout.
FMEA tool to analysis of blow molding machine damage
Authors: Rizkya I , Sari RM , Erwin
Published: May 2021

Machine performance in industry has a vital role in the production floor. The machine operates smoothly will support the achievement of production targets. One sector produces packaging products made based on plastic experiencing a failure production process due to the frequent stopping of the Blow Molding Machine. Fishbone diagram and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is used to find information about the factors cause the Blow Molding Machine to stop. Fishbone diagram is used to determine the factors cause the failure of the Blow Molding Machine in running the production process. FMEA is used to identify the factors causing loss and determine the priority level of risk based on the RPN value. The mold damage factor has the highest RPN value. Mold failure is most significant cause of Blow Molding Machine stops operating. The mold is damaged when stored in the spare part warehouse due to crushed by a material made of metal. Mold is stored in an unsuitable location. Analysis using a fishbone diagram to determine the root of the problem handled.
Application of petai peel as an iron corrosion inhibitor in sodium chloride medium
Authors: Tambun R , Sidabutar D H , Alexander V
Published: May 2021

Tannin as an organic inhibitor has been proven capable as a metal inhibitor in acidic media. The purpose of this study is to test the tannin ability of the Petai peel to inhibit the iron plate in the sodium chloride solution. The inhibitory ability of tannins derived from the Petai peel will be assessed in the form of powders, concentrated extracts, and pure tannins. Corrosion rate and efficiency of inhibition as tested parameters will be calculated by doing some variations on the immersion time and inhibitor concentration. Based on the results obtained, Petai peel powder, Petai peel concentrated extracts, and tannins from Petai peels can reduce the rate of iron corrosion in sodium chloride solution, but the best inhibitors of these three forms are in the form of tannins, which can reach the lowest corrosion rate of 0.9770 mpy and inhibition efficiency up to 92.86%. The lowest corrosion rate and highest efficiency are obtained by adding tannin as much as 3 g and immersion duration for 3 days.
Performance comparison of maceration method, soxhletation method, and microwave-assisted extraction in extracting active compounds from soursop leaves (Annona muricata): A review
Authors: Tambun R , Alexander V , Ginting Y
Published: May 2021

Soursop (Annona muricata) is a plant that is widely available in Indonesia. Of all parts of the soursop plant, the leaves are the most interesting parts to be studied. Soursop leaves are the most interesting part to be investigated because soursop leaves have many benefits and benefits that have been applied in the health sector, both traditional and modern. This is because soursop leaves contain many active compounds such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, acetogenins, and others. The purpose of this review is to compare the best methods commonly used to extract active compounds from soursop leaves. The methods studied were maceration, soxhletation and microwave assisted extraction (MAE). The mechanism of the extraction processes and the percentage of yield achieved from the three methods are also reviewed. The results of the review show that MAE is the method that produces the highest yield of the three methods with a yield of 33.98%. This method also has another advantage that is a shorter extraction time.
A comparative study of effect of heater orientation on flow and heat transfer characteristics in buoyancy driven flow in cryogenic liquid
Authors: Ade S S , Rathore S K
Published: May 2021

The present study aims to analyse the buoyancy driven fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics using different heater orientation in liquid nitrogen for cooling superconductor. For this purpose, a localized circular heater (analogous to superconductor) generating heat at constant rate submerged in liquid nitrogen enclosure is analysed. The study is performed with two orientations of heater; one is vertical and another is horizontal. The entropy generation associated with heat transfer and fluid flow is also discussed in the present study. The Rayleigh number, average Nusselt number, maximum vertical velocity, entropy generation and Bejan number are used as comparing parameters for two orientations of heater. Under same heat generation rate, Rayleigh number is comparatively higher for vertically oriented heater whereas average Nusselt number is comparatively higher for horizontally oriented heater. The maximum vertical velocity of fluid is higher when heater is vertically oriented. The horizontally oriented heater has comparatively less value of thermal entropy generation than vertically oriented heater but horizontally oriented heater has higher value of fluid friction irreversibility. In summary, horizontally oriented heater has comparatively higher value of total entropy generation than vertically oriented heater. Bejan number is higher for horizontally oriented heater. In overall study, the value of Bejan number is less than 0.5; therefore, it can be said that fluid friction irreversibility is more dominated than heat transfer irreversibility.
Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil Using Sequential Process Intensification Technique (Ultrasound and Microwave)
Authors: Gupta Himanshi , Thakkar Kartikkumar , Kachhwaha S.S. , Kodgire Pravin
Published: May 2021

The use of biodiesel as a renewable fuel has increasingly become more attractive due to its environmental advantages such as non-toxicity and biodegradability. While biodiesel has the capability to mitigate the energy crisis, its production is hindered by the availability of feedstock. The general drawbacks of the transesterification-based synthesis include high energy consumption, high operating cost, high separation times, and low production efficiency. The present study demonstrates an innovative and industrially viable biodiesel production process from waste cooking oil (WCO) as feedstock and KOH as a catalyst using sequential ultrasound (22kHz + 35kHz) and microwave (0 – 1000W) reactor. The sequential approach of ultrasound and microwave removes the barrier of mass transfer (high-velocity liquid jets and turbulence induced by ultrasound) and enhances the heat transfer (rapid dipolar moment induced by microwave) by their synergism while significantly improving the reaction efficiency and overall economics of the process. The reaction conditions that can attain a maximum yield of 96.9% were methanol/oil molar ratio, 7:1, catalyst concentration, 0.9 wt%, and reaction temperature, 62°C in 5 minutes of reaction time for a sample size of 4500 mL.
Experimental Investigation of Three Bladed Inclined Savonius Hydrokinetic Turbine by using Deflector Plate
Authors: Jeeva B , Sandeep S Jai , Ramsundram N , Prasanth M , Praveen B
Published: May 2021

This paper discusses the development of experimental test rig for an inclined Savonius hydrokinetic turbine with improvement in coefficient of power by using deflector plates. The hydrokinetic turbine was designed for different water flow velocities ranging from 1.37 m/s to 2.28 m/s in an open channel with an area of 0.0891 m
2. The hydrokinetic turbine with tip speed ratio (λ) = 0.8, aspect ratio (AR) = 0.72 was designed with 222 rpm as the maximum speed. To capture maximum energy from the water, the deflector plate was used to increase the velocity at the advancing side of the blade. The experiment was conducted with a deflector plate and without deflector plate conditions. The extreme coefficient of power obtained was 0.24 for a returning blade angle of 60° with deflector as compared to returning blade angle of 21° and 107°. The coefficient of power without deflector and an inclined shaft was obtained as 0.11. The experiment was performed with deflector plates with various configurations, and the torque was measured for different flow velocities.
Heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics within non-circular duct
Authors: Mahato S K , Rana S C , Barman R N
Published: May 2021

Heat transfer and the characteristics of a fluid flow of water flows in the twisted square duct are studied numerically using commercially available software. Numerical investigations of fully-developed laminar fluid flow within duct was performed for water with constant wall temperature boundary conditions, twist ratios of 16.5, 11.5, and 7.5, Reynolds number 100-6000, Prandtl numbers 8 and 10. The numerical results of friction factor and Nusselt number found in this present study were compared with the results obtained from the correlations for the same working fluid such as water. Nusselt number in the twisted square duct is higher than the result found by correlation together with a lower friction factor. Percentage increase in average Nusselt number found for twist ratios 16.5, 11.5, and 7.5 compared to the theoretical values was 25.56, 33.21, and 37.73 The heat transfer coefficients of the square twisted duct are increased with a lower twist ratio and higher Prandtl number.
Investigations of heat source models in transient thermal simulation of pulsed MIG welding of AA6061-T6 thin sheet
Authors: Doshi Sachindra , Jani D B , Gohil A V , Patel C M
Published: May 2021

The automobile and aviation industries are exhaustively working on weight reduction by replacing steel with aluminium alloy. However, joining the aluminium alloy body panel is remain a big challenge because of the inherent properties of aluminium. The dynamic behaviour of arc plasma in the pulsed MIG welding process is a multifaceted heat mass transfer phenomenon involving chemical, electro-magnetic, and fluid dynamics. Numerical simulation using FEA techniques are greatly helpful in understanding responses of weld bead and material behaviour. Simultaneously it reduces time and cost consuming experimental trial and error approach. The approximation of the welding arc heat source is paramount for precise prediction in the welding process simulation model. The article focuses on the comparison, suitability and effects of various moving heat source models by developing the transient thermal simulation of pulsed MIG welding of 1mm thick AA6061-T6 sheet in ANSYS workbench. Moving heat source models were developed as ANSYS APDL command subroutine. It is observed that for 1mm thin sheets Gaussian surface heat source model is also valid. The difference in temperature field is not prominent in comparison with Goldak’s double ellipsoidal heat source model.
Measurement of thermal diffusivity for food products under natural convection cooling
Authors: Reyaz Arif Md. , Farhan Zahid , Azhar Md.
Published: May 2021

In the present communication, experimental analysis has been done for evaluation of relationship between the thermal diffusivity with temperature of Potato and Brinjal (a spherical shaped food products) subjected to a natural convection. Free convection is a type of flow of motion of fluid which is not generated by an external source but by some parts of the fluid being heavier than other parts. The analysis simulates the one-dimensional Fourier equation experimentally, applicable to the regular shapes of the product (cylindrical and spherical shaped products). The experimental setup consists of a deep freezer maintained at 263 K and 1.013 bar pressure. Variation of product temperature inside the product has been measured along the radial direction of the shape.
Next generation air conditioner for sustainable cooling solutions
Authors: Patel Saurabh , Patel Jatin
Published: May 2021

Generally in summer, air conditioning systems are essential for improving the human comfort and productivity. The mechanical vapor compression system (VCS) is probably the most used system. However, the refrigerant used in VCS is harmful to the environment and the initial cost is high. So, the aim of this study is to introduce a sustainable, energy-efficient and climate-friendly air conditioning system in which there is no refrigerant. The proposed system is the integration of two modules i.e., Direct evaporative cooling (DEC) module and vacuum-assisted isothermal membrane-based air dehumidification (VIMAD) module, where the DEC module will cool and humidify the entering air stream and then this cool and humidified air will enter into the VIMAD module and the air will get dehumidified. Finally, the output will be cool and dehumidified air at the exit of the system. In this paper, the proposed system is explained. Moreover, the basic principle of the DEC, the background of DEC and the basic principle of the VIMAD system, background on the types of membrane materials that can be used in VIMAD are explained. Also, the effects of various parameters on the performance of the DEC and VIMAD are presented.
Numerical study on turbulent characteristics of wall jet in a quiescent environment over a plate in motion
Authors: Behera V M , Rathore S K
Published: May 2021

The present article reports the numerical analysis of a two dimensional turbulent wall jet flow over a horizontal moving plate in a quiescent environment. The simulation is done using the low-Reynolds number turbulence model proposed by Yang and Shih [21]. The turbulent characteristics are observed for various velocity ratio of plate with respect to jet (Up
) from keeping Reynolds number at jet inlet to be constant at 15000. The Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) equations are discretized using the finite volume method and solved in steady state condition. The pressure correction technique applied to couple the velocity and pressure terms is SIMPLEC (semi-implicit pressure linked equation-consistent). The variation of jet half-width and the decaying local maximum velocity (Umax
) for the bottom plate moving with high velocity (Up
> 1) shows dominancy of plate motion over the jet stream in the flow field. The velocity contour diagram shows the velocity distribution in the flow field. The Reynolds stresses induced in the wall proximate regions are directly proportional to the relative motion of the flow field but the magnitude of Reynolds stress away from wall decreases by increasing the plate velocity. The plate motion significantly affects the turbulence characteristics and the flow field in the viscous laminar zone of the wall region.
Performance enhancement of modified double slope passive solar still using different water-based nanofluids
Authors: Patel Suresh Kr. , Singh Vinay Kr. , Singh Mahindra , Singh Deepak , Singh Dhananjay
Published: May 2021

The aim this study is to analyze the performance of a modified double slope passive solar still (MDSPSS) with and without using water-based nanofluids along with harvesting solar energy. For this, three types of water-based nanofluids used as Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3), Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Copper Oxide (CuO) at different concentrations. This might be an alternative energy source for the existing conventional type of desalination. Consequently, analyzed physical and finalized the suitable water nanofluid for further experimental work. This paper describes a unit which is designed on simple principles of evaporation and condensation with no electricity being used. Thus we harness the heat radiated by the sun to accomplish the evaporation process. After that the condensation process will be start with natural temperature difference between heated and non-heated segment. This modified system with nano-fluid-based as a heat source has made to observed that the effect of different operating modes at climate conditions (month of March 2019) of Lucknow city, India. After experimental result comparison, found that the Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) nanofluid has 36.55% higher productivity and through Copper oxide (CuO) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO), water nanofluid has 15.26% and 21.75% higher production rate respectively concerning still water. The payback period is also calculated for this modified system with nanofluids as 121 days, which is less than that of the unit with normal water.
Recovery of chromium using membrane containing charged material
Authors: Mahajan-Tatpate Pallavi , Dhume Supriya , Chendake Yogesh
Published: May 2021

Chromium (Cr) is one of the important materials of metal family with large applications in formation of ferrous alloys viz., steel. Due to its excellent chemical, mechanical and thermal properties it is largely used in mineral, leather tanning, dye, steel, and other alloy industries. Effluents of these industries containing traces of Cr are polluting water bodies and soil in surrounding. It would result in entering in food chain, where it has highly adverse effect on humans, animals, and environment. Hence its recovery from effluent and other streams is highly essential before disposal and exposure to surrounding. The polysulfone (PSF) based membranes were optimized using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as porogen, while ZnO as an additive either treated with or without acid for removal of Cr from water. A reduction in molecular weight of PEG resulted in decrease in water flux indicates reduction in pore size. Further incorporation of ZnO increases the Cr removal. The Cr removal increases further with incorporation of acid treated ZnO. Additionally, HCl treated ZnO showed higher rejection properties, while the effect is not that prominent in HNO3 treated ZnO. This shows the importance of optimization of membrane surface charge for heavy metal removal.
Influence of heat treatment on the tensile properties and fatigue properties of Mg-8.8Gd-3.5Y-1.5Zn-0.5Zr alloy
Authors: Cui Ya , Shi Yusha , Zheng Jie , Yan Zhaoming , Zhang Jishi , Zhang Zhimin , Wang Qiang , Xue Yong
Published: May 2021

The microstructure, tensile properties and fatigue properties of Mg- 8.8Gd- 3.5Y- 1.5Zn- 0.5Zr alloy under T4 and T6 heat treatment have been studied. The as-cast alloy was homogenized to eliminate the inhomogeneous structure and the strength of the alloy was increased by aging treatment. The microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the alloy were investigated by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer and universal mechanical testing machine. The as-cast alloy is composed of dendritic α-Mg matrix, metastable lamellar stacking fault, eutectic Mg24(Gd, Y, Zn)5, massive long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase Mg12(Gd, Y)Zn and a few rare earth rich phases. In the process of homogenization, the lamellar phase and Mg24(Gd, Y, Zn)5 eutectic phase dissolved in the α-Mg matrix gradually, and the massive LPSO phase disappeared gradually, while the lamellar LPSO phase steadily grew into grains and formed some precipitate particles near the grain boundary. As the tensile temperature increases, the ductility of solid solution alloy increases, but decreases at 250 °C, which is related to the melting reaction of γ phase at high temperature and the cracking caused by grain boundary sliding. Intergranular fracture occurs at 250 °C. When the tensile temperature rises to 150 °C, the ultimate tensile strength of the alloy increases first before 150 °C and decreases after 150 °C, which is related to two strengthening mechanisms, namely, dissolution of Gd and Y elements into α-Mg matrix results in solid solution strengthening and the co-lattice strengthening between petal β′ and α-Mg matrix. Compared with the fatigue properties of the alloy after solution treatment and aging treatment, the fatigue life of the alloy after aging treatment is longer.
Constitutive model and microstructural evolution of hot deformation of investment-cast Ti-4Al-0.005B alloy
Authors: Xuewen Zong , Jian Zhang , Bingheng Lu
Published: May 2021

Hot compression tests of investment-cast Ti-4Al-0.005B (TA5) alloy were conducted over a wide temperature range of 750 °C–850 °C at strain rates of 0.01–1 s−1. Based on the flow stress curve and dynamic material model, a constitutive equation is established. The thermal deformation behavior and microstructural evolution of investment-cast TA5 alloy at high temperatures is systematically analyzed. The results show that the Zener-Hollomon parameter′s formula calculates the apparent activation energy of TA5 as 469893 J · mol−1, α is 0.0032, and the apparent value of n is 12.34. The peak flow stress decreases with increasing deformation temperature and decreasing strain rate. At high strain rates, the grains appear nonuniform and exhibit microcracks. Thus, high temperature and low-strain rate are beneficial to the occurrence of slip. Under these conditions, grain boundaries can sufficiently migrate, the microstructure remains compact and stable, and dynamic recrystallization grains distribution is more uniform. Therefore, the high-temperature and low-strain zone is most suitable for processing TA5 alloy.
Microwave transmittance characteristics in different uniquely designed one-dimensional plasma photonic crystals
Authors: WU Zhicheng , DONG Mengfei , FAN Weili , GAO Kuangya , LIANG Yueqiang , LIU Fucheng
Published: May 2021

Plasma photonic crystals (PPCs) are emerging as a powerful instrument for the dynamical control of the electromagnetic properties of a propagating wave. Here we demonstrate several one-dimensional (1D) PPCs with uniquely designed superlattice structures, annular structures or with incorporation of the third material into the primitive unit cell. The influences of the properties of the third material as well as the structural configurations of suplerlattices on the transmittance characteristics of PPCs have been investigated by use of the finite element method. The optimal design strategy for producing PPCs that have more and larger band gaps is provided. These new schemes can potentially be extended to 2D or 3D plasma crystals, which may find broad applications in the manipulation of microwaves and terahertz waves.
Activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability in Swedish 85-year-olds born three decades apart—findings from the H70 study
Authors: Falk Erhag Hanna , Wetterberg Hanna , Johansson Lena , Rydén Lina , Skoog Ingmar
Published: May 2021

Objective

Older adults make up the fastest growing segment of the population, and disability rates increase with age. There is much debate whether later born cohorts of 85-year-olds will face the same disability rates as earlier born cohorts. This study aimed to examine ADL and IADL disability in three birth cohorts of Swedish 85-year-olds born three decades apart, examined in 1986–87, 2008–10 and 2015-16, as well as potential factors associated with ADL and IADL disability in these birth-cohorts.

Methods

Systematically selected population-based birth cohorts of 85-year-olds (n = 1,551) from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort studies, Sweden, born in 1901–02 (n = 494), 1923–24 (n = 571) and 1930 (n = 486) and examined with identical methods. Disability was defined as a need for assistance in any ADL/IADL activities.

Results

ADL/IADL disability decreased between cohorts in both men and women (from 76.7% in 1986–87, to 58.4% in 2008–10, and 48.4% in 2015–16, P-value trend <.001). Factors associated with ADL/IADL disability varied between cohorts, although dementia and depression increased the odds of disability in all three birth cohorts.

Conclusion

Later born cohorts of 85-year-olds face less ADL/IADL disability compared to earlier born cohorts. As disability poses a significant financial burden on healthcare services, our findings might contribute to a more positive view on global ageing and the demographic challenges ahead. However, it might also be that in later born cohorts, ADL/IADL disability affects people at later ages, but due to increased longevity, the total number of years in late-life with a functional disability will remain the same.
Unemployment Insurance and Mortality Among the Long-Term Unemployed: A Population-Based Matched-Cohort Study
Authors: Shahidi Faraz Vahid , Parnia Abtin
Published: May 2021

Unemployment insurance is hypothesized to play an important role in mitigating the adverse health consequences of job loss. In this prospective cohort study, we examined whether receiving unemployment benefits is associated with lower mortality among the long-term unemployed. Census records from the 2006 Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohort (n = 2,105,595) were linked to mortality data from 2006–2016. Flexible parametric survival analysis and propensity score matching were used to model time-varying relationships between long-term unemployment (≥20 weeks), unemployment-benefit recipiency, and all-cause mortality. Mortality was consistently lower among unemployed individuals who reported receiving unemployment benefits, relative to matched nonrecipients. For example, mortality at 2 years of follow-up was 18% lower (95% confidence interval (CI): 9, 26) among men receiving benefits and 30% lower (95% CI: 18, 40) among women receiving benefits. After 10 years of follow-up, unemployment-benefit recipiency was associated with 890 (95% CI: 560, 1,230) fewer deaths per 100,000 men and 1,070 (95% CI: 810, 1,320) fewer deaths per 100,000 women. Our findings indicate that receiving unemployment benefits is associated with lower mortality among the long-term unemployed. Expanding access to unemployment insurance may improve population health and reduce health inequalities associated with job loss.
MotifGenie: a Python application for searching transcription factor binding sequences using ChIP-Seq datasets
Authors: Oguztuzun Cerag , Yasar Pelin , Yavuz Kerim , Muyan Mesut , Can Tolga
Published: May 2021

Motivation

Next generation sequencing enabled the fast accumulation of genomic data at public repositories. This technology also made it possible to better understand the regulation of gene expression by transcription factors (TFs) and various chromatin-associated proteins through the integration of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-Seq). The Cistrome Project has become one of the indispensable research portals for biologists to access and analyze data generated with thousands of ChIP-Seq experiments. Integrative motif analysis on shared binding regions among a set of experiments is not yet achievable despite a set of search and analysis tools provided by Cistrome via its web interface and the Galaxy framework.

Results

We implemented a python command-line tool for searching binding sequences of a TF common to multiple ChIP-Seq experiments. We use the peaks in the Cistrome database as identified by MACS 2.0 for each experiment and identify shared peak regions in a genomic locus of interest. We then scan these regions for binding sequences using a binding motif of a TF obtained from the JASPAR database. MotifGenie is developed in collaboration with molecular biologists and its findings are corroborated by laboratory experiments.

Availability and implementation

MotifGenie is freely available at https://github.com/ceragoguztuzun/MotifGenie.
Exposure to sevoflurane results in changes of transcription factor occupancy in sperm and inheritance of autism†
Authors: Wang Hsiao-Lin V , Forestier Samantha , Corces Victor G
Published: May 2021

One in 54 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. De novo germline and somatic mutations cannot account for all cases of autism spectrum disorder, suggesting that epigenetic alterations triggered by environmental exposures may be responsible for a subset of autism spectrum disorder cases. Human and animal studies have shown that exposure of the developing brain to general anesthetic agents can trigger neurodegeneration and neurobehavioral abnormalities, but the effects of general anesthetics on the germline have not been explored in detail. We exposed pregnant mice to sevoflurane during the time of embryonic development when the germ cells undergo epigenetic reprogramming and found that more than 38% of the directly exposed F1 animals exhibit impairments in anxiety and social interactions. Strikingly, 44–47% of the F2 and F3 animals, which were not directly exposed to sevoflurane, show the same behavioral problems. We performed ATAC-seq and identified more than 1200 differentially accessible sites in the sperm of F1 animals, 69 of which are also present in the sperm of F2 animals. These sites are located in regulatory regions of genes strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder, including Arid1b, Ntrk2, and Stmn2. These findings suggest that epimutations caused by exposing germ cells to sevoflurane can lead to autism spectrum disorder in the offspring, and this effect can be transmitted through the male germline inter- and transgenerationally.
Acculturation Orientations, Professional Interventions and Burnout amongst Ethnic Minority Social Workers Working with Ethnic Minority Clients: A Case of Arab Citizens of Israel
Authors: Tartakovsky Eugene
Published: May 2021

In this article, we formulate a new bicultural model of social work with ethnic minorities. The suggested model connects acculturation orientations, professional interventions and burnout amongst social workers working with ethnic minority clients. We tested this model in a sample of Arab Israeli social workers (n = 299). The study results confirmed that ethnic minority social workers working with ethnic minority clients used interventions that may be classified as either rooted in the minority or the majority culture. Arab Israeli social workers used slightly more often interventions rooted in the minority than the majority culture; however, the two types of intervention were complementary rather than contradictory. Acculturation orientations of Arab Israeli social workers were connected to their choice of professional interventions. Specifically, a higher preference for separation was associated with more frequent use of professional interventions rooted in the minority culture. In contrast, a higher preference for integration was associated with more frequent use of interventions rooted in both minority and majority cultures. More frequent use of interventions rooted in the majority culture was associated with a lower level of burnout and a higher level of personal accomplishment, whilst more frequent use of interventions rooted in the minority culture was associated with a higher level of burnout. Based on the obtained results, an integrative approach to education and training of social workers and social work practice with ethnic minorities is advocated.
High Prevalence of Anal High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions, and Prevention Through Human Papillomavirus Vaccination, in Young Men Who Have Sex With Men Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Palefsky Joel M , Lensing Shelly Y , Belzer Marvin , Lee Jeannette , Gaur Aditya H , Mayer Kenneth , Futterman Donna , Stier Elizabeth A , Paul Mary E , Chiao Elizabeth Y , Reirden Daniel , Goldstone Stephen E , Tirado Maribel , Cachay Edward R , Barroso Luis F , Da Costa Maria , Darragh Teresa M , Rudy Bret J , Wilson Craig M , Kahn Jessic A
Published: May 2021

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for human papillomavirus (HPV)–related anal cancer. Little is known about the prevalence of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) and the anal cancer precursor, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), among young MSM with HIV (MSMLWH). HPV vaccination is recommended in this group, but its safety, immunogenicity, and protection against vaccine-type HPV infection and associated LSILs/HSILs have not been studied.

Methods

Two hundred and sixty MSMLWH aged 18–26 years were screened at 17 US sites for a clinical trial of the quadrivalent (HPV6,11,16,18) HPV (qHPV) vaccine. Those without HSILs were vaccinated at 0, 2, and 6 months. Cytology, high-resolution anoscopy with biopsies of lesions, serology, and HPV testing of the mouth/penis/scrotum/anus/perianus were performed at screening/month 0 and months 7, 12, and 24.

Results

Among 260 MSMLWH screened, the most common reason for exclusion was detection of HSILs in 88/260 (34%). 144 MSMLWH were enrolled. 47% of enrollees were previously exposed to HPV16. No incident qHPV type–associated anal LSILs/HSILs were detected among men naive to that type, compared with 11.1, 2.2, 4.5, and 2.8 cases/100 person-years for HPV6,11,16,18–associated LSILs/HSILs, respectively, among those previously exposed to that type. qHPV was immunogenic and safe with no vaccine-associated serious adverse events.

Conclusions

18–26-year-old MSMLWH naive to qHPV vaccine types were protected against incident qHPV type–associated LSILs/HSILs. Given their high prevalence of HSILs, there is an urgent need to vaccinate young MSMLWH before exposure to vaccine HPV types, before initiating sexual activity, and to perform catch-up vaccination.
Significant Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Care in Hospitals Affecting the First Pillar of the HIV Care Continuum
Authors: Hensley Kathryn S , Jordans Carlijn C E , van Kampen Jeroen J A , Mollema Femke P N , Gisolf Elisabeth H , El Moussaoui Rachida , Hermanides Gonneke , van Beek Jan E A , Vriesde Marion E , Finkenflügel Renée N N , Rijnders Bart J A , van de Vijver David A M C , Boucher Charles A B , Verbon Annelies , Rokx Casper
Published: May 2021

During COVID-19 lockdown, the in-hospital number of HIV indicator conditions decreased disproportionally compared with other non–COVID-19 diseases, which was accompanied by reduced HIV testing rates, number and proportion of positive HIV tests, and new HIV referrals, with more late presentation after lockdown cessation, indicating a significantly impacted HIV care continuum.
Security Analysis and Improvement of a Redactable Consortium Blockchain for Industrial Internet-of-Things
Authors: Gao Wei , Chen Liqun , Rong Chunming , Liang Kaitai , Zheng Xianghan , Yu Jiangshan
Published: May 2021

A redactable consortium blockchain (RCB) can build a trust layer for industrial internet of things (IIoT) so as to enable IIoT to resist certain powerful attacks resulting in improper block content. The redactability is particularly important for blockchains applied in IIoT with valuable or sensitive activities such as financial IoT or energy-trading IoT. Huang et al. proposed a threshold chameleon hash (TCH) scheme and then constructed an accountable-and-sanitizable chameleon signature scheme based on TCH. These two primitives are further used as fundamental modules to build an RCB, which empowers IIoT devices to operate the blockchain in a controllable way. However, our paper shows that Huang et al.’s RCB suffers from a security problem that weakens the crucial redactability. Specifically, we find out that if a transaction in a given block is legally redacted by all authorized sensors who collectively hold the private redacting key, anyone (without any private information) can further redact this redacted transaction and delete any transaction within this redacted block and, meanwhile, any sensor user with a private signing (not redacting) key can insert a forged transaction into this redacted block. We further address this threat by replacing the TCH module in Huang et al.’s RCB with our designed TCH.
Effects of Schema-Enriched Communication in Teams With Diverse Hearing Status
Authors: Stinson Michael , Elliot Lisa , Marchetti Carol , Rentsch Joan R
Published: May 2021

This study examined the effects of (a) schema-enriched communication and (b) computer-based messaging on the sharing of knowledge and problem solving in teams with deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) and typical hearing (TH) postsecondary students. Four-member teams comprising either all DHH, all TH, or two DHH and two TH postsecondary students solved a complex problem. Measures consisted of (a) shared written information, (b) creation of a matrix with information for solving the problem, (c) recognition of information shared by team members, and (d) quality of the team’s problem solution. A total of 126 DHH and 126 TH postsecondary students participated in the study in teams with one of the three combinations of hearing status. Enriched communication increased teams’ sharing of written information, creation of a matrix, recognition of information shared by teammates and quality of the problem solution in teams.
Endozoicomonadaceae symbiont in gills of Acesta clam encodes genes for essential nutrients and polysaccharide degradation
Authors: Jensen Sigmund , Frank Jeremy A , Arntzen Magnus Ø , Duperron Sébastien , Vaaje-Kolstad Gustav , Hovland Martin
Published: May 2021

Gammaproteobacteria from the family Endozoicomonadaceae have emerged as widespread associates of dense marine animal communities. Their abundance in coral reefs involves symbiotic relationships and possibly host nutrition. We explored functions encoded in the genome of an uncultured Endozoicomonadaceae ‘Candidatus Acestibacter aggregatus’ that lives inside gill cells of large Acesta excavata clams in deep-water coral reefs off mid-Norway. The dominance and deep branching lineage of this symbiont was confirmed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenomic analysis from shotgun sequencing data. The 4.5 Mb genome binned in this study has a low GC content of 35% and is enriched in transposon and chaperone gene annotations indicating ongoing adaptation. Genes encoding functions potentially involved with the symbiosis include ankyrins, repeat in toxins, secretion and nutritional systems. Complete pathways were identified for the synthesis of eleven amino acids and six B-vitamins. A minimal chitinolytic machinery was indicated from a glycosyl hydrolase GH18 and a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase LPMO10. Expression of the latter was confirmed using proteomics. Signal peptides for secretion were identified for six polysaccharide degrading enzymes, ten proteases and three lipases. Our results suggest a nutritional symbiosis fuelled by enzymatic products from extracellular degradation processes.
B0AT1 Amino Acid Transporter Complexed With SARS-CoV-2 Receptor ACE2 Forms a Heterodimer Functional Unit:In SituConformation Using Radiation Inactivation Analysis
Authors: Stevens Bruce R , Ellory J Clive , Preston Robert L
Published: May 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), is expressed at levels of greatest magnitude in the small intestine as compared with all other human tissues. Enterocyte ACE2 is coexpressed as the apical membrane trafficking partner obligatory for expression and activity of the B0AT1 sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter. These components are assembled as an [ACE2:B0AT1]2 dimer-of-heterodimers quaternary complex that putatively steers SARS-CoV-2 tropism in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI clinical symptomology is reported in about half of COVID-19 patients, and can be accompanied by gut shedding of virion particles. We hypothesized that within this 4-mer structural complex, each [ACE2:B0AT1] heterodimer pair constitutes a physiological “functional unit.” This was confirmed experimentally by employing purified lyophilized enterocyte brush border membrane vesicles exposed to increasing doses of high-energy electron radiation from a 16 MeV linear accelerator. Based on radiation target theory, the results indicated the presence of Na+-dependent neutral amino acid influx transport activity functional unit with target size molecular weight 183.7 ± 16.8 kDa in situ in intact apical membranes. Each thermodynamically stabilized [ACE2:B0AT1] heterodimer functional unit manifests the transport activity within the whole ∼345 kDa [ACE2:B0AT1]2 dimer-of-heterodimers quaternary structural complex. The results are consistent with our prior molecular docking modeling and gut–lung axis approaches to understanding COVID-19. These findings advance understanding the physiology of B0AT1 interaction with ACE2 in the gut, and thereby contribute to translational developments designed to treat or mitigate COVID-19 variant outbreaks and/or GI symptom persistence in long-haul postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2.