bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landslide Potential Analysis Using Microtremor Data on The Main Route to Beach Tourism in Tanjung Pandan, Pesawaran, Lampung
Authors: Permanasari Ikah Ning P. , Ipmawan Vico Luthfi , Prayoga Rifki , Singarimbun Alamta
Published: October 2021

Tanjung Pandan has much beach tourism which attracts many tourists. However, the only road access to these tourist destinations is bordered by hills and cliffs on either side. Its condition has a potential to landslides. This study aims to determine the landslides potential caused by earthquakes considered as external force by obtaining the ground shear strain (GSS) value and obtaining the depth of the slip surface at the measurement location. There are 10 measurement points in two different locations. The method used is the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method to obtain the value of the dominant frequency and the amplification factor. These two parameters are then used to obtain the value of peak ground acceleration (PGA) and GSS. The depth of the slip surface is obtained by the ellipticity curve inversion method. The frequency natural values vary from 1.4 to 8.2 Hz and the amplification factor values vary from 2.4 to 5.2. The PGA values obtained from Fukushima-Tanaka equation have range from 3.02 to 3.04 gal using the 6.6 Mw Liwa earthquakes considered as the reference earthquake. The GSS values vary from 3.5x10−6 to 3.2x10−5. Based on the value, the caused-earthquake landslides potential is very small. This result does not rule out landslides caused by other factors, such as rainfall. Meanwhile, from the inversion method, it is found that the depth of the slip plane at the second location is about 11 to16 meters with a slope ranging from 23° to 33°.
Weight of Evidence Method for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in Sigi Biromaru, Central Sulawesi
Authors: Sadisun Imam A. , Telaumbanua Jevon A. , Kartiko Rendy D. , Dinata Indra A. , Pamela
Published: October 2021

Sigi Biromaru is an area prone to landslides. This study aims to apply the statistical method of Weight of Evidence (WoE) in landslide susceptibility mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The 265 landslides that occurred 2009-2019 were randomly divided into two groups, 70% of the data were used as training dataset for susceptibility modelling and 30% of the data were used as test data for validation of the susceptibility model. Twenty-one parameters were tested for their influence on landslides. Based on the Area Under Curve (AUC), parameters that significant controlling the landslides are slope gradient, elevation, aspect, flow direction, peak ground acceleration, clay content (<0,002 mm), land cover, terrain ruggedness index (TRI), river density, soil type, lineament density, lithology, rainfall and stream power index (SPI) respectively. The validation results show that the AUC success rate is 0,811 using the training dataset and AUC prediction rate is 0,756 using the test dataset. These results indicate that the WoE method produces a good landslide susceptibility map in the Sigi Biromaru area.
General Zoning Regulations in Coastal Areas of Bandar Lampung To Reduce Flood Risk
Authors: Sinatra Fran , Sari Alifah R. , Munirwan Hafi , Lisafitri Yuni , Setiawati Endang
Published: October 2021

This time, many people in Indonesia, especially in Bandar Lampung, use coastal areas as a place to live and depend on their lives there. However, there are still many people who live in poverty and housing conditions that tend to be inadequate and have a bad enough environmental quality, making the settlement areas look so slum. If the coastal area is compared to other areas, it tends to be more prone to disasters due to the factor of low income communities being unable to carry out the recovery process independently. The purpose of this research is to formulate general zoning regulations in coastal areas of Bandar Lampung to reduce flood risk. The method of this research is map overlapping, quantitative descriptive analysis and formulating general zoning regulations. This research argues that general zoning regulation could be adopted to mitigate flood risk.
Identification of Capable Fault Location around Mount Betung Area Based on GPS Strain Data
Authors: Alif Satrio Muhammad , Saraswati Nadia Regita , Perdana Redho Surya
Published: October 2021

Sumatran Island is located in a very active tectonic zone due to subduction of Indian-Australian plate beneath Eurasian plate. This causes an increase in stress in the subduction zone thereby increasing the pressure and strain. Mount Betung, which is situated in Sumatra Island, is located in the province of Lampung with a developing economy in recent years. Therefore, understanding the strain related to earthquake hazard is important to be conducted. The strain is a tool to help in identifying capable fault location in the geodetic aspect. The purpose of this study is to identify capable fault location to ensure the safety of development and construction around Mount Betung. GPS velocity data from 2006 to 2019 on seven sites are used as tool to calculate the strain which is used to identify the capable fault. GPS strain is calculated on the every triangles and polygons possible formed by the combination of three sites or more. There are two cases for identification, and triangles or polygons within each case do not intersect each other. The capable fault is identified in the area with the strain value of more than the threshold which is determined in the area of Sumatran Fault Zone. The threshold value resulted from the studies is 0.47 microstrain/year. The velocities of sites are ranging from -2.48 to -0.02 cm/year. The area with capable fault is identified around the Sumatran Fault Zone or the extension of the fault. The area close to the capital of Lampung Province, Bandar Lampung is relatively safe since there is no identified capable fault.
Non-Stationary Gabor Deconvolution Enhanced Full-Stack Penobscot Seismic Data is in Preparation for Public Download
Authors: Irvan M. , Firdaus Ruhul
Published: October 2021

The Penobscot dataset consisting of pre-stack seismic data and well-logs data is an exercising, open-to-public, oilfield data that is widely used by academics and researchers to test their workflow on reservoir evaluations, stratigraphic inferring, and reserve calculations. To make this data even more useful for such studies, we are enhancing the seismic data to an acceptable degree of resolution. Seismic resolution is primarily limited to wavelet overprints and interferences. Improving the vertical resolution of seismic data is challenged by the attenuation in wavelet propagation. A non-stationary deconvolution technique is needed to compensate for such anelastic effects. Gabor deconvolution is a widely accepted method to increase the resolution of seismic data as it utilizes information from the data seismic itself to minimize subjectivity in incorporating wavelet models. Our preliminary results show that the technique can widen up to twice the initial bandwidth. The resolution is thickened from 45.32 m to 22.15 m based on the tuning thickness analysis. The widening occurs on both sides at low and high frequencies without unnecessary energy increases and noise manifestations. The results show good agreement with the two available wells (L-30 and B-41). Our motivation is to provide higher resolution seismic data thus it can be used in workshops, software demonstrations, and academic discussion among practitioners and researchers. The preliminary enhanced seismic data is currently accessible by request, but it will soon be available to the public. In the future, we shall implement the same analysis to the full pre-stack seismic data so the benefits of Penobscot dataset will gain their optimum.
Growth and Yield of Three Carrot Plant Cultivar on Different Planting Distance
Authors: Taofik Ahmad , Budy Frasetya T.Q , Anwar Rosihon , Gumilar Setia , Kurnia Rusyad Mutaqin
Published: October 2021

The selling price of high-quality carrot has a higher selling price compared to the low-quality carrot. Setting plant distance and planting superior cultivars can improve yield quality. This study aims to study the interaction of carrot plant cultivars and plant spacing on the growth and yield of carrot plants. The study was conducted in June 2016-September 2016 in Pasirhalang-Cisarua-West Bandung (1,100 m asl). The experimental research method used in this study uses a split-plot design. The main plot is carrot plant cultivars (v1=Kuroda EW Select, v2=New Kuroda, v3=Red Judy) and subplots are spacing (j1=7.5 cm x 7.5 cm, j2=10 cm x 10 cm, j3=12.5 cm x 12.5 cm, j4=15 cm x 15 cm) each experiment unit is repeated three times each. Growth and yield parameters observed were plant height, crown width, plant dry weight, tuber length, and fresh weight of carrot. Data from observations were then analyzed using variance at 5% significance level, and Duncan’s mean difference test at 5% significance level. The results showed that the spacing of 15 cm x 15 cm and cultivar Kuroda EW Select produced the highest growth and yield of carrot plants. The selection of carrot plant cultivars and spacing can increase crop yields.
Mechanical Behavior of 3D-Printed Banana Pseudostem-Like Structure
Authors: Saputro A. N. , Anrokhi M. S. , Muhyi A. , Arif M. F.
Published: October 2021

Studying nature-inspired structure is important to know how nature can adapt with environmental loading and how to emulate this structure for engineering applications. In this work, banana Pseudostem-like structure were fabricated using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) type of 3D Printer using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. Specimens for tensile test with angle variation of 0°, 15° and 30° were produced and tensile tested. Results show that the specimen with 0o is able withstand higher load because no lateral strain at the outer walls of the specimen due to the absence of the reorientation of the secondary walls. It can be inferred that the natural design of pseudostem structure that has low angle of longitudinal walls are useful to hold the tensile load. The current results on tensile behavior of pseudostem-like structure could open up new engineering applications such as architected microstructures for mechanical energy absorber.
Mud Weight Evaluation Based on Safe Mud Window in Drilling Well “X-1” to Overcome Caving and Partial Loss Problems in The Oil Field
Authors: Wibowo Hanif Budi , Julianto Cahyadi , Buntoro Aris , Subiatmono P.
Published: October 2021

Drilling of Well X-1 in the North Sumatra Basin at a depth of 2887-3186 m TVD occurred partial loss, and caving at a depth of 500-1650m TVD. To overcome this problem, it is necessary to use the safe mud window concept. Drilling mud density planning must be greater than the pore pressure and shear failure gradient but not more than the minimum horizontal stress and fracture pressure. The purpose of this paper is to make an accurate subsurface pressure analysis and to overcome problems caused by the mud weight planning errors used based on the safe mud window, and can be used as a reference for further drilling of wells that have field conditions and stratigraphy such as the Well X-1. In conducting safe mud window analysis, there are several parameters that need to be estimated in order to make a safe mud window, namely formation pressure, formation fracture pressure, minimum horizontal stress, maximum horizontal stress, vertical stress / overburden pressure, and shear failure gradient. From the results of the safe mud window on Well X-1, the actual mud weight data used during drilling is entered. After being analyzed, at a depth of 500-1050 m TVD caving occurs because the density value used is smaller than the shear failure gradient, while at a depth of 1050-1600m there is kaolinite mineral which causes caving. At a depth of 2829-3281 m TVD the density value is greater than minimum horizontal stress (SHmin). Here, caving occurs if the density value used is smaller than shear failure gradient and partial loss occurs if the density used is greater than SHmin. Based on the safe mud window, the optimal mud weight for drilling at a depth of 36-354.2 meter on a 20” route is 9.2-9.4 ppg. At a depth of 354.2-948 meter on a 16” route is 14.49-15.33ppg. At a depth of 948-1619 meter on a 13 3/8” route is 15.45-17.65ppg. At a depth of 1619-2829 meter on a 9 5/8” route is 17.36-17.76ppg. At a depth of 2829-3281 meter on a 7” route is 16.57-16,7ppg. And at a depth of 3281-3796.1 meter is 13.49-13.74ppg in order to avoid partial loss and caving problems.
Design and Application of PV Rooftop for Grid Feed in Residential House South Lampung
Authors: Hasbiyalloh  , Friansa Koko , Asri Rishal , Nurfani Eka , Rozana Monna , Nugroho Soelami FX
Published: October 2021

This study aims to design a rooftop solar power plant system and analyzing the power output using PVsyst Software. The location for the photovoltaic (PV) installation was carried out in the Way Hui local government housing in South Lampung, Indonesia. The method used in this research is direct measurement at the installation site and system design using software. In this study, energy audits were also carried out from the practitioner’s residence. The results of the design are obtained from the software to consider the next process. The simulation results produces system energy in a year as much as 1,712 kWh, specific production 1,114 kWh / kWp / year, PF 0,724, normalized production 3.05 kWh / kWp / day, array losses 0.84 kWh / kWp / day, and system losses of 0.33 kWh / kWp / day.
Enhanced Biogas Production from Sugarcane Vinasse using Electro-Fenton as Pre-treatment Method
Authors: Widyastuti Nita , Hidayat Muslikhin , Purnomo Chandra Wahyu
Published: October 2021

High concentration of organic matter in the sugarcane vinasse is potential as a biogas feedstock, but its a very high organic matter (expressed by chemical oxygen demand (COD), >100,000 mg/L) disturbs the biological activity during anaerobic digestion (AD). The maximum COD concentration in vinasse that is recommended as an initial condition of biogas feedstock is ±75,000 mg/L. Furthermore, complex characteristics of vinasse make it necessary to be pre-treated before it is converted to biogas. Therefore, an advanced oxidation process (AOP) such as electro-Fenton (EF) is applied as a pre-treatment method in the AD of vinasse. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of pre-treatment of vinasse using the EF method on biogas production. The process of EF was conducted with a variation of voltage (4, 6, 8 V) under the batch system and constant operating conditions such as treatment time, initial pH, the ratio of [H2O2] to [COD], and distance between electrodes. Moreover, the process of AD was run using anaerobic digesters having a volume of 2 L under the batch system at room temperature. The AD was conducted for 40 days. The results showed that the best EF could decrease the COD as much as 81.14% at 4 V with constant operation conditions (treatment time of 60 min, initial pH of 4.34, a ratio of [H2O2] to [COD] of 0.6 and distance electrodes of 3 cm). Furthermore, the pre-treatment of EF increased biogas volume successfully (6.02 L). The applicability of the first-order, second-order, and Behnajady-Modirshahla-Ghanbery (BMG) was investigated to evaluate the removal of the COD value. This primary concern is that the electro-Fenton treatment is favorable to decrease the organic matter of sugarcane vinasse.
Transportation Infrastructure Relations on Economic Growth in Sumatra Island
Authors: Saraswati Zenia F , Pramudhita Nefertari , Pradono  , Wijayanti Goldie Melinda , Sefianiz Dabi
Published: October 2021

Transportation infrastructure is a stimulus in the economic growth of the region, no exception in Indonesia. But the interaction between transportation and economic development is a link to transportation’s ability to magnify the impact of urbanization. This raises the question of whether the existence of transportation can explain the economic growth that is occurring. On the other hand, whether the lack of transportation infrastructure is due to the economic capabilities that exist in the region. This research aims to pay attention to the relationship between transportation and economic growth in Sumatra Island. The growth of transportation infrastructure may explain economic growth in all districts of Sumatra Island but the magnitude of those relations in the urban areas are far greater than in nonurban areas. Using the Multispatial CCM method, it appears that investment in transportation infrastructure does not directly increase the GDP of transportation in the region. This research suggests that road investment can have an impact on GDP through increasing the region’s population which then provides an increase in GDP.
Flood deposits characterization in Citarum Riverbank Area in Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Oktaviani A D , Sahdarani D N , Prayoga J J , Indraswari A O , Haris A
Published: October 2021

Citarum River, the longest river in West Java, is one of the most strategic rivers yet one of the most polluted rivers causing a series of floods throughout history. Understanding shallow flood deposits characteristics may infer the past flooding episode and predict future flood deposits distribution. This research aims to analyze grain size and elemental distributions of flood deposits found in the Citarum Riverbank Area at several districts in Bandung Regency, West Java. Shallow coring resulted in soil samples showing that the samples were dominated by clay and silt. Element analysis revealed that Si and Al are the major elements followed by high concentrations of Fe-oxide in all soil samples. Based on these findings, it is presumed that there were two major episodes of past-floods that occurred in the research area.
Nanocomposite of cellulose and magnetite-magnesia as catalyst for biodiesel from coconut oil
Authors: Helmiyati Mudrikaand
Published: October 2021

In this work, a heterogeneous catalyst was developed using MgO-Fe3O4 composite and cellulose biopolymer as support catalyst in the synthesis of biodiesel for transesterification reaction from coconut oil. The nanocomposite catalyst was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy-mapping (SEM- Mapping), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) to observe the structure, elemental composition and surface morphology. The parameters of reaction time and catalyst loading were studied to optimize the biodiesel yield. The maximum yields were obtained at 120 minutes and 2 wt.% having the yield of 89.93 %. This result shows high biodiesel yield in short reaction time. The biodiesels products have physical properties close to ASTM standards, with a density of 0.885 g/cm3 and acid number of 0.442 mg KOH/g. The biodiesel was tested using the gas chromatography (GC) pertained the greatest abundance at the retention time of 8.817 minutes which indicating that methyl dodecanoic (lauric methyl ester) have area 39.68 %. The cellulose biopolymer combined with MgO-Fe3O4 composite as green catalyst for heterogeneous catalysts which is promising in biodiesel production.
Lithofacies analysis, ichnofacies analysis and depositional environment of Jatiluhur Formation in Cipamingkis area
Authors: Imanda W , Ramadhan B , Aulia I , Harahap R A Y , Aditiyo R
Published: October 2021

Depositional environment of Jatiluhur Formation is a very interesting research object to study, especially from the geological and biological aspects. This formation is very well exposed in several rivers in Bogor, especially in the Cipamingkis River. Field studies were carried out by measuring section method and ichnofossil description along the section. Stratigraphy log data shows the overall upward coarsening with a length of 66 meters. There are 4 facies associations from stratigraphy log data and the description of ichnofossil, FA1 is interpreted as a classical turbidite deposition process seen from alternating pattern of thin carbonate sandstones with carbonate siltstone in relative depths in the bathyal to sublittoral zone seen from Scolicia, Thalassinoides, and Opiomorpha seen in this section., FA2 is interpreted as a turbidite deposition process in the upper-fan section seen from the lithology of thick carbonate claystone and carbonate sandstones in the form of inserts at a relative depth in the sublittoral zone seen by ichnofossil found in the form of Circulishnis, FA3 is interpreted as an upper fan or channel fill seen from the structure The slump in this section that occurs at a sublittoral depth is seen from its ichnofossils, namely Rhizocorallium and Thalassinoides, and FA4 is interpreted as shallow marine seen from the lithology dominated by carbonate sandstones with tires That is, the sedimentary structure occurs in the relative depths of the sub-littoral to littoral zone seen from its ichnofossils, namely Planolites and Taenidium. Depositional environment of the Jatiluhur Formation shows that depth at bottom of section is deeper than upper section and deposition process from turbidite to shallow marine.
Estimation of flash flood loss level in Banjaririgasi Village, Lebakgedong Sub-district, Lebak Regency, Banten
Authors: Prabandaru A A , Marko K , Tambunan M P
Published: October 2021

The flash flood that occurred at Lebak Regency on January 1st, 2020, has caused around 30 villages in 6 sub-districts area were affected. The most affected area among 30 villages was Banjaririgasi Village. The research of estimating flood damage in Banjaririgasi Village was based on damage data, also based on the location of the village itself that located at the upper Ciberang Hulu river basin which has sloping topography. The goal of this research was to determine the physical characteristics of flash flood inundated area based on two-parameter: slope steepness and elevation difference from the river, and to estimate the amount of economic loss caused by flash floods. The estimation was obtained by overlaying the inundation map and land use map, then calculate the area of affected land use, and compared to the economic exposure value of each type of land use. Results showed that the inundated area of the flash flood in Banjaririgasi Village has physical characteristics: it has low slope steepness categorized as flat to gently slope (0–15 % sloping), and low elevation difference (5–10 m) from the river. Total economic loss caused by flash flood in Banjaririgasi Village estimated at around IDR 71,539,847,517.00, with the highest damage was IDR 59,415,832,341.00 from the damaged/destroyed government facility, and the lowest damage was IDR 59,457,216.00 from damaged forestry. The highest land use inundated area was paddy field with 25 ha inundated area, and the lowest was forestry with 0.41 ha.
Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) Using Infrared Detection Technique on Arduino Platform
Authors: Ismail S I , Kar S A C , Abdullah R , Amri M A H M , Ismail M Z , Nik N N , Zaki M
Published: October 2021

The voting system is a set of rules that determine how people’s intentions may be manifest and how decisions can be achieved. Normally, vote papers are placed in the voting box and then will be sorted and calculated manually. But the problem is the use of manpower in calculating the vote manually may lead to error in the counting of votes and it takes a long time to complete the calculation process. For this purpose, an electronic voting machine (EVM) was introduced, where in this work it replace the conventional voting method in which the vote card will be calculated automatically. This paper focusing on implementation of embedded system which will help in the election process, where the Arduino UNO uses as a controller. This system uses a simple counting system based on the detection of black mark on the vote card using infrared (IR) sensor. Then, LCD 16x2 will display the number of votes for the respective candidate and the servo motor will activate to sort the valid and invalid vote card into 2 compartments in the voting box.
Water Quality Monitoring System for Fisheries using Internet of Things (IoT)
Authors: Ya’acob N , Dzulkefli N N S N , Yusof A L , Kassim M , Naim N F , Aris S S M
Published: October 2021

Fish production has significant impacts on the investment and operating costs of the modernization of fish ponds. Water quality monitoring system may help to overcome all the problems by using the implementation of the internet of things (IoT) technology. The project aims in detecting the presence of fishes using an ultrasonic sensor and investigating the parameters of pH and temperature sensors. The system is used pH and temperature sensor as the factors affecting the quality of water and fish growth, the ultrasonic sensor for detecting the presence of fishes, Blynk application through a smartphone for notifications, NodeMCU ESP8266 as its central controller and wireless fidelity (WI-FI) as the communication technology. A sample of three different measurement times in the early morning, midday, and evening based on temperature, pH levels and the fish distance show that this farm has high-quality water. From the measurement at the field test, temperature value increase in the midday, pH level remains constant in the three different times and the fish distance underwater always changes as a fish needs to find oxygen and a portion of food. As a result, a farmer need not hire workers at their site, consequently, drive down operating costs and improve efficiency.
Portable Real-Time BMI Nutritional Advice
Authors: Karim A D Ab , Lazam N A Md , Mohd Yahya N A , Abdul Rahman S
Published: October 2021

Overweight and obesity refer to body weight that is greater than what is considered normal or healthy for a certain height. Your body mass index (BMI) is one way to tell if you are at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. The BMI is a measure based on your weight in relation to your height. Existing device only measure weight and height require the user to self-calculate their BMI based on the formula related to their weight and height. Furthermore, currently available systems cannot keep track user’s previous BMI record and do not provide a guidance or nutritional advice based on user’s current BMI. The solution to this is a proposed project which is an IOT based Portable Real-Time BMI nutritional advice that able to calculate user’s BMI and keep current and previous user’s record. The project aims to help people to monitor their BMI as a way of keeping a healthy weight. The objectives of this project are to develop a portable real-time measuring system to measure height and weight that can auto-calculate BMI and give nutritional advice using web-based application. The sensors used in this system are HX711 Load cell amplifier and Ultrasonic sensor. The system will perform weight and height measurement upon user’s command. Data from both sensors will be sent to NodeMCU Wi-Fi module for BMI calculation. Virtual server is used to store the data from the system app. Apart from BMI calculation, this system is able to display user’s previous BMI data as a performance tracker in monitoring their BMI. The application is also able to generate a nutritional advice based on user’s current BMI.
Students’ Performance Prediction using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Ahmad N , Hassan N , Jaafar H , Enzai N I M
Published: October 2021

This paper proposed a method for predicting diploma students’ performance of Faculty of Electrical Engineering (EE), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Terengganu. Data of 59 first semester students from Electrical Engineering (EE) were obtained to predict students’ academic performance. A predictive model based on a machine learning technique was employed. The predictive model utilizes Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique that was developed to predict the actual performance of first semester students based on Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results, first semester results, and the interest level of the participants towards EE course. The findings have shown that the developed model could accurately predict the actual result of the first semester students successfully with minimal errors.
Semiconductor defect classification by using cascaded convolutional neural network
Authors: Tajudin P N A , Shapiai M I
Published: October 2021

The semiconductor industry is one of the rapidly growing industries globally. To be on par in both quality and quantity, most of the semiconductor industry has an inspection procedure in line with every production process. The dataset defect classes’ main features can be group into two main groups base on their pattern similarity. Previously, most of the studies did not consider the pattern similarity and fed all the input into one classifier, increasing the risk of misclassification into more classes. One classifier does not feed all. Therefore, this study proposed a cascaded convolutional neural network classifier framework for semiconductor defects to enhance the defect pattern analysis. The cascaded convolutional neural network consists of multiple models trained based on various pre-process inputs. The data pre-processing includes a median filter method by using the OpenCV library. The input has to be pre-processed to distinguish the main feature, and the model can classify it based on those features. Comparing the proposed method with the single classifier show a slight increase in accuracy from 86.7% to 87.7%. In the future, further investigation will be carried out, especially on certain defect wafer compromise of multiple defect classes and how does it reduce the capability of the cascaded convolutional neural network model.
Production and Characterisation of Cheddar Cheese-like from Cocos Nucifera L.
Authors: Ismail S N , Latip M S A , Mohamad M A
Published: October 2021

Traditionally, cheese is made from animal milk and had been introduced a long time ago. The increasing demand for cheese has caused a substantial commercialise production that led to animal exploitation and environmental pollution. Henceforth, this study aims to produce and characterise Cheddar Cheese-like attributes made of coconut cream fromCocos Nucifera L.The shelf life analysis, colour analysis used Chroma Meter CR-410, pH value analysis, meltability analysis, and sensory evaluation were conducted through the meltability test, descriptive test, paired comparison test and a consumer preference test. The results illustrated that shelf life is extended below danger zone temperature, and there is a distinct colour of Cheddar Cheese-like colour compared to regular cheese. The Cheddar Cheese-like managed to mimic the effect of melting cheese and was accepted by most of the respondents based on the appearance (93.3 per cent), aroma (86.7 per cent), taste (93.3 per cent), texture (73.3 per cent), and consistency (86.7 per cent) characteristic. Subsequently, preferences analysis shows 56.7 per cent of the respondents prefer Cheddar Cheese-like over the regular cheese. Therefore, based on the result, this study concludes that coconut milk can be an alternative to producing a cheese-like product that will benefit the consumer of different diet and allergies and at the same time preserve the environment for sustainability reason.
Improving pediatric pharmacy services in a primarily adult emergency department
Authors: Hachem Souheila N , Thomson Julie M , Heigham Melissa K , MacDonald Nancy C
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (PPAG) guidelines for providing pediatric pharmacy services in hospitals and health systems can be used to improve medication safety wherever pediatric patients receive care, including in the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this initiative was to improve compliance with these guidelines in a primarily adult ED.

Methods

This quality improvement initiative was conducted in a level 1 trauma center ED between October 2019 and March 2020. The ASHP-PPAG guidelines were used to create practice elements applicable to the ED. An initial compliance assessment defined elements as noncompliant, partially compliant, fully compliant, or not applicable. Investigators identified interventions to improve compliance for noncompliant or partially compliant elements and then reassessed compliance following implementation. Data were expressed using descriptive statistics. This initiative was exempt from institutional review board approval.

Results

Ninety-three ED practice elements were identified within the 9 standards of the ASHP-PPAG guidelines. At the initial compliance assessment, the majority (59.8%) of practice elements were fully compliant; however, various service gaps were identified in 8 of the standards, and 16 interventions were implemented to improve compliance. At the final compliance assessment, there was a 19.5% increase in full compliance. Barriers to achieving full compliance included technology restrictions, time constraints, financial limitations, and influences external to pharmacy.

Conclusion

This quality improvement initiative demonstrated that the ASHP-PPAG guidelines can be used to improve ED pediatric pharmacy services in a primarily adult institution. The initiative may serve as an example for other hospitals to improve compliance with the guidelines.
Short-term outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy in octogenarians: multicentre case–control study
Authors: Attard Joseph A , Al-Sarireh Bilal , Bhogal Ricky Harminder , Farrugia Alexia , Fusai Giuseppe , Harper Simon , Hidalgo-Salinas Camila , Jah Asif , Marangoni Gabriele , Mortimer Matthew , Pizanias Michail , Prachialias Andreas , Roberts Keith J , Sew Hee Chloe , Soggiu Fiammetta , Srinivasan Parthi , Chatzizacharias Nikolaos A
Published: October 2021

Background

Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is frequently the surgical treatment indicated for a number of pathologies. Elderly patients may be denied surgery because of concerns over poor perioperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative clinical outcomes and provide evidence on current UK practice in the elderly population after PD.

Methods

This was a multicentre retrospective case–control study of octogenarians undergoing PD between January 2008 and December 2017, matched with younger controls from seven specialist centres in the UK. The primary endpoint was 90-day mortality. Secondary endpoints were index admission mortality, postoperative complications, and 30-day readmission rates.

Results

In total, 235 octogenarians (median age 81 (range 80–90) years) and 235 controls (age 67 (31–79) years) were included in the study. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (median 0 (range 0–3) versus 0 (0–2); P = 0.010) and Charlson Co-morbidity Index score (7 (6–11) versus 5 (2–9); P = 0.001) were higher for octogenarians than controls. Postoperative complication and 30-day readmission rates were comparable. The 90-day mortality rate was higher among octogenarians (9 versus 3 per cent; P = 0.030). Index admission mortality rates were comparable (4 versus 2 per cent; P = 0.160), indicating that the difference in mortality was related to deaths after hospital discharge. Despite the higher 90-day mortality rate in the octogenarian population, multivariable Cox regression analysis did not identify age as an independent predictor of postoperative mortality.

Conclusion

Despite careful patient selection and comparable index admission mortality, 90-day and, particularly, out-of-hospital mortality rates were higher in octogenarians.
A perspective on the centre-periphery hypothesis: some examples inPetuniaand other Neotropical taxa
Authors: Freitas Loreta B
Published: October 2021

The Neotropical region holds high plant species richness, and these species originated under the influence of climate changes, tectonic processes and ecological factors. Several genera of Solanaceae have appeared and diversified quickly in the area, producing a high number of species and lineages. Petunia is endemic to the grasslands of southern South America and constitutes one of these young groups. From this perspective, I aim to identify processes driving the diversification of Petunia, review works describing genetic and morphological diversity for species in this genus and compare the evolutionary patterns of this genus with other genera from the Neotropics. The primary process explaining the genetic variability in the genus seems to be migration during the Quaternary period, as observed for other herbaceous species in South America. Molecular, morphological and even mating system diversity seem to follow the centre-periphery hypothesis.
Global colistin use: a review of the emergence of resistant Enterobacterales and the impact on their genetic basis
Authors: Binsker Ulrike , Käsbohrer Annemarie , Hammerl Jens A
Published: October 2021

The dramatic global rise of MDR and XDR Enterobacterales in human medicine forced clinicians to the reintroduction of colistin as last-resort drug. Meanwhile, colistin is used in the veterinary medicine since its discovery, leading to a steadily increasing prevalence of resistant isolates in the livestock and meat-based food sector. Consequently, transmission of resistant isolates from animals to humans, acquisition via food and exposure to colistin in the clinic are reasons for the increased prevalence of colistin-resistant Enterobacterales in humans in the last decades. Initially, resistance mechanisms were caused by mutations in chromosomal genes. However, since the discovery in 2015, the focus has shifted exclusively to mobile colistin resistances (mcr). This review will advance the understanding of chromosomal-mediated resistance mechanisms in Enterobacterales. We provide an overview about genes involved in colistin resistance and the current global situation of colistin-resistant Enterobacterales. A comparison of the global colistin use in veterinary and human medicine highlights the effort to reduce colistin sales in veterinary medicine under the One Health approach. In contrast, it uncovers the alarming rise in colistin consumption in human medicine due to the emergence of MDR Enterobacterales, which might be an important driver for the increasing emergence of chromosome-mediated colistin resistance.
Critical discussion on drug efflux in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Remm Sille , Earp Jennifer C , Dick Thomas , Dartois Véronique , Seeger Markus A
Published: October 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) can withstand months of antibiotic treatment. An important goal of tuberculosis research is to shorten the treatment to reduce the burden on patients, increase adherence to the drug regimen and thereby slow down the spread of drug resistance. Inhibition of drug efflux pumps by small molecules has been advocated as a promising strategy to attack persistent Mtb and shorten therapy. Although mycobacterial drug efflux pumps have been broadly investigated, mechanistic studies are scarce. In this critical review, we shed light on drug efflux in its larger mechanistic context by considering the intricate interplay between membrane transporters annotated as drug efflux pumps, membrane energetics, efflux inhibitors and cell wall biosynthesis processes. We conclude that a great wealth of data on mycobacterial transporters is insufficient to distinguish by what mechanism they contribute to drug resistance. Recent studies suggest that some drug efflux pumps transport structural lipids of the mycobacterial cell wall and that the action of certain drug efflux inhibitors involves dissipation of the proton motive force, thereby draining the energy source of all active membrane transporters. We propose recommendations on the generation and interpretation of drug efflux data to reduce ambiguities and promote assigning novel roles to mycobacterial membrane transporters.
Functional annotation and investigation of the 10q24.33 melanoma risk locus identifies a common variant that influences transcriptional regulation ofOBFC1
Authors: Cardinale Antonella , Cantalupo Sueva , Lasorsa Vito Alessandro , Montella Annalaura , Cimmino Flora , Succoio Mariangela , Vermeulen Michiel , Baltissen Marijke P , Esposito Matteo , Avitabile Marianna , Formicola Daniela , Testori Alessandro , Bonfiglio Ferdinando , Ghiorzo Paola , Scalvenzi Massimiliano , Ayala Fabrizio , Zambrano Nicola , Iles Mark M , Xu Mai , Law Matthew H , Brown Kevin M , Iolascon Achille , Capasso Mario
Published: October 2021

The 10q24.33 locus is known to be associated with susceptibility to cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), but the mechanisms underlying this association have been not extensively investigated.

We carried out an integrative genomic analysis of 10q24.33 using epigenomic annotations and in vitro reporter gene assays to identify regulatory variants. We found two putative functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in an enhancer and in the promoter of OBFC1, respectively, in neural crest and CMM cells, one, rs2995264, altering enhancer activity. The minor allele G of rs2995264 correlated with lower OBFC1 expression in 470 CMM tumors and was confirmed to increase the CMM risk in a cohort of 484 CMM cases and 1801 controls of Italian origin. Hi-C and chromosome conformation capture (3C) experiments showed the interaction between the enhancer-SNP region and the promoter of OBFC1 and an isogenic model characterized by CRISPR-Cas9 deletion of the enhancer-SNP region confirmed the potential regulatory effect of rs2995264 on OBFC1 transcription. Moreover, the presence of G-rs2995264 risk allele reduced the binding affinity of the transcription factor MEOX2. Biologic investigations showed significant cell viability upon depletion of OBFC1, specifically in CMM cells that were homozygous for the protective allele. Clinically, high levels of OBFC1 expression associated with histologically favorable CMM tumors. Finally, preliminary results suggested the potential effect of decreased OBFC1 expression on telomerase activity in tumorigenic conditions.

Our results support the hypothesis that reduced expression of OBFC1 gene through functional heritable DNA variation can contribute to malignant transformation of normal melanocytes.
Potential human immunotherapeutics for plague
Authors: Andrianaivoarimanana Voahangy , Randriantseheno Lovasoa Nomena , Moore Kristoffer M , Walker Nicola J , Lonsdale Steven G , Kempster Sarah , Almond Neil A , Rajerison Minoarisoa , Williamson E Diane
Published: October 2021

Two monoclonal antibodies directed to the V antigen of Yersinia pestis have been tested for protective efficacy in a murine model of bubonic plague. Mice were infected with a current clinical isolate from Madagascar, designated Y. pestis 10–21/S. Mab7.3, delivered to mice intra-periteoneally at either 24 h prior to, or 24 h post-infection, was fully protective, building on many studies which have demonstrated the protective efficacy of this Mab against a number of different clinical isolates of Y. pestis. Mab 29.3, delivered intra-peritoneally at either −24 h or +24 h, protected 4/5 mice in either condition; this has demonstrated the protective efficacy of this Mab in vivo for the first time. These results add to the cumulative data about Mab7.3, which is currently being humanized and highlight its potential as a human immunotherapeutic for plague, which is an enduring endemic disease in Madagascar and other regions of Africa, Asia, and South America.
Validation of the Thermo Scientific SureTect™ Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari PCR Kit for the Detection of Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari in Raw Poultry and Ready-to-Cook Poultry Products: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 012101
Authors: Faulds Nikki , Evans Katharine , Williams Jessica , Crabtree David , Hughes Annette , Stephenson Patrick , Leak Dean , Sohier Daniele , Palomäki Jukka-Pekka , Bastin Benjamin , Benzinger M Joseph , Agin James
Published: October 2021

Background

The Thermo Scientific SureTect™ Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari PCR Kit is a real-time PCR assay for the detection and differentiation of C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari from raw poultry, ready-to-cook poultry products, and environmental samples.

Objective

The Thermo Scientific SureTect Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari PCR Kit was evaluated for AOAC®Performance Tested MethodsSM certification.

Methods

Inclusivity/exclusivity, matrix studies, product consistency and stability, and robustness testing were conducted to assess the method’s performance. In the matrix studies, the method was validated against United States and international reference methods for Campylobacter detection.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences found in the matrix studies between the candidate and reference methods when analyzed by probability of detection. All 52 inclusivity strains and none of the 51 exclusivity strains tested were detected by the assay. Robustness testing demonstrated that the assay gave reliable performance with specific method deviations outside of the recommended parameters, and the real-time stability testing demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences between kit lots, validating the stated shelf life of the kit.

Conclusion

The data presented support the product claims that the Thermo Scientific SureTect Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari PCR assay is suitable for the detection and differentiation of C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari from raw poultry, ready-to-cook poultry products, and environmental samples.

Highlights

Presumptive results can be obtained in as little as 23 h. Microaerophilic incubators are not required for enrichment.
Three-Dimensional Tracking of Multiple Small Insects by a Single Camera
Authors: Chen Ching-Hsin , Chiang Ann-Shyn , Tsai Hung-Yin
Published: October 2021

Many systems to monitor insect behavior have been developed recently. Yet most of these can only detect two-dimensional behavior for convenient analysis and exclude other activities, such as jumping or flying. Therefore, the development of a three-dimensional (3D) monitoring system is necessary to investigate the 3D behavior of insects. In such a system, multiple-camera setups are often used to accomplish this purpose. Here, a system with a single camera for tracking small insects in a 3D space is proposed, eliminating the synchronization problems that typically occur when multiple cameras are instead used. With this setup, two other images are obtained via mirrors fixed at other viewing angles. Using the proposed algorithms, the tracking accuracy of five individual drain flies, Clogmia albipunctata (Williston) (Diptera: Psychodidae), flitting about in a spherical arena (78 mm in diameter) is as high as 98.7%, whereas the accuracy of 10 individuals is 96.3%. With this proposed method, the 3D trajectory monitoring experiments of insects can be performed more efficiently.