bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bolt Product Quality Control Using Six Sigma DMAIC Method (Case study: PT XYZ Company)
Authors: Ishak Aulia , Elizabeth Zalukhu Nitra
Published: December 2020

The main purpose of quality control is to increase customer satisfaction. PT XYZ is one of the companies engaged in manufacturing by producing bolt product. In terms of quality control, the company is still getting products that increase customer satisfaction and exceed the company’s limits with a defect rate of 13.72%. From the analysis using the DMAIC and FMEA methods, there are 2 (two) dominant types of CTQ bolt products, namely screw defects and bolt head defects. The factors that cause Bolt product damage are: The company’s DPMO value is 45,744 and the c value is 3.19, which means that it is still far from the industry level in the world which reaches 6 c (3.4 DPMO). The company’s highest Risk Priority Number (RPN) is 265 which is caused by a less than optimal engine condition (dirty dies, shifted dies, and worn dies). Proposals to improve the quality of bolt products using the Six Sigma and FMEA methods for the company, namely check the condition of the machine, and make sure the dies engine is in a proper condition to operate.
Application of Fuzzy C-Means in Level Clustering of Traffic Accident Vulnerability
Authors: Syahputri K , Sari R M , Rizkya I , Farhan T A , Syardhi O C
Published: December 2020

Traffic accidents are a serious problem and need the right handling. The high level of traffic accidents is a problem often happened in big cities, especially in the Medan city. Data on traffic accident of 2018 are obtained from the Medan Police Station Unit and from the official website of Badan Pusat Statistika recorded of 1393 traffic accidents with 254 deaths, 721 seriously injured, and 985 slightly injured. Then this data grouped based on the accident road segment and culestered level of vulnerability using the Fuzzy C-Means Algorithm. The results of the Fuzzy C-Means algorithm are 13 road segments in vulnerable clusters, 36 road segments in quite vulnerable clusters and 53 road segments in safe clusters. Road segments in vulnerable clusters are marked in red, quite vulnerable clusters are marked in yellow and safe culsters are in green. Data validation obtained by the traffic accident vulnerability clustered by classifying traffic accident data in the first two months of 2019 using the same method, namely the Fuzzy C-Means Algorithm, the conformity level of the Fuzzy C-Means resulted of 78,75%.
Planning of Master Production Schedule at PT Semen Padang
Authors: Ishak Aulia , Tarigan Ukurta , Dwinitha A
Published: December 2020

PT. Semen Padang is a company that produces cement. In producing cement, of course we need a master production schedule to plan and produce outputs related to quantity and time periods. In other words, the master production schedule is a plan that identifies the quantity of certain items made by a company. The subject studied in this case was PT Semen Padang, where PT Semen Padang has not used precise calculations based on the rules and formulas for making a master production schedule so that the production department does not have a reference in conducting the cement production process. In this research, what will be done is making the master production schedule for 2017 using historical data three years earlier. From observations made precisely in the Production Planning and Evaluation (PEP) section, that the company’s production planning is good enough. Every day the company always takes stock data from every factory in Indarung, starting from Indarung II / III, Indarung IV, V, and Indarung VI. The method used by the company is a calculation based on historical data taken every day, and with estimates based on stock data taken every day.
Determining the Number of Optimum Servers in The XYZ Restaurant Queue System with Queuing Theory
Authors: Siregar Khawarita , Ishak Aulia , Fernando
Published: December 2020

Queue is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the demand for a service at a certain time exceeds the capacity of service at the same time. In this paper, the problem is solved using the queuing theory which is an analytical tool that is very helpful in solving queuing problems. This theory includes mathematical studies that produce important information needed in decision making with the help of forecasting various characteristics of the queue line. The queuing model in this restaurant queue system is (M / G / S). The current queuing system has System utility level (p) 52.23%, average time of customers in the queue (Wq) 0.4634 minute, The average time a customer in a system (W) 2.8074 minutes, Average Number of Visitors in the Queue (Lq) = 0.2104 ≈ 1 person, and Average Number of Visitors in the System (Ls) 1.2750 ≈ 1 person. The total waiting time on server 2 is below the maximum waiting time of 15 minutes and has the greatest system utility level, thus the optimum number of servers chosen is server 2 which is already optimum.
Decision Support System of Family Karaoke Selection with Analytical Hierarchy Process Method using Super Decisions Software
Authors: Ishak Aulia , Siregar Khawarita , Putri Radiansyah Latifa
Published: December 2020

The rise of new and qualified karaoke venues is a place that many people often visit. In this journal, the family karaoke to be analyzed for comparison is K2 family Karaoke, NAV family karaoke, and Milo Family Karaoke. In the process of data processing, the method used is the method of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) with Super Decisions Software. Based on the priority weight calculation for the service attribute where the karaoke is obtained that the reliability element is the highest value element of 0.35580. Furthermore, based on the weighted result of level 3 priority is found that the conformity element of the payment system offered has the highest value of the other element of 0.19973. Based on level 4 priority weighting results are obtained that the weight value for NAV Karaoke is the highest value of the other family karaoke is 0.61197.
Influences of Modified Palm Stearin on Vulcanization Properties of Carbon Black-Loaded Epoxidized Natural Rubber
Authors: Philbert  , Surya I
Published: December 2020

The present research-study investigated the influences of modified palm stearin (MPS) on the vulcanization properties of carbon black (CB)-loaded Epoxidized Natural Rubber with 25% mole (ENR 25). The ENR 25 was loaded by CB at a fixed loading (thirty phr) and the MPS was added into the CB-loaded ENR 25 compounds with varied doses from one to seven phr. The influences of MPS additions on the optimum vulcanization and scorch times and also cure rate index (CRI) of CB-loaded ENR 25 were investigated. It was observed that the MPS caused an enhancement in the rate of the vulcanization process on the ENR 25 compounds. The MPS decreased both the times to scorch and optimum vulcanization time but increased the CRI. The bigger the MPS doses caused in the lower were the scorch and optimum vulcanization times but caused in the higher was the CRI. The enhancement in CRI was attributed to the role of MPS as the supplementary accelerator for the CB-loaded ENR 25 compounds. The amine content of MPS enhanced the CRI.
Moringa Leaves (Moringa Oleifera) Potential as Green Catalyst for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Taslim  , Irawan Ferry , Iriany
Published: December 2020

Moringa plant’s value can be improved by utilizing the leaves as green catalyst. This research aimed to examine moringa leaves as green catalyst for transesterification of coconut oil to produce biodiesel. Dry moringa leaf powder was calcined for 3 hours at 500°C to make moringa leaf ash. Moringa leaf ash was characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The analysis result showed that moringa leaf ash contains metal oxide such as potassium oxide (K2O) and calcium oxide (CaO) which act as catalyst in biodiesel production. Transesterification was carried out with coconut oil to methanol molar ratio of 1 : 9 and catalyst loading of 2% by weight. The variables observed in this study were the effect of reaction temperature and time on biodiesel yield. The best yield obtained was 98.18% at 60°C and reaction time of 150 minutes. These results confirmed that moringa leaf ash can be utilized as green catalyst for synthesizing biodiesel.
Branch and Bound Method to Overcome Delay Delivery Order in Flow Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Najilatil Mazda Chadziqatun , Agustina Kurniawati Dwi
Published: December 2020

Leather industry is one of the industrial sector in Indonesia. Leathercraft industry is one of the industrial sector which concerning to improve the national economic growth of Indonesia. PT Mandiri Jogja International (PT M. Joint) has a problem in late completion production time which caused delay delivery order. So that this company need an evaluation on job scheduling production system which have a smallest total completion production time (makespan). This research is to make a new sequencing scheduling using Branch and Bound method, which has the smallest total completion production time (makespan). Branch and bound is one of the algorithm used to make a new sequencing scheduling. The results showed that scheduling with the actual method applied in the company by sequencing 4-3-5-1-2 has makespan score 13630.68 seconds or 3.79 hours. The scheduling using Branch and Bound method by sequencing 2-1-3-4-5 and 2-1-4-3-5 have a makespan score 12954.46 seconds or 3.60 hours. Branch and Bound method has a makespan 0.19 hours small than actually method at the company. Therefore, branch and bound method is used to make a new sequencing scheduling to overcome delay delivery order at PT M. Joint Exclusive Leathercraft.
Spur Gear Failure Detection using Support Vector Machine
Authors: Siregar Richard , Isranuri Ikhwansyah , Suherman
Published: December 2020

Torsional vibration generated by the spur gear as result the imperfection may generate geometrical error that can lead to spur failure. In order to prevent error propagation, preventive maintenance by detecting and analyzing vibration should be performed. Existing work has been dealt with torsional vibration detection either using tools and/or employing intelligent system. This paper proposed evaluation prototype with support vector machine to differentiate normal and broken spur gears. The assessment results show that gear states were easily determined by using some features. The accuracy achieves 100% in several trials with average accuracy 99.35%.
Industry 4.0
Authors: Nasution Mahyuddin K M
Published: December 2020

The information era has caused a leap in the industrial world. Industries that make full use of information technology are known as Industry 4.0, whose upstream and downstream focus on automation. However, in various aspects, there are gaps. Therefore, the use of accurate information is necessary to draw a common thread between various matters related to Industry 4.0. This paper reveals a little through the literature review as reliable information. In short, of course, it reveals the importance of understanding the changes that have occurred, a relation between the old industry and the industry 4.0.
RETRACTED: Integration of Fuzzy AHP-VIKOR Methods in Multi Criteria Decision Making: Literature Review
Authors: Ishak Aulia , Asfriyati  , Nainggolan Bagas
Published: December 2020

The rapid development of the times directly demands technology, culture and social development as well. The development of this era also gives us many problems that must be resolved. One of the problems that must be faced is the problem of making decisions. There are many methods for solving decision-making problems, one of which is Multiple-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). MCDM is a decision-making method to determine the best alternative from a number of alternatives based on certain criteria. This journal will discuss one of the MCDM methods, namely Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS. Basically, AHP breaks up a complex and unstructured situation into its component parts. Then arrange these parts or variables in a hierarchical arrangement and give numerical values to subjective considerations about the relative importance of each variable. The fuzzy set theory used to represent uncertainty, obscurity, inaccuracy, lack of information, and partial truth. In the VIKOR method, a ranking is performed on the weight that has been obtained in the FAHP method by comparing ratings from a series of alternatives. The VIKOR method calculate the ratio positive and negative ideal solution. The VIKOR method propose a compromise solution with profit rate. This method overcomes the drawbacks of other MCDM methods.
Beauty Clinic Selection Based on Service Quality Using AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) Method in Industrial Engineering Department
Authors: Ishak Aulia , Adithya Rinaldi , Wanli
Published: December 2020

Economic growth, technology and social culture has driven changes in consumer behavior and needs that continue to grow, one of which is the need to continue to improve themselves. This is supported by the number of beauty clinics that stand. As a company engaged in the field of suits, beauty clinics must be able to make consumers feel satisfied with the services provided. This research helps consumers determine the beauty clinic services that consist of 3 alternatives, namely Erha Clinic, London Beauty Center and Natasha Skin Care. The method used in this study is the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The AHP method will break down complex multi-factor or multi-criteria problems into a hierarchy. Where with hierarchy, a complex problem can be broken down into groups which are then arranged into a hierarchical form so that the problem will appear more structured and systematic. This research will produce priority weight values for each beauty clinic, which based on the largest weight is an alternative beauty clinic with the best service quality.
Effect of laser shock peening on stress corrosion sensitivity of 304 stainless steel C-ring weld specimens
Authors: Lu Zhiming , Zhang Hongliang , Pan Yuhui , Xu Fan , Tang Chong
Published: December 2020

As a new surface treatment technology, laser shock peening (LSP) can improve the corrosion resistance and fatigue performance of the metal surface with the help of a high-power density laser beam. In this work, 304 stainless steel C-ring weld specimens were treated with four laser power densities, and the effect of LSP on the surface properties of the specimens was investigated by microhardness measurement, grain size analysis and residual stress test. The research shows that LSP can improve the surface microhardness, produce grain refinement, and transform the residual tensile stress into residual compressive stress in the surface layer of 304 stainless steel. Electrochemical corrosion test and the constant strain corrosion test in boiling magnesium chloride solution were carried out. The results show that the crack initiation time of the C-ring weld specimens treated with LSP is significantly longer than that of the specimens without LSP. As the laser power density of LSP increases, the corrosion current density and the corrosion rate are decreased greatly, the polarization resistance is increased significantly, and the crack initiation time is increased evidently.
The Rise and Demise of Constitutional Duties in Israel
Authors: Likhovski Assaf
Published: December 2020

In many constitutions, constitutional duties appear alongside constitutional rights. However, the history of constitutional duties, unlike the history of constitutional rights, is a neglected topic. This article is a case study of the history of constitutional duties in Israel. The article documents the appearance of duties in Israeli constitutional texts and debates in the 1950s and shows that the interest in duties was connected to the view that a major role of constitutions was to serve as educational, rather than legal, texts. The article then analyzes the decline of the duties discourse in Israel, pointing to the 1960s as the watershed decade in which duties disappeared. Finally, the article discusses a number of possible factors that led to the waning of the notion of constitutional duties, focusing specifically on the juridification of Israeli society. Fluctuations in interest in constitutional duties, the article concludes, are connected to changing understandings of the nature of constitutions, and, more broadly, to shifts in the relative importance of law and lawyers in society.
An integrated approach to determine the abundance, mutation rate and phylogeny of the SARS-CoV-2 genome
Authors: Desai Sanket , Rashmi Sonal , Rane Aishwarya , Dharavath Bhasker , Sawant Aniket , Dutt Amit
Published: December 2020

The analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 genome datasets has significantly advanced our understanding of the biology and genomic adaptability of the virus. However, the plurality of advanced sequencing datasets—such as short and long reads—presents a formidable computational challenge to uniformly perform quantitative, variant or phylogenetic analysis, thus limiting its application in public health laboratories engaged in studying epidemic outbreaks. We present a computational tool, Infectious Pathogen Detector (IPD), to perform integrated analysis of diverse genomic datasets, with a customized analytical module for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The IPD pipeline quantitates individual occurrences of 1060 pathogens and performs mutation and phylogenetic analysis from heterogeneous sequencing datasets. Using IPD, we demonstrate a varying burden (5.055–999655.7 fragments per million) of SARS-CoV-2 transcripts across 1500 short- and long-read sequencing SARS-CoV-2 datasets and identify 4634 SARS-CoV-2 variants (~3.05 variants per sample), including 449 novel variants, across the genome with distinct hotspot mutations in the ORF1ab and S genes along with their phylogenetic relationships establishing the utility of IPD in tracing the genome isolates from the genomic data (as accessed on 11 June 2020). The IPD predicts the occurrence and dynamics of variability among infectious pathogens—with a potential for direct utility in the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond to help automate the sequencing-based pathogen analysis and in responding to public health threats, efficaciously. A graphical user interface (GUI)-enabled desktop application is freely available for download for the academic users at http://www.actrec.gov.in/pi-webpages/AmitDutt/IPD/IPD.html and for web-based processing at http://ipd.actrec.gov.in/ipdweb/ to generate an automated report without any prior computational know-how.
Impact of hospital type on risk-adjusted, traffic-related 30-day mortality: a population-based registry study
Authors: Ydenius Viktor , Larsen Robert , Steinvall Ingrid , Bäckström Denise , Chew Michelle , Sjöberg Folke
Published: December 2020

Background

Traffic incidents are still a major contributor to hospital admissions and trauma-related mortality. The aim of this nationwide study was to examine risk-adjusted traffic injury mortality to determine whether hospital type was an independent survival factor.

Methods

Data on all patients admitted to Swedish hospitals with traffic-related injuries, based on International Classification of Diseases codes, between 2001 and 2011 were extracted from the Swedish inpatient and cause of death registries. Using the binary outcome measure of death or survival, data were analysed using logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity, severity of injury and hospital type. The severity of injury was established using the International Classification of Diseases Injury Severity Score (ICISS).

Results

The final study population consisted of 152,693 hospital admissions. Young individuals (0–25 years of age) were overrepresented, accounting for 41% of traffic-related injuries. Men were overrepresented in all age categories. Fatalities at university hospitals had the lowest mean (SD) ICISS 0.68 (0.19). Regional and county hospitals had mean ICISS 0.75 (0.15) and 0.77 (0.15), respectively, for fatal traffic incidents. The crude overall mortality in the study population was 1193, with a mean ICISS 0.72 (0.17). Fatalities at university hospitals had the lowest mean ICISS 0.68 (0.19). Regional and county hospitals had mean ICISS 0.75 (0.15) and 0.77 (0.15), respectively, for fatal traffic incidents.

When regional and county hospitals were merged into one group and its risk-adjusted mortality compared with university hospitals, no significant difference was found. A comparison between hospital groups with the most severely injured patients (ICISS ≤0.85) also did not show a significant difference (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.97–1.32).

Conclusions

This study shows that, in Sweden, the type of hospital does not influence risk adjusted traffic related mortality, where the most severely injured patients are transported to the university hospitals and centralization of treatment is common.
Pre-implant screening guided by cardiac silhouette fluoroscopy: a way to increase eligibility for the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: a case report
Authors: Galizia Brito Victoria , Bibiloni Cladera Aina , Exposito Pineda Maria del Carmen , Grande Morales Carlos
Published: December 2020

Background

Suitability for the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) depends on a pre-implant electrocardiogram (ECG) screening to ensure appropriate sensing of electrical cardiac signals. Screening is performed positioning electrodes guided by chest surface anatomical landmarks.

Case summary

We report a case of a patient with an initially negative conventional automatic screening for S-ICD, who underwent a modified screening guided by cardiac silhouette position, as seen under fluoroscopy, resulting in eligibility for the S-ICD.

Discussion

The S-ICD reduces endovascular infection risk, providing therefore a potentially safer alternative in patients with prosthetic valves. It might be reasonable to perform a pre-implant ECG screening guided by fitting the cardiac silhouette in the shock vector, as this modified screening position could increase eligibility in patients who may benefit from S-ICD therapy such as the one presented.
Subjective Motoric Complaints and New Onset Slow Gait
Authors: Verghese Joe , Ayers Emmeline
Published: December 2020

Background

While reports of mobility problems are common with aging, their relationship to new onset of slow gait is unknown. Our objective was to examine the validity of subjective motoric complaints for predicting the incidence of slow gait.

Methods

Ambulatory community-residing participants (mean age 76.6, 55% women) with gait speeds in the normal range enrolled in an aging cohort. Five subjective motoric complaints were assessed. Incident slow gait (walking speed 1 SD below age and sex means) was the primary outcome.

Results

Of the 548 participants at baseline, 90 had prevalent slow gait and 253 participants (73.7%) reported one or more subjective motoric complaints. Subjective motoric complaints were more common in women than men (1.78 vs 1.23). Over a median follow-up of 3.34 years, 68 participants developed new onset slow gait. All 5 questions predicted incident slow gait (adjusted hazard ratios varying from 2.26 to 4.44). More subjective motoric complaints were associated with increased risk of developing incident slow gait (hazard ratio per complaint 1.81). Predictive validity of subjective motoric complaints for incident slow gait was unchanged when using alternate outcome definitions, accounting for diagnostic misclassification, recall bias, or adjusting for multiple confounders.

Conclusions

Subjective motoric complaints are a harbinger of mobility disability, and can help improve clinical risk assessments and identify high-risk individuals for interventions to prevent onset of slow gait.
Abstract but Concrete, or Concrete but Abstract? A Guide to the Nature of Advisory Opinions under Protocol No 16 to the ECHR
Authors: Moonen Toon , Lavrysen Laurens
Published: December 2020

In constitutional adjudication, a well-known distinction exists between abstract and concrete review. Under abstract review, a court evaluates a rights interference detached from any particular application to the facts of a case. Under concrete review, the review arises as an element of adjudication of specific facts. In this contribution, we explain theoretically how this distinction plays both at the macro level of a review system and the micro level of specific cases. These concepts are then used to explore and understand the advisory procedure recently introduced by Protocol No 16 to the European Convention on Human Rights. We argue that this mechanism theoretically provides for a type of review that is more abstract than the review exercised under the European Court of Human Rights’ contentious jurisdiction, yet still allows for important elements of concreteness to enter the analysis. This is confirmed by Advisory Opinions Nos 1 and 2.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Marmoset Monkeys
Authors: Schaeffer David J , Liu CiRong , Silva Afonso C , Everling Stefan
Published: December 2020

The use of the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) for neuroscientific research has grown markedly in the last decade. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has played a significant role in establishing the extent of comparability of marmoset brain architecture with the human brain and brains of other preclinical species (eg, macaques and rodents). As a non-invasive technique, MRI allows for the flexible acquisition of the same sequences across different species in vivo, including imaging of whole-brain functional topologies not possible with more invasive techniques. Being one of the smallest New World primates, the marmoset may be an ideal nonhuman primate species to study with MRI. As primates, marmosets have an elaborated frontal cortex with features analogous to the human brain, while also having a small enough body size to fit into powerful small-bore MRI systems typically employed for rodent imaging; these systems offer superior signal strength and resolution. Further, marmosets have a rich behavioral repertoire uniquely paired with a lissencephalic cortex (like rodents). This smooth cortical surface lends itself well to MRI and also other invasive methodologies. With the advent of transgenic modification techniques, marmosets have gained significant traction as a powerful complement to canonical mammalian modelling species. Marmosets are poised to make major contributions to preclinical investigations of the pathophysiology of human brain disorders as well as more basic mechanistic explorations of the brain. The goal of this article is to provide an overview of the practical aspects of implementing MRI and fMRI in marmosets (both under anesthesia and fully awake) and discuss the development of resources recently made available for marmoset imaging.
Association Between Upper Respiratory Tract Viral Load, Comorbidities, Disease Severity, and Outcome of Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Maltezou Helena C , Raftopoulos Vasilios , Vorou Rengina , Papadima Kalliopi , Mellou Kassiani , Spanakis Nikolaos , Kossyvakis Athanasios , Gioula Georgia , Exindari Maria , Froukala Elisavet , Martinez-Gonzalez Beatriz , Panayiotakopoulos Georgios , Papa Anna , Mentis Andreas , Tsakris Athanasios
Published: December 2020

Background

There is limited information on the association between upper respiratory tract (URT) viral loads, host factors, and disease severity in SARS-CoV-2–infected patients.

Methods

We studied 1122 patients (mean age, 46 years) diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). URT viral load, measured by PCR cycle threshold, was categorized as high, moderate, or low.

Results

There were 336 (29.9%) patients with comorbidities; 309 patients (27.5%) had high, 316 (28.2%) moderate, and 497 (44.3%) low viral load. In univariate analyses, compared to patients with moderate or low viral load, patients with high viral load were older, more often had comorbidities, developed Symptomatic disease (COVID-19), were intubated, and died. Patients with high viral load had longer stay in intensive care unit and longer intubation compared to patients with low viral load (P values < .05 for all comparisons). Patients with chronic cardiovascular disease, hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, immunosuppression, obesity, and chronic neurological disease more often had high viral load (P value < .05 for all comparisons). In multivariate analysis high viral load was associated with COVID-19. Level of viral load was not associated with any other outcome.

Conclusions

URT viral load could be used to identify patients at higher risk for morbidity or severe outcome.
Assessment of milk yield and nursing calf feed intake equations in predicting calf feed intake and weaning weight among breeds
Authors: Lancaster Phillip A , Tedeschi Luis O , Buessing Zach , Davis Michael E
Published: December 2020

Nutrition models are important tools in management decisions, but improvements are needed for cow–calf producers to accurately predict nursing calf performance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the ability of published milk yield (MY) and forage intake equations to predict calf feed intake and weaning weight (WW) using an independent, multi-breed dataset. A dataset with 406 nursing calves was used to evaluate two MY equations: 1) National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2016) (NASEM) and 2) Wood (1967) (WOOD) and five feed intake equations: 1) equations from Table 9.1 in Tedeschi et al. (2006) (TED06), 2) equations 2 to 7 in Baker et al. (1976) (BAK76), 3) equation 25 in Tedeschi and Fox (2009) (TED09A), 4) equations 17, 19, and 24 in Tedeschi and Fox (2009) (TED09B), and 5) equation from Holloway et al. (1982) (HOL82). MY was measured at 14-d interval by hand milking, and individual feed intake of nursing calves was determined during a 240-d nursing period. Calf birth and WW were measured on days 0 and 240, respectively. Each combination of MY and feed intake equation was used to predict calf feed intake and WW from observed MY, calf birth weight, and calf slaughter weight. Predicted and observed values were compared using concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and mean bias (MB). Factors affecting the deviation between observed and predicted values were analyzed using regression, and a revised equation was developed. Feed intake equations poorly predicted observed feed intake with CCC < 0.4 and MB ranged from −108% to 69%. However, statistics were slightly improved when using WOOD rather than the NASEM MY equation. BAK76 and TED09B feed intake equations were considerably more accurate (MB = −14.4% to 13.0%) in predicting feed intake but still not precise (CCC < 0.30). Predictions of WW had CCC ranging from 0.19 to 0.71 and MB ranging from −25.9% to 41.8% and were not significantly affected by the MY equation. TED06 and BAK76 feed intake equations were the most precise (CCC > 0.60) and accurate (MB = 1.7% to 8.5%) in predicting WW. Sire breed accounted for significant variation in the deviation between observed and predicted values of feed intake and in a revised equation to predict total feed energy intake from total milk energy intake. In conclusion, refinements of feed intake equations for nursing calves need to account for breed to improve current nutrition models.
Effect of hay type on cecal and fecal microbiome and fermentation parameters in horses
Authors: Sorensen Rachel J , Drouillard James S , Douthit Teresa L , Ran Qinghong , Marthaler Douglas G , Kang Qing , Vahl Christopher I , Lattimer James M
Published: December 2020

The effect of hay type on the microbiome of the equine gastrointestinal tract is relatively unexplored. Our objective was to characterize the cecal and fecal microbiome of mature horses consuming alfalfa or Smooth Bromegrass (brome) hay. Six cecally cannulated horses were used in a split-plot design run as a crossover in two periods. The whole plot treatment was ad libitum access to brome or alfalfa hay fed over two 21-d acclimation periods with subplots of sampling location (cecum and rectum) and sampling hour. Each acclimation period was followed by a 24-h collection period where cecal and fecal samples were collected every 3 h for analysis of pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Fecal and cecal samples were pooled and sent to a commercial lab (MR DNA, Shallowater, TX) for the amplification of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and sequenced using Illumina HiSeq. The main effects of hay on VFA, pH, and taxonomic abundances were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of hay, hour, location, period, and all possible interactions and random effect of horse. Alpha and beta diversities were analyzed using the R Dame package. Horses fed alfalfa had greater fecal than cecal pH (P ≤ 0.05), whereas horses fed brome had greater cecal than fecal pH (P ≤ 0.05). Regardless of hay type, total VFA concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the cecum than in feces, and alfalfa resulted in greater (P ≤ 0.05) VFA concentrations than brome in both sampling locations. Alpha diversity was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in fecal compared with cecal samples. Microbial community structure within each sampling location and hay type differed from one another (P ≤ 0.05). Bacteroidetes were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the cecum compared with the rectum, regardless of hay type. Firmicutes and Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the feces compared with cecal samples of alfalfa-fed horses. In all, fermentation parameters and bacterial abundances were impacted by hay type and sampling location in the hindgut.
Control of Amazonian Leaf-Cutting Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): A Multi-criteria Analysis
Authors: Dionisi Mathilde , Ozier-Lafontaine Harry , Laplace Damien
Published: December 2020

Leaf-cutting ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are one of the main pests found in the Americas and they cause global economic losses worth several billions of dollars. While pesticides have been the most widely used control method, new management alternatives in a context of agroecological transition are now being considered. This study focuses on the leaf-cutting ants species found in the pan-Amazon region. As part of efforts to improve management of these pests, this multi-criteria analysis of control strategies covers a total of 691 experiments collected from 153 studies, and the control were evaluated as a function of their management efficacy, environmental and human health impacts, and their ease of application. Chemical control methods were effective but posed a danger to human health and the environment, whereas mechanical methods and integrated management were more sustainable but not always very effective. Some of the biocontrol methods were evaluated as effective and safe for the environment and human health, including the use of entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv) Vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokïn (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) in the form of bait or sprayed in the nest, or the application of plant mulch in the nest using Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray (Asterales: Asteraceae) or Canavalia ensiformis L. DC. (Fabales: Fabaceae). Because of variations in the efficacy data between laboratory and field tests, we are in favor of evaluating these control methods during field studies with different leaf-cutting ant species and under different environmental conditions. These methods should adopt experimental arrangements that are appropriate for local socioeconomic conditions adapted for farmers.
Painless osteoid osteoma of the distal phalanx of a toe
Authors: Haoudou Romeo , Malghem Jacques , Galant Christine , Docquier Pierre-Louis
Published: December 2020

Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone tumor, found in young subjects with typical intense focal pain, nocturnal exacerbation and favorable response to salicylates. Painless osteoid osteomas are rare and their diagnosis is difficult, especially whether their imaging appearance is not typical. We report the case of a 13-year-old boy with a spontaneous painless lesion of the distal phalanx of a toe. The main symptom was a swelling of the distal portion of the toe with an enlargement of its nail. The radiological aspect was not typical. A computed tomography showed a small lucent bone area within a focal hypertrophy of the phalangeal tuft and an osteoid osteoma was proposed as main diagnosis. The tumor was completely removed and the histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. This clinical case shows that painless swelling of a toe may be indicative of an osteoid osteoma.
Revisiting travellers’ diarrhoea justifying antibiotic treatment: prospective study
Authors: Turunen K A , Kantele A ,   Professor of Infectious Diseases
Published: December 2020

Background

As antimicrobials increase the risk of acquiring multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, unnecessary antibiotics should be avoided for travellers’ diarrhoea (TD). Antibiotics are recommended in TD accompanied by fever or incapacitation (TD justifying use of antibiotics, TDjuAB). Seeking tools for reducing antibiotic use, we explored factors predisposing to TDjuAB and scrutinized antibiotic treatment among those with TDjuAB [TDjuAB(+) subgroup] and those with diarrhoea not justifying antibiotics [TDjuAB(−) subgroup].

Methods

We conducted a study among 370 prospectively recruited visitors to the tropics. Stool samples and questionnaires were collected before and after travel. Enteric pathogens were analysed by qPCR for enteropathogenic (EPEC), enteroaggregative (EAEC), enterotoxigenic (ETEC), enterohaemorrhagic (EHEC) and enteroinvasive (EIEC) E. coli/Shigella, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Yersinia and Vibrio cholerae, and for ETEC’s toxins LT (heat-labile), STh (human heat-stable) and STp (porcine heat-stable). TD was defined by the WHO criteria and TDjuAB as diarrhoea accompanied by fever, and/or disrupting or preventing daily activities. Multivariable analysis was applied—separately for travel-related factors and pathogens—to identify risk factors for TDjuAB(+).

Results

Among the 370 travellers, TD was contracted by 253 (68%), categorized as TDjuAB(+) in 93/253 (37%) and TDjuAB(−) in 160/253 (63%) of the cases. Antibiotics were used for TD by 41% in TDjuAB(+) and by 7% in the TDjuAB(−) group. Relative risk ratios (RRR)s are presented for both the TDjuAB(+) and the TDjuAB(−) groups. TDjuAB(+) was associated with long travel duration and young age. Among the 298 subjects not having taken antibiotics, increased RRRs were found e.g. for findings of Campylobacter coli/jejuni and ETEC’s STh toxin.

Conclusions

The first to analyse risk factors for TDjuAB, our study presents RRRs for demographic and behavioural factors and for various pathogens. Only less than half of those in the TDjuAB(+) group took antibiotics, which demonstrates that most cases meeting the current criteria recover without antimicrobial treatment.
Posterior Surgical Approach for Ventral Cervical Spinal Cord Herniation: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Diaz Anthony , Burks S Shelby , Fisher Richard , Levi Allan D
Published: December 2020

Spinal cord herniation (SCH) is a rare condition that is typically of idiopathic origin. Although SCH is mostly found in the thoracic region because of a dural defect, there are some reports of cervical SCH following surgery or trauma.
1-3
Spinal cord tethering can be a result of SCH or as a standalone issue.
4,5
These conditions can lead to progressive neurological deficits, including numbness, gait disturbances, and decreased muscle strength, requiring surgical correction. There are limited reports of surgical procedures for ventral SCHs. Several reports exist using a ventral approach for intradural tumors, but it is not commonly employed because of the inability to obtain adequate dural closure.
6
Much of the literature on SCH comes from idiopathic and congenital cases in the thoracic spine.
7,8
Posterior and posterolateral approaches for a ventral thoracic SCH have been described, as well as an anterior approach for a ventral cervical SCH.
9-12
In this video, we describe a posterior approach for a ventral cervical SCH. A 38-yr-old male presented with progressive cervical myelopathy 9 yr after a C2-C3 schwannoma resection requiring an anterior approach and corpectomy of C3 with partial corpectomies of C2 and C4. A preoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed a ventrally herniated spinal cord at the top of the C3 vertebral body and below the C4 vertebral body. Informed consent was obtained. The posterior surgical approach involved a C1-C5 laminectomy, sectioning the dentate ligament, ventral cord untethering, removal of residual tumor, and placement of a ventral sling. A significant improvement in sensory and motor function was observed postoperatively.
Surgical Relevance of Pediatric Anterior Clinoid Process Maturation for Anterior Skull Base Approaches
Authors: Rennert Robert C , Brandel Michael G , Steinberg Jeffrey A , Martin Joel R , Gonda David D , Fukushima Takanori , Day John D , Khalessi Alexander A , Levy Michael L
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Removal of the anterior clinoid process (ACP) can expand anterior skull base surgical corridors. ACP development and anatomical variations are poorly defined in children.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a morphometric analysis of the ACP during pediatric maturation.

METHODS

Measurements of ACP base thickness (ACP-BT), midpoint thickness (ACP-MT), length (ACP-L), length from optic strut to ACP tip (ACP-OS), pneumatization (ACP-pneumo), and the presence of an ossified carotico-clinoid ligament (OCCL) or interclinoid ligament (OIL) were made from high-resolution computed-tomography scans from 60 patients (ages 0-3, 4-7, 8-11 12-15, 16-18, and >18 yr). Data were analyzed by laterality, sex, and age groups using t-tests and linear regression.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in ACP parameters by laterality or sex, and no significant growth in ACP-BT or ACP-MT during development. From ages 0-3 yr to adult, mean ACP-L increased 49%, from 7.7 to 11.5 mm. The majority of ACP-L growth occurred in 2 phases between ages 0-3 to 8-11 and ages 16-18 to adult. Conversely, ACP-OS was stable from ages 0-3 to 8-11 but increased by 63% between ages 8-11 to adult. Variations in ACP morphology (OCCL/OIL/ACP-pneumo) were found in 15% (9/60) of scans. OCCL and OIL occurred in patients as young as 3 yrs, whereas ACP-pneumo was not seen in patients younger than 11 yrs.

CONCLUSION

The ACP demonstrates stable thickness and a complex triphasic elongation and remodeling pattern with development, the understanding of which may facilitate removal in patients <12. Clinically relevant ACP anatomic variations can occur at any age.
Combined Anterior Transmaxillary (Caldwell-Luc) With an Endoscopic Endonasal Transpterygoid Approach for Resection of a Large Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Cohen-Cohen Salomon , Carlstrom Lucas P , Janus Jeffrey R , Van Gompel Jamie J
Published: December 2020

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a highly vascular benign tumor that originates in the sphenopalatine foramen and often spreads to adjacent compartments.
1
Microsurgical resection with preoperative embolization remains the treatment of choice.
2
We present a case of a large JNA involving multiple compartments. The patient is a 20-yr-old male who presented with long-term right nasal congestion. The MRI demonstrated a large enhancing mass that extended from the right nasal cavity and nasopharynx into the right pterygopalatine fossa (PPF), infratemporal fossa (ITF), and parapharyngeal space. Preoperative angiogram for embolization showed a highly vascular tumor with blood supply mainly from the internal maxillary artery and about 10% from a persistent mandibular branch of the internal carotid artery. Based on the UPMC JNA staging system, this tumor was a stage IV.
2
A combined anterior transmaxillary (Caldwell-Luc) with an endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach was performed. The addition of the anterior transmaxillary approach increases the surgical freedom for traditional bipolar devices and improves the view and trajectory to more lateral structures like the PPF and ITF.
3
Gross total resection was achieved without complications. The patient was discharged home with a partial V2 numbness (right superior gum) that improved with time. The endoscopic endonasal approach is a safe and effective technique even for large JNA. A multidisciplinary team consisting of an interventional radiologist, a skull base neurosurgeon, and an otorhinolaryngologist with expertise in endoscopic surgery may play a role for optimal surgical results. The patient consented for the procedure and for the video production.
Minimally Invasive Endoscopy for Acute Subdural Hematomas: A Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Khattar Nicolas K , McCallum Abigail P , Fortuny Enzo M , White Andrew C , Ball Tyler J , Adams Shawn W , Meyer Kimberly S , Wei George , John Kevin D , Bak Esther , Sieg Emily P , Ding Dale , James Robert F
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Acute subdural hematomas (aSDHs) occur in approximately 10% to 20% of all closed head injury and represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in traumatic brain injury patients. Conventional craniotomy is an invasive intervention with the potential for excess blood loss and prolonged postoperative recovery time.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcomes of minimally invasive endoscopy for evacuation of aSDHs in a pilot feasibility study.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients with aSDHs who underwent surgical treatment at our institution with minimally invasive endoscopy using the Apollo/Artemis Neuro Evacuation Device (Penumbra, Alameda, California) between April 2015 and July 2018.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised three patients. The Glasgow Coma Scale on admission was 15 for all 3 patients, median preoperative hematoma volume was 49.5 cm3 (range 44-67.8 cm3), median postoperative degree of hematoma evacuation was 88% (range 84%-89%), and median modified Rankin Scale at discharge was 1 (range 0-3).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic evacuation of aSDHs can be a safe and effective alternative to craniotomy in appropriately selected patients. Further studies are needed to refine the selection criteria for endoscopic aSDH evacuation and evaluate its long-term outcomes.
A Safe and Effective Posterior Intra-Articular Distraction Technique to Treat Congenital Atlantoaxial Dislocation Associated With Basilar Invagination: Case Series and Technical Nuances
Authors: Chen Zan , Duan Wanru , Chou Dean , Guan Jian , Liu Zhenlei , Jian Qiang , Zhang Boyan , Bo Xuefeng , Jian Fengzeng
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The management of atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) associated with basilar invagination (BI) is challenging, and traditional posterior-only approaches lack the ability to release the anterior soft tissue resulting in unsatisfactory reduction. Furthermore, vertebral artery anomalies and deformed anatomy increase surgical risks.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a safe and efficient technique to reduce congenital AAD and BI through a single-stage posterior-only approach.

METHODS

A total of 65 patients with AAD and concomitant BI who had congenital osseous abnormalities were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had anterior soft tissue released through a posterior-only approach, followed by intra-facet cages implantation, cantilever correction, and instrumentation. Clinical results were measured using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale, and radiographic measurements included the atlanto-dental interval, the distance of odontoid tip above Chamberlain's line, clivus-canal angle (CCA), and syrinx length. Paired t-tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative measurements.

RESULTS

The mean JOA score increased from 10.98 to 14.40 at 1-yr follow-up. Complete reduction of AAD and BI was achieved in 48 patients (73.8%). The mean CCA improved from 115° preoperatively to 129° postoperatively. Reduction of syrinx size was observed in 14 patients at 1 wk and in 35 patients 1 yr after surgery. All patients achieved bony fusion.

CONCLUSION

Posterior intra-articular distraction followed by cage implantation and cantilever correction can achieve complete reduction in most cases of congenitally anomalous AAD associated with BI.