bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of FRP thickness on axial compressive behavior of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer–confined lightweight concrete cylinders
Authors: Fanggi B A L , Lake A G , Dumin L , Wadu A , Lada Y A A , Mauta M C
Published: April 2021

It is well known that FRP can improve the performance of concrete. However, the effectiveness of FRP to enhance the performance of lightweight concrete is less explored. This study aims to investigate the effect of FRP thickness on the axial compressive behavior of GFRP-confined lightweight concrete cylinders. Nine lightweight concrete specimens wrapped with 0, 1, 2, and 3 sheets of GFRP were manufactured and tested until failure. The test confirms that the thicker specimens experienced higher axial stress and strain compared to the thinner ones.
The potency of the efficiency and compression rate of Cirebon language script using the Binary Huffman algorithm
Authors: Ismail N , Yusuf T , Fajar R , Alqinsi P , Kodir A , Qodim H
Published: April 2021

Each language usually has several important features that are hidden statistically and certain redundancy. These features can be utilized to perform text compression that is suitable for the optimal use of resources. This study proposes an analysis the potency of the efficiency and compression rate of Cirebon language script using the Binary Huffman algorithm. The analysis of the potency is based on the entropy of the Cirebon language script. The study begins with an analysis of the Cirebon language script to calculate the probability of each symbol. These probabilities are used to calculate the value of entropy. The results showed that the entropy of the Cirebon language script was 3.976 bits per symbol, with an expected code length of 4.02 bits per symbol. Then, the estimated efficiency of compression with the Binary Huffman Code is 98.89% and the compression rate is 0.80402. These results can be considered in the use of Cirebon language compression for the telecommunications transmission process.
Broken rail detection system using laser
Authors: Luthfi K M , Sugiana A , Suratman F Y
Published: April 2021

To ensure a safe train operation, some devices are applied to control the infrastructure and rolling stock work safely such as track, signalling system especially on densely trafficked lines using automatic train protection, rolling stock and etc. Track is a main part of infrastructure that has to be monitored before train operation passes it. By operation times, the rail will be decreased in quality due to several factors such as temperature and material durability. One type of rail damage that is often encountered is broken rails. If the rail breaks, the train passes through it can be derailed. To address this problem, a rail damage detection system will be developed using a laser beam. This rail detection laser will be designed as a prototype. The railroad tested was designed to have a gap that varies between 2 and 20 millimeters. A laser-based proximity sensor VL53L0X is placed between the front and rear wheels of the train prototype. Testing this system is successful in a dynamic way. It means that the measurement is done by advancing the prototype manually by hand, not using electricity. The results obtained from dynamic testing are obtained if the rail gap is wider, the range of peak values detected is greater based on monitoring through graphs.
Electronic culinary reservations based on Android with the Scrum methodology and Firebase database
Authors: Setiawan R , Supriatna A D , Hudawiguna S , Roji F F
Published: April 2021

Culinary preservation activities in the process of ordering food or drinks in restaurants are the initial process in restaurant or cafe activities, the problem that occurs is the buildup of orders on the order note, and sometimes customer order errors or changes to orders by customers. The purpose of this study is to make electronic android-based culinary reservations using firebase as a realtime integrated database between tables, kitchens, and cashiers. The research method used is Agile Scrum with the product backlog, sprint, daily scrum, and sprint review stages with modeling using Unified Modeling Language diagrams. This study took a sample in one restaurant in Garut Regency. This research resulted in a prototype of a reservation application that can be used on Android smartphones for customer tables, kitchens section, and cashiers. This culinary reservation application can help improve service to customers by increasing order times faster, reducing the occurrence of booking errors, and reducing paper usage.
Cyberculture: Beauty media animation field in the Z generation in the information flow
Authors: Siregar J S , Anggriawan F S
Published: April 2021

Today’s young generation prefers searching for information over the Internet. Whatever information is easily obtained quickly on smartphones through the web and or social media such as Instagram or YouTube. Search for beauty information is done because of curiosity or find the beauty products they need. Looking for information on beauty, YouTube is a form of video impression to be an easier choice than to be able to surf the web first. The aim of the study wanted to know what kind of video was used by the young generation in search of information about beauty and how the adolescent’s reaction was in seeing YouTube’s beauty video views. The method of this study is qualitative research. This study conducted a beauty video view analysis on YouTube and in strengthening the data was conducted interviews. The results showed that YouTuber can influence the audience to see its channel. The beauty of animation video has not been able to give more reliable results in watching the impression.
An overview of synthetic polymer-based membrane modified with chitosan for direct methanol fuel cell application
Authors: Adiyar S R , Satriyatama A , Azjuba A N , Sari N K A K
Published: April 2021

The materials used for fuel cell membrane must have a high proton conductivity, a strong enough wall to block the reactant flow rate and be chemically or mechanically stable in the environment around the fuel cell. To improve the effectiveness of fuel cell membranes and reduce production costs, several synthetic polymer membranes have been developed, including polyethersulfone, polysulfone, polyvinyl alcohol, and polystyrene. Membranes from this polymer have the advantage of being cheap, commercially available, and allowing its structure to store moisture so it can operate at higher temperatures, yet it has low hydrophilic property. Chitosan, as a biopolymer that has strong hydrophilicity property resulted from numerous hydrophilic groups (e.g. –OH, –NH2and –NR3þ), can be used for various chemical modifications including to increase mechanical and chemical stability and modification to the possibility of producing ion exchange and increasing ionic conductivity which is a requirement for fuel cell membrane. The purpose of this study is to review the use of chitosan as synthetic polymer-based membrane modification from its structure and properties. Recent achievements and prospect of its applications have also been included.
Techno-economic and Environmental Analyses on Reduced Graphene Oxide modified Kapok Fiber as Oil Absorbent
Authors: Lugito Graecia , Walmiki Samadhi Tjokorde , Prakoso Tirto , Lauda Muhammad , Laurent Tanujaya Vincent
Published: April 2021

The industrialization of synthetic fiber has resulted in an economic depression for both domestic and global kapok fiber industries as well as the farmers. On the other hand, the development of ssthe oleochemical industry in Indonesia demands a separation process that is less cost- and energy-intensive. Supporting the sustainable development goals (SDGs) number 1, 8, 9, 12, and 13, in this study, the under-tapped kapok fiber has been utilized to show its potential value as an oil sorbent material. Despite having high oil sorption capacity and being biodegradable, the raw kapok fiber has low oil selectivity, low oil retention, and a fragile structure. The kapok fiber has been modified with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to obtain hydrophobic-oleophilic absorbent with high absorption capacity, high oil selectivity, high oil retention, and strong structure to maximize the recovery yield. Modification has been done by soaking kapok fiber in GO supernatant and reducing them with ascorbic acid, then freeze-drying the fiber to get a robust superhydrophobic sponge. Techno-economic and life-cycle analyses have been conducted and the results indicate that rGO-KF aerogel is economically viable with a potential GPM greater than 36,27%, and environmentally beneficial as it can potentially decrease product carbon emissions by 32.8 tons/ton recovered oil.
Utilization of Kaolin as a Filling Material for Rubber Solid Tire Compounds for Two-wheeled Electric Scooters
Authors: Nasruddin  , Agustini Sri , Sholeh Muhammad
Published: April 2021

Kaolin is a mining material widely used as a filler in the manufacture of various types of finished goods made from natural rubber. Kaolin in this study was used as a special filler for solid tires for two-wheeled electric scooters commonly used by children. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the kaolin loading on the curing properties of the rubber compound, the mechanical properties of the vulcanizate, and the thermal properties of the rubber vulcanizate. Kaolin loading was varied from 22 to 42 per hundred rubber. The compounds were mixed on a two-roll mill. The vulcanization process took place at 140 °C for 17 minutes. The test results showed that kaolin loading had a strong effect on the maximum torque, scorch time, optimum vulcanization time, and mechanical properties of the vulcanizate. Thermo gravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of the vulcanizate was influenced by kaolin loading.
The effect of nanostructured silica synthesis temperature on the characteristics of silica filled natural rubber composite
Authors: Sholeh Muhammad , Rochmadi Rochmadi , Sulistyo Hary , Budhijanto Budhijanto , Doloksaribu Martin
Published: April 2021

The processing, curing, mechanical, and morphological characteristics of natural rubber (NR) filled with nanostructured silica (NS) were discussed in this paper. NS was synthesized at 60-90°C using bagasse ash as raw material. NR was mixed with NS using Haake Rheomix equipped with roller rotors. Curing kinetics of NR compounds was studied using the data obtained from a moving die rheometer. Lower compounding temperature and lower compound viscosity were observed with increasing silica synthesis temperature. Highest bound rubber content and modulus at break were found at natural rubber filled with silica synthesized at 70°C. The state-of-mix of the filler was found to increase with increasing silica synthesis temperature. The curing curve obtained showed that the vulcanization kinetics follow autocatalytic model.
Medium Optimization for Production of Monascus purpureus Pigment through Solid-state Fermentation
Authors: Ismail G A , Fitriana A D , Sukandar U
Published: April 2021

Colorants are component that is commonly added to many kinds of product, including food products. Regardless of its effectiveness and lower price, the effects of synthetic colorants towards human’s health become a challenge for food colorant industries. Production of natural food colorant using microorganism as the producing agent is a promising prospect because microorganism has a high growth rate.Monascus purpureuscan produce a set of natural pigments consist of yellow (monascin and ankaflavin), orange (rubropunctatin and monascorubrin) and red (rubropunctamine and monascorubramine) pigment. The objective of this research is to optimize the micronutrient composition in the medium for the production of Monascus pigment through solid-state fermentation using the job’s tears (Coix lacryma-jobi L) as the substrate. Response surface method (RSM) was used to optimize the concentration of four substrate components: MSG, NaCl, KH2PO4, and MgSO4. From the experiment, it was found that the maximum red pigment was produced in medium with additional of (w/w): MSG 1.496%, NaCl 1.0%, KH2PO43.515% and MgSO40.206%. The yellow pigment was maximally produced in medium with additional of (w/w): MSG 1.5%, NaCl 1.0%, KH2PO42% and MgSO40.2%. Biomass was maximally produced in the medium with additional of (w/w): MSG 1.41%, NaCl 1.01%, KH2PO45.0% and MgSO40.2%. Among those nutrients, MSG gave the biggest impact on the increasing of pigment and biomass production.
Estimation of Xylose Recovery from Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Kresnowati M T A P , Januardi D C , Utomo S V
Published: April 2021

Lignocellulosic materials are potential raw materials for (bio)chemical industries due to their abundance. Its hemicellulosic content, for example, can be hydrolysed to xylose and later converted to various valuable biochemical products, e.g. xylitol. Due to the variability in characteristics and composition of the lignocellulosic materials, however, thorough research is required before the utilization of each type of lignocellulosic materials. This paper presents the development of an empirical model to estimate the yield of xylose from various lignocellulosic materials. A comprehensive literature study was conducted to build lignocellulosic database, in which the yields of xylose from various lignocellulosic materials that were processed by using different pretreatment condition were mapped. An empirical model was developed to establish a correlation between the type of lignocellulosic materials as well as the pretreatment operation condition (severity factor) and the yield of xylose. Several correction factors, such as biomass composition, lignin structure, and the succeeding hydrolysis process have been proposed to improve its accuracy.
The potential of Biogas in Energy Transition in Indonesia
Authors: Rianawati Elisabeth , Sagala Saut , Hafiz Ichsan , Anhorn Johannes , Alemu Sinshaw , Hilbert Jorge , Rosslee Dwight , Mohammed Mutala , Salie Yaseen , Rutz Dominik , Rohrer Michael , Sainz Angela , Kirchmeyr Franz , Zacepins Aleksejs , Hofmann Frank
Published: April 2021

Indonesia is an agrarian country that has a rich bioenergy potency in liquid (biodiesel, bioethanol). The Government of Indonesia (GoI) has set the target to achieve 23% of renewable energy utilization into the national energy mix by 2025. In addition, the GoI also aims to increase the production of biofuel to 7.21 million kilolitres by 2019. Theoretically, biogas technology will be a strategic measure in achieving the target, however, at the moment the biogas technology market in Indonesia is still in a nascent state, especially for the direct utilization of biogas for electricity production. Alternatively, biogas provides Indonesia with a promising source of energy, which can be injected directly into natural gas grids and hitchhike existing distribution infrastructure, resulting in reduced costs along the production-distribution pipeline. For this reason, biomethane has been the focus of some developing countries (e.g Argentina, Republic of South Africa) in moving toward energy transition. This paper examines the state of the biogas market in Indonesia using literature review. The status of natural gas is mapped out through its available potential and the existing initiation of national programs related to biogas. Finally, the study provides recommendations on how biogas technology could accelerate the energy transition in Indonesia.
Biogas Utilization in KPBS Pangalengan: History and Challenges
Authors: Widiatmoko Pramujo , Rizkiana Jenny , Yuwono Susilo , Taufiq Mohammad , Purnama Hadi Candra
Published: April 2021

Pangalengan has been known as business centre of dairy farming in southern Bandung area since Dutch colonization. The Dairy Farmer Cooperative of South Bandung (KPBS) Pangalengan is organizing the collection of raw milk from dairy farmer and sent them to further production system. There are three districts i.e. Pangalengan, Kertasari and Pacet. In this paper, we highlight the history and challenges of biogas utilization in the Pangalengan working field. Although utilization of biogas from dairy manure was long time ago initiated in the area, coverage of biogas application is still as low as 14%. A breakthrough is required to tackle the challenge. We introduced fostered village program in a collaboration between university and the farmer cooperative to ensure continuity of the biogas program.
Plastic marine debris study based on Indonesian plastic national balance (IPNB) and seashore approach
Authors: Abidin A Z , Steven S
Published: April 2021

A clear and accurate plastic marine debris amount to clarify Indonesian marine debris issues still does not exist. Only Jambeck’s study estimated that millions of tonnes of plastic enter the Indonesian ocean every year, but the result is often disputed. This study, hence, was conducted to calculate the Indonesian plastic marine debris amount using Indonesian plastic national balance (IPNB) and seashore approach. The study was based on Indonesia’s 2019 data of plastic production, plastic raw material and finished-product balance, plastic recycling industry, plastic consumption, and plastic distribution. Indonesian plastic industries have a total capacity of 2.66 MT/y, production of 2.31 MT/y, import of 1.67 MT/y, and recycle of 1.655 MT/y. The results from Indonesian plastic national balance (IPNB) imply that after-used plastic of 5.755 MT/y is categorized into material still-consumed, material recycled, and plastic waste. About 90% of the plastic waste is managed which further recycled (0.654 MT/y) and ended up in the landfill (0.868 MT/y), while the rest (about 10%) is mismanaged and become marine debris (0.17 MT/y). For the results from the seashore approach, after-used plastic is burned and buried (3.228 MT/y), recycled (1.655 MT/y), ended up in the landfill (0.868 MT/y), flowed to the river (0.009 MT/y), picked up in the river (0.005 MT/y), and the rest become marine debris (0.004 MT/y). Both results differ from Jambeck’s calculation (0.48-1.29 MT/y) and therefore, clarify that Indonesia is not the second-largest contributor country for plastic marine debris.
Regeneration of Spent Bleaching Earth for PLA Nanocomposite Filler
Authors: Gultom Hizkia M V , Paramitha Tika , Sitompul Johnner P
Published: April 2021

This paper concerns on regeneration of spent bleaching earth (SBE) as a filler in biodegradable nanocomposite. The nanocomposite were produced from two different production methods, solvent casting and extrusion. SBE can be used as filler after being regenerated by removing oil and impurities. A regeneration method for SBE was conducted using chemical treatment. Regeneration process was proved to be succesful as shown in FTIR with the absence of peak at 2850 cm—1– 2930 cm−1and 1730 cm−1indicating the disappearance of free fatty acids and ester bonds from regenerated bleaching earth (RBE). The RBE was then applied as filler for PLA-Nanocomposite, biodegradable plastic, a suitable substitute for conventional plastic. The production of nanocomposite used two different surfactants, namely octadecyl amine (ODA) and trimethyl stearyl ammonium chloride (TSC) at two different concentration (20 mmol and 40 mmol). The mechanical property of PLA-Bentonite nanocomposite was then analyzed for tensile strength and permeability. The highest tensile strength and lowest gas permeability was obtained by nanocomposite that used 40 mmol TSC as surfactant, with 12.48 MPa and 0.017 g/day, respectively. Moreover, addition of regenerated bleaching earth to PLA-Nanocomposite during production using extrusion and solvent casting had slight different effect. XRD pattern of all extruded PLA-nanocomposite samples indicated the formation of exfoliated structure, as shown in XRD pattern with very low intensity peak around 2 nm at 2? = 5, while only a few of samples of PLA-nanocomposite created by solvent casting indicating the same structure.
Effect of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) as a Green Solvent and the Addition of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) in Cellulose Acetate/Polybutylene Succinate (CA/PBS) Membrane’s Performance
Authors: Nyamiati R D , Rahmawati Y , Altway A , Nurkhamidah S
Published: April 2021

In this study, performance of CA/PBS membranes, prepared with the non-toxic solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) compared to Dimethylformamide (DMF), was investigated. The membranes were prepared using immersion precipitation technique at coagulation bath at temperatures of 25°C. Ternary diagram was used to show the interaction between polymer (CA/PBS), solvents (DMF or DMSO) and isopropanol as non-solvent by measuring the cloud point instead of Hansen solubility parameter differences. The effect of Polyethylene Gycol (PEG) to the membrane performance was also investigated. Morphology and tensile strength were analyzed by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), respectively. Experimental results proved that DMSO could be used to replace (DMF) as solvent, as the membranes had a higher value of salt rejection (84.9%). With the addition of PEG, salt rejection, mechanical property, and porosity of CA/PBS membrane also increases. The best result shows that PEG with concentration of 7% wt of polymer, the salt rejection is 88.89%; Permeate Flux is 29.036 L/m2.hr; tensile strength is 68.366 kPa; porosity is 75.16 % and the morphology is sponge-like with the pore size diameter in average is 0.262 µm
Depolymerization Kinetics of Aqueous Cassava Starch under Sonication Process using Free-Radical Depolymerization Model and its Correlation with Radical Production from Acoustic Cavitation
Authors: Airlangga Bramantyo , Dewangga Widyanindra A , Ahmad Adnan Billah A , Novarita Trisanti Prida , Juwari  , Sumarno
Published: April 2021

The technology of biopolymer degradation to produce its derivative compounds is an important topic nowadays. The use of environmentally friendly methods, such as sonication, is a promising method for obtaining biopolymer derivative compounds. Sonication creates acoustic cavitation in the liquid body to produce radicals and microjets that can substitute acid substances in the degradation process. Through the sonication process, starch-based compounds can be degraded to oligosaccharides and reducing sugars, which have a variety of benefits in the food, pharmaceutical, and fermentation industries. Many experiments have been conducted to investigate the role of sonication in starch degradation. However, there is much process model that can describe the role of sonication in depolymerization. This work aims to evaluate the ability of sonication in producing reducing sugars and lower-molecular-weight starch by using the Free-radical depolymerization model and correlating it with the production of radicals from acoustic cavitation. Experiments were carried out using horn-type sonication with a power of 500W with various amplitudes. The reducing sugar analysis was carried out by the DNS method and the average molecular weight was estimated with Ubbelohde viscosimetry. From the simulation results, sonication with 30% of the maximum amplitude gives the largest radical production, which well correlates with the production of reducing sugar. The experimental results show a maximum yield of reducing sugar of 0.570 g / L in the process using S30 for 60 minutes.
Fabrication of RF elements on thin plastic substrate using laser engraving technique
Authors: Littman Nickolas , Steven G O’Keefe , Galehdar Amir , Espinosa Hugo G , Thiel David V
Published: April 2021

A novel fabrication process using a laser machining is proposed, allowing for the creation of arbitrary conductor geometries on an ultrathin dielectric substrate. During the engraving process, a thin aluminum layer is removed from a Mylar substrate, leaving a periodic conductive array. This process provides several advantages over existing techniques and may open additional applications due to the ability to economically create ultra-thin, conformal, optically transparent, light weight surfaces. The proposed technique is modelled and validated through experimental measurements of fabricated simple band-stop square and circle loop frequency selective surfaces (FSSs). Good agreement is observed between the simulated and measured results with resonances 9.9 GHz and 10 GHz for the square loop and 14.2 GHz and 14.4 GHz for the circle loop.
Wave-particle duality in single-photon entanglement
Authors: Li Wei , Zhao Shengmei
Published: April 2021

Single-photon entanglement, the entanglement between vacuum state and single-photon state, is essentially the entanglement of particle characteristics. Wave-particle duality indicates that wave property and particle property could coexist. Can we find evidence of wave-behavior entanglement in single-photon entanglement? Here, based on the construction of Bell-like inequality in wave space, we propose a method to verify the wave-particle duality in single-photon entanglement. First, we define the wave state in two-dimensional space relative to the photon number state, and propose a method to measure the wave state. The strong violation of Bell’s inequality based on the joint measurement of wave states indicates the existence of single-photon entanglement, and the wave is the conjugate variable of the particle. Wave state entanglement obtained from Fourier transform of single photon entanglement and the corresponding measurement protocols will provide us with more information-carrying schemes in the field of quantum information. The difference in the representation in photon-number space and wave space implies the wave-particle duality of single photon entanglement.
Burden of cardiovascular diseases in older adults using aged care services
Authors: Hsu Benjumin , Korda Rosemary , Naganathan Vasi , Lewis Peter , Ooi Sze-Yuan , Brieger David , Jorm Louisa
Published: April 2021

Objective

To quantify the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in older adults using community and residential care services.

Methods

The study population comprised people aged 45+ from the 45 and Up Study (2006–09, n = 266,942) in Australia linked with records for hospital stays, aged care service and deaths for the period 2006–14. Follow-up time for each person was allocated to three categories of service use: no aged care, community care and residential care, with censoring at date of death. We calculated the prevalence at baseline and entry to aged care, and incidence rates for major CVD and six cardiovascular diagnoses, seven cardiovascular interventions (collectively CV interventions), cardiovascular-related intensive care unit stays and cardiovascular death.

Results

The prevalence of major CVD at entry into community care and residential care was 41% and 58% respectively. Incidence per 1,000 person-years of all major CVD hospitalisations and CV interventions, respectively, was 182.8 (95% CI: 180.0-185.8) and 37.0 (95% CI: 35.6–38.4) for people using community care, and 280.7 (95% CI: 272.2–289.4) and 11.7 (95% CI: 9.8–13.9) for people using residential care. Similar trends were observed for each of the CVD diagnoses and interventions. Crude incidence rates for cardiovascular deaths per 1,000 person-years were 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3–1.5) in no aged care, 13.3 (95% CI: 12.6–14.1) in community care, and 149.7 (95% CI: 144.4–155.2) in residential care.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the significant burden of CVD in people using both community-based and residential aged care services and highlights the importance of optimising cardiovascular care for older adults.
Economic Persistence Despite Adverse Policies: Evidence from Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Guirkinger Catherine , Aldashev Gani , Aldashev Alisher , Fodor Mate
Published: April 2021

We study the long-run persistence of relative economic well-being under adverse government policies using a combination of historical and contemporaneous data from Kyrgyzstan. After controlling for unobservable local effects, the economic well-being of Kyrgyz households in the 2010s correlates with the early twentieth-century average wealth of their tribes. Inequality at the tribe level in the 2010s correlates with wealth inequality in the early twentieth century. The likely channels of persistence are the inter-generational transmission of human capital, relative status, political power and cultural traits. Transmission of material wealth, differences in natural endowments or geographic sorting cannot explain persistence.
A 24-Hour Extended Calibration Strategy for Quantitating Tacrolimus Concentrations by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Brister-Smith Allister , Young Jeffrey A , Saitman Alec
Published: April 2021

Background

Tacrolimus has a low therapeutic index requiring strict control of whole blood concentrations. Although random access immunoassay platforms exist that rapidly provide quantitative values for tacrolimus, LC–MS/MS may provide more accurate quantitation. However, batch testing in many LC–MS/MS assays is not efficient, particularly when testing patients suspected of having tacrolimus toxicity. Extending calibration curve stability beyond the traditionally accepted single batch may facilitate improved turnaround time and reduce testing costs. A 24-h extended calibration of LC–MS/MS tacrolimus was designed and validated to reduce calibrator usage, improve turnaround time, and provide a more efficient workflow for urgent requests.

Methods

Patient samples included in the study were extracted and assayed with coextracted calibrators and quality control in real time. The same patient samples were extracted again 24 h later without coextracted calibrators. The data acquired from the second patient sample extraction was applied to the original calibration curve acquired 24 h prior and compared to the data for the same samples coextracted with calibrators, creating a value set utilizing extended curve stability.

Results

A linear regression compared the results using the extended curve to the results of the coextracted acquisitions. This yielded a strong correlation between the 2 data populations, with a slope of 1.0061 and a correlation coefficient of >0.95. The average bias between original patient values and patient values 24 h later was 3.4% across all patient samples.

Conclusions

Patient tacrolimus values were comparable when extracted within 24 h of calibration versus values coextracted with calibrators. Demonstrating comparability within 24 h of calibration allows the laboratory to provide rapid turnaround time for urgent samples without the need for an entirely new calibration curve.
Ground and Stem Sampling as Potential Detection Tools for the Wool of Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae)
Authors: MacQuarrie Chris J K , Fidgen Jeffrey G , Turgeon Jean J
Published: April 2021

The wool of the invasive, non-native hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), occurs mostly on hemlock (Tsuga sp.) twigs, but can be dislodged from the canopy and end up on the forest floor and tree stem underneath the canopy. Herein, we developed and tested the efficacy of two novel sampling techniques, which are based on a visual examination of the forest floor and the hemlock stem for A. tsugae wool. Subsequently, we compared these two techniques to a visual examination of foliage and ball sampling which are two methods currently used operationally. We sampled 11 hemlock stands, with low to moderate incidence A. tsugae populations, near Ithaca, New York in 2016 and assessed the probability of detecting wool on a tree and in a stand, as well as the relative variation and relative net precision for each of the four techniques. We found that sampling the tree stem outperformed foliage and ground sampling, likely because of its higher detection rate and lower relative variation, but not ball sampling. Our findings suggest that combining stem, ball and ground sampling was the most effective combination of techniques and gave a high probability of detecting an infested tree or an infested stand. All techniques were an improvement over foliage sampling, even after increasing the foliage sampling effort fivefold.
Avatāras, Goddesses, and Kauravas: Reading the Old KannadaSauptikaparvanas an Alternative Ending to theMahābhārata
Authors: Lorndale Timothy
Published: April 2021

This article focuses on the reception history of the Sauptikaparvan in Old Kannada, examining two particular tellings of the Mahābhārata: the Vikramārjunavijaya of Pampa (VAV; ca. 941 C.E.) and the Sāhasabhīmavijaya of Ranna (SBhV; ca. 997–1008 C.E.). I argue that these two Old Kannada Mahābhāratas transform the Sauptikaparvan’s iconic massacre into an episode about challenging the actions of Kṛṣṇa, the avatāra of Viṣṇu, and temporarily restoring Duryodhana to power. In doing so, the Kaurava king is allowed to end the war on his own terms. He ultimately dies upholding the principles of Kṣatriyadharma that he previously advocated and fought for. Through a close and comparative reading, I show how for these two texts the Sauptikaparvan becomes a space in which they can question and respond to larger issues of theology, dharma, and human effort in the Mahābhārata’s reception history.
Effects of Maternal Vitamin D Supplementation During Pregnancy and Lactation on Infant Acute Respiratory Infections: Follow-up of a Randomized Trial in Bangladesh
Authors: Morris Shaun K , Pell Lisa G , Rahman Mohammed Ziaur , Mahmud Abdullah Al , Shi Joy , Ahmed Tahmeed , Dimitris Michelle C , Gubbay Jonathan B , Islam M Munirul , Kashem Tahmid , Keya Farhana K , Mohsin Minhazul , Pullenayegum Eleanor , Science Michelle , Shanta Shaila S , Sumiya Mariya K , Zlotkin Stanley , Roth Daniel E
Published: April 2021

Background

We examined the effect of maternal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on risk of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in infants up to 6 months of age in Bangladesh.

Methods

This study was nested in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 5-arm dose-ranging trial of prenatal and postpartum vitamin D supplementation. One group of women received 0 IU vitamin D per week during pregnancy and for 26 weeks post delivery (“placebo” group), one group received high-dose prenatal vitamin D supplementation of 28 000 IU per week and 26 weeks post delivery, and there were 3 additional dose-ranging groups receiving vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy only (4200, 16 800, and 28 000 IU per week, respectively). Episodes of ARI were identified by active and passive surveillance. The primary outcome was microbiologically confirmed ARI, and the primary analysis compared the high-dose prenatal plus postpartum vitamin D vs placebo groups.

Results

In total, 1174 mother-infant pairs were included. Among infants born to mothers in the placebo group, 98% had a venous umbilical cord 25(OH)D level below 30 nmol/L compared with none in the high-dose prenatal plus postdelivery vitamin D group. Incidence of microbiologically confirmed ARI in the high-dose prenatal plus postpartum vitamin D (1.21 episodes per 6 person-months; N = 235) and placebo groups (1.07 episodes per 6 person-months; N = 234) was not significantly different (hazard ratio of 1.12 [95% confidence intervals: 0.90-1.40]). There were no differences in the incidence of microbiologically confirmed or clinical ARI, upper, lower, or hospitalized lower respiratory tract infection between high-dose prenatal plus postpartum vitamin D and placebo groups.

Conclusions

Despite a high prevalence of maternal baseline vitamin D deficiency and significant effects of maternal vitamin D supplementation on infant vitamin D status, the intervention did not reduce the risk of microbiologically confirmed ARI in infants up to 6 months of age.
Detection of Cytomegalovirus in Urine Dried on Filter Paper
Authors: Amin Minal M , Wong Phili , McCann Mark , Dollard Sheila C
Published: April 2021

Urine is the best specimen for the diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus, but collection and processing of liquid urine are impractical for screening. Urine dried on filter paper was processed by the same convenient, low-cost method used by newborn screening to test blood spots and showed high sensitivity and specificity.
Labour productivity during the Great Depression and the Great Recession in UK engineering and metal manufacture
Authors: Hart Robert A
Published: April 2021

This article compares UK labour productivity during the Great Depression (GD) and the Great Recession (GR) in engineering, metal working, and allied industries. Over the downturn of the GD cycle, hourly labour productivity was countercyclical. Over the GR downturn, hourly productivity was procyclical. The combined flexibility of workers and hours, together with short-run diminishing returns, is argued to be the main drivers behind the GD productivity outcomes. There was less workers and hours responsiveness in the GR downturn. These differences are linked to educational and human capital arguments. Employers’ real-wage costs feature importantly in both depressions. In the GD, real hourly product wages rose steeply serving to encourage shorter work weeks, which produced positive impacts on average hourly labour productivity. Unusually, high-labour supply pressures in the GR acted to reduce real hourly product wages serving to protect the jobs of less efficient workers and to lower average hourly labour productivity.
Managed logging negatively affects the density and abundance of some dry forest specialist bird species of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Jonathan Ramos , Las-Casas Flor Maria Guedes , Silva Weber Andrade de Girão e , Naka Luciano Nicolás
Published: April 2021

The Caatinga, the largest region of seasonally dry tropical forest in the Neotropics, suffers high rates of deforestation and habitat degradation, mostly due to wood extraction. As an alternative to illegal logging, governments have looked at more sustainable management schemes, allowing natural regeneration after logging through relatively long (~25-year) harvest rotations. We investigated the impacts of forest management at a 1,700-ha privately owned area located at the Araripe Plateau, in the semiarid interior of northeastern Brazil, focusing on the population parameters of 8 avian species. The property was subdivided into 22 forest stands, where a different stand has been logged every year since 2004. By 2016, when we sampled the avifauna, 12 forest stands had already been logged and allowed to regrow, creating a landscape of logged and unlogged stands and a 12-year forest recovery chrono-sequence. We conducted distance-based sampling along transects to estimate the density and abundance of these species in logged and unlogged stands. We found that logging impacted 3 of the target species. Two of them (Megaxenops parnaguae and Synallaxis scutata) were less abundant, whereas another (Sclerurus cearensis) disappeared altogether from logged areas. We also found a positive correlation between the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the avian density of the affected species. However, we failed to observe any significant relationship between forest recovery or NDVI and species densities, suggesting that even after 12 years of forest recovery, species abundance remains lower in logged than in unlogged areas. We found that logging impacted birds in a species-specific manner, with 5 species unaffected and 3 species declining. Although our sampling occurred half-way through the regeneration cycle, we found no evidence of recovery for those species most affected. We suggest keeping unlogged areas intermingled with logged stands, allowing the survival and potential recovery of species in regenerating forests.
KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V. v ASUSTEK COMPUTER INCORPORATION (No. 2)
Authors:   Patents Court
Published: April 2021

H1 Patents – European patents – Standards essential patents – Infringement – FRAND trials – Striking out – Defendant no longer seeking FRAND licence and offering to submit to injunctive relief and pay damages for past acts of infringement – Damages remaining at large – Application to be removed from trial to determine FRAND royalty rate – Basis of assessment of damages – Relevance of terms of any FRAND licence settled by the court – Scope of sales for which damages payable – Assessment of appropriate royalty rate
The Single Match: Reflections on the National Resident Matching Program’s Sustained Partnership With Learners
Authors: Almarzooq Zaid I. , Lillemoe Heather A , White-Manigault Ebony , Wickham Thomas , Curtin Laurie S.
Published: April 2021

In 2020, the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) sponsored the inaugural “Single Match”—the first time that seniors and graduates of U.S. MD-granting and DO-granting schools participated in one Match. In honor of the Single Match milestone, the authors examine the NRMP’s history, reflecting on the organization’s efforts since the 1950s to support learners and the graduate medical education community by fostering a responsive, robust matching program while remaining true to its founding principles to provide parity of experience for applicants and reduce coercive practices. The chaos and stress associated with the pre-Match days in the 1920s and 1930s that led to the call for a national clearinghouse are highlighted as are significant NRMP accomplishments, from the organization’s incorporation as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1953 as a simple internship placement system through the first Single Match. Recognizing that the current transition to residency is not without its stressors, the authors note that the NRMP remains committed and willing to continue to evolve and identify innovative and meaningful ways to address learner needs and improve the transition to residency.
Induction of protective immune responses against a lethal Zika virus challenge post-vaccination with a dual serotype of recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus carrying the genetically modified Zika virus E protein gene
Authors: Choi Jung Ah , Wu Kunyu , Kim Gyoung Nyoun , Saeedian Nasrin , Seon Seung Han , Park Gayoung , Jung Dae-Im , Jeong Hoe Won , Kim Na Hyung , Seo Sang Hwan , Lee Sangkyun , Song Manki , Kang C. Yong
Published: April 2021

The development of a vaccine to prevent Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has been one of the priorities in infectious disease research in recent years. There have been numerous attempts to develop an effective vaccine against ZIKV. It is imperative to choose the safest and the most effective ZIKV vaccine from all candidate vaccines to control this infection globally. We have employed a dual serotype of prime-boost recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vaccine strategy, to develop a ZIKV vaccine candidate, using a type 1 IFN-receptor knock-out (Ifnar
−/−) mouse model for challenge studies. Prime vaccination with an attenuated recombinant VSV Indiana serotype (rVSVInd) carrying a genetically modified ZIKV envelope (E) protein gene followed by boost vaccination with attenuated recombinant VSV New Jersey serotype (rVSVNJ) carrying the same E gene induced robust adaptive immune responses. In particular, rVSV carrying the ZIKV E gene with the honeybee melittin signal peptide (msp) at the N terminus and VSV G protein transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail (Gtc) at the C terminus of the E gene induced strong protective immune responses. This vaccine regimen induced highly potent neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses in the absence of an adjuvant and protected Ifnar
-/- mice from a lethal dose of the ZIKV challenge.
Effects of calcineurin inhibitors, cyclosporine A and tacrolimus (FK506), on the activity of antifungal drugs against Candida spp.
Authors: Şen Kaya Sümeyye , Kiraz Nuri , Bariş Ayşe , Turan Deniz , Öz Yasemin , Dağ İlknur , Aygün Gökhan
Published: April 2021

Introduction. The simultaneous use of antifungals with immunosuppressive agents has become a necessity for patients taking immunosuppressive therapy. However, antifungal drugs are problematic because of their limited target.

Hypothesis. Scientists have been searching for new antifungals and some compounds with at least additive effects on antifungals. Calcineurin inhibitors used as immunosuppressive agents also attract attention due to their antifungal property.

Aim. To evaluate the activity of two calcineurin inhibitors alone and in combination with amphotericin B (AMB), caspofungin (CAS), itraconazole (ITR), voriconazole (VOR) and fluconazole (FLU).

Methodology. MICs of AMB, CAS, ITR, VOR, FLU and cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (TAC) as calcineurin inhibitors were evaluated by the broth microdilution method against Candida albicans (n=13), C. krusei (n=7) and C. glabrata (n=10). Checkerboard and time-kill methods were performed to investigate the activity of combining calcineurin inhibitors with antifungal drugs.

Results. The lowest MIC values were detected with VOR for all Candida isolates tested. Although we did not detect any inhibition for CsA or TAC alone at concentrations tested in this study, the combinations of CAS with CsA showed the highest synergistic activity (36.7%) by the checkerboard method, and CAS with CsA and ITR with TAC combinations exhibited apparent synergistic interaction by the time-kill method. However, the combinations of both CsA and TAC with AMB resulted in antagonistic interactions, especially against C. krusei isolate in time-kill testing.

Conclusion. Synergistic interactions in the combinations of TAC or CsA with antifungal drugs, except for AMB, in many concentrations was found to be promising in terms of the treatment of patients with fungal infections.
Rapidly increasing SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and limited clinical disease in three Malian communities: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sagara Issaka , Woodford John , Kone Mamady , Assadou Mahamadoun Hamady , Katile Abdoulaye , Attaher Oumar , Zeguime Amatigue , Doucoure M’Bouye , Higbee Emily , Lane Jacquelyn , Doritchamou Justin , Zaidi Irfan , Esposito Dominic , Kwan Jennifer , Sadtler Kaitlyn , Dicko Alassane , Duffy Patrick
Published: April 2021

Background

The extent of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and transmission in Mali and the surrounding region is not well understood, although infection has been confirmed in nearly 14,000 symptomatic individuals and their contacts since the first case in March 2020. We aimed to estimate the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in three Malian communities, and understand factors associated with infection.

Methods

Between 27 July 2020 and 29 January 2021, we collected blood samples along with demographic, social, medical and self-reported symptoms information from residents aged 6 months and older in three study communities at two study visits. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were measured using a highly specific two-antigen ELISA optimized for use in Mali. We calculated cumulative adjusted seroprevalence for each site and evaluated factors associated with serostatus at each visit by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Findings

Overall, 94.8% (2533/2672) of participants completed both study visits. A total of 50.3% (1343/2672) of participants were male, and 31.3% (837/2672) were aged <10 years, 27.6% (737/2672) were aged 10-17 years, and 41.1% (1098/2572) were aged ≥18 years. The cumulative SARS-CoV-2 exposure rate was 58.5% (95% CI: 47.5 to 69.4). This varied between sites and was 73.4% (95% CI: 59.2 to 87.5) in the urban community of Sotuba, 53.2% (95% CI: 42.8 to 63.6) in the rural town of Bancoumana, and 37.1% (95% CI: 29.6 to 44.5) in the rural village of Donéguébougou. This equates to an infection rate of approximately 1% of the population every three days in the study communities between visits. Increased age and study site were associated with serostatus at both study visits. There was minimal difference in reported symptoms based on serostatus.

Interpretation

The true extent of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in Mali is greater than previously reported and now approaches hypothetical herd immunity in urban areas. The epidemiology of the pandemic in the region may be primarily subclinical and within background illness rates. In this setting, ongoing surveillance and augmentation of diagnostics to characterize locally circulating variants will be critical to implement effective mitigation strategies like vaccines.

Funding

This project was funded by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, and National Cancer Institute.