bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic literature review of lean six sigma
Authors: Ishak Aulia , Siregar Khawarita , Ginting Rosnani , Gustia Dinda
Published: December 2020

Competition in the industrial world lately is very tight. This intense competition requires companies to be able to compete very well. Companies must be able to provide good quality products that they produce. With the increasing competition, the supply of quality products has become a competitive advantage. Therefore, companies need to adopt competitive strategies that can improve the quality of their products, one of which is quality control. One of the quality control methods that can be used is Lean Six Sigma. Lean Six Sigma is a combination of two methods of improvement. Lean is a philosophy to reduce or eliminate unnecessary time, materials, and activities, while Six Sigma is a concept designed to increase overall effectiveness by defining, measuring, analyzing, improving, and controlling processes. Both the Lean’s philosophy and Six Sigma methodology focus on increasing bottom yields, increasing customer satisfaction, reducing defects and improving organizational performance. Therefore, this study has tried to review the current status of Lean Six Sigma from published research articles to reflect the purpose of this paper to compile the latest scenario for the deployment of Lean Six Sigma in various industries literature on Lean, Six Sigma and LSS (Lean Six Sigma).
Quality Control of Chopsticks Product Using Lean Six Sigma Approach Method
Authors: Ginting Rosnani , Ishak Aulia , Stefry  , Supriadi
Published: December 2020

Quality control is carried out in order to produce products in the form of goods or services in accordance with the standards desired and planned. PT. XYZ is a manufacturing company that produces chopsticks made from bamboo. In producing chopstick products, PT. XYZ is experiencing waste problem, which is the number of defective products. The percentage of product defects experienced by the company is around 3%. Therefore, the six sigma approach method is used in an effort to improve product quality through the DMAIC stage (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control). In the define phase, 3 types of defects are found, which are perforated, broken and stringy. In the measure phase, the value of DPO is 0,153. In the analyze phase, the main factors causing defect are material due to the usage of low quality materials. In the improve phase, the 5W + 1H method is used to create a new method in reducing defects. In the control phase, a new SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) is made for the company.
Truck Assembly Line Reconfiguration to Reduce Cycle Time with Lean Manufacturing Approach in the Indonesian Automotive Industry
Authors: Yudhatama J , Hakim I M
Published: December 2020

The automotive industry is one of the industries that plays a major role in Indonesia’s revenue sources, one of which is in meeting daily needs, especially for transportation and logistics. This causes the growth of truck production targets each year and has become one of Indonesia’s focus to target 1.29 million trucks produced in 2020. This study aims to minimize production time with the optimal number of workstations to minimize costs that will come out for increasing production capacity in truck assembly lines in Indonesia. The study was conducted with a lean manufacturing approach to analyze the waste contained in the assembly line. The study began by calculating time for each work using the time study method. The time obtained is then inputted to the mixed integer linear programming mathematical programming model developed in the LINGO 17.0 software. The result of data processing in the LINGO 17.0 software is the allocation of each job to the new workstation to get the production cycle time in accordance with the production takt time, and also the total idle time of the new assembly line.
The Effect of Sugar Concentration, Citric Acid Concentration and Storage Time on Orange Syrup’s pH Using Completely Randomized Factorial Design
Authors: Ishak Aulia , Siregar Khawarita , Asfriyati  , Safira Miftah
Published: December 2020

One of the company in industrial product is orange syrup company. The quality of orange syrup can determine the success rate of company. Orange fruits contain acidic pH that can affect syrup quality depending on affecting factors. By using randomized factorial design, which consists of 3 factors, each factor consists of 2 factor levels, sugar concentration (50 gr and 70 gr), citric acid concentration (0.5 gr and 1 gr) and storage time (1 day and 3 days), this experiment was conducted using the axbxc fixed model with factorial 2x2x2 and 3 replications. Based on ANOVA table, there is a significant effect given by sugar concentration, citric acid concentration and storage time with F result = 0.532 > F table = 0.476. but there are no significant effect by conducted one or two factor only. The regression equation obtained is Y = 3.317 + 0.002 X1 + (-0.717) X2 + (-0.046) X3. For the correlations coefficient this research concluded that sugar concentration with value of 0.095 gives very low effect, citric acid concentration with value of -0.813 gives very strong opposite effect and storage time with value of -0.208 gives very low opposite effect on orange syrup’s pH.
Optimalization HDPE Pipe Raw Material Using Simulation Model in PT. X
Authors: Napitupulu Humala L. , Sebastian Simamora Jeremi
Published: December 2020

PT. X is an industrial company engaged in the production of pipes. In producing HDPE pipes, the company uses various raw materials ordered from foreign suppliers. The raw material needed in the HDPE pipe production process is HDPE plastic seeds. The company orders raw materials to meet existing demand, inventory stocks often experience differences with demand and orders are made if there is not enough supply to meet demand, Shipments of materials in containers via sea transport with a square off time of 1 month. In practice the number of orders is determined based on the number of requests in 1 month. In this study the method used is a simulation to determine the optimal HDPE raw material order quantity with total inventory cost (Total Cost Inventory) as a comparison, the order size determination is also carried out using the probabilistic EOQ method. The optimal order size with the Q system for a reorder point of 60,000 kg is 80,000 kg and a total inventory cost of 378,465,389, -.
Multi-criteria as decisions
Authors: Nasution Mahyuddin K M
Published: December 2020

Multi-criteria derived from features have become character objects. When measurements are made of them by weighting methods, each criterion is a decision. Thus, criteria as object behavior may be static or dynamic. As a decision, multi-criteria require analysis and modeling to become an optimal decision. Various models and methods of finishing are available but require special attention. Therefore, this paper describes the relationships between them briefly. However, when each criterion is a decision, then modeling of multi-criteria is a decision, the use of the different methods and the results are also as a decision.
Shorten Lead Time of the Procurement Process in Aluminium Smelter
Authors: Buandra Ade , Hutauruk Duan Ricky , Ramadhani Mazaya Dini
Published: December 2020

Aluminium Smelter as a specific manufacture, certainly has various types of needs both in terms of materials, services and spare parts. This difference causes longer duration of procurement lead time which can cause disrupted production processes. Procurement Department as a department that serves the purchase request identifies the source of the problem that causes the procurement lead time process does not meet the standard lead time 45 working days for goods & 60 working days for service. By using Ishikawa’s Fishbone and Fault Tree Analyst, it was found that one of the causes of the long lead time of the procurement process was policy. Improvements were made in various aspects such as changes in procurement methods, authority, etc. In the 2019 SKDIR Procurement regulatory application, improvements in goods lead time which were originally from 88.54 working days to 61.90 working days and services from 105.9 working days to 52.62 working days.
Effect of Wuluhstarfruit (Averrhoa bilimbi) electrolyte filtrate addition on making hydrogel aluminum battery based on carboxymethyl cellulose
Authors: Rajagukguk AH , Ginting MHS , Sundari E , Misran E , Iriany
Published: December 2020

This research aims to determine the effect of Wuluhstarfruit (Averrhoa bilimbi) electrolyte filtrate addition to ionic conductivity of hydrogel that produced and the electrical characteristics of hydrogel aluminium battery. The method used in hydrogel production is the gelatinization method. Based on this research, the best conductivity obtained is 1.286x10−2 S cm−1 from the combination of 2% CMC on the addition of 100 ml of electrolyte and 15 ml ethylene glycol and the highest voltage obtained from the assembled battery is 1.4267 V from the combination of 2% CMC in addition of 100 ml electrolyte and 15 ml Plasticizer. The best current obtained from this study is 13.391 mA from the combination of 2% CMC with the addition of 100 ml electrolytes and ethylene glycol plasticizer 15 ml. The best power obtained from this research is 19.105 mW from the combination of 2% CMC with the addition of 100 ml electrolytes and 15 ml ethylene glycol.
CO2 laser machining on alumina ceramic: a review
Authors: Umroh B , Ginting A , Rahman M N A
Published: December 2020

Alumina is widely used for engineering applications due to its strength, insulation characteristics, and, chemical and thermal stability. Alumina is commonly used in the automotive, aircraft, medical, and other industries. However, despite its desirable characteristics, this material is brittle and difficult to be machined. Some researchers and practitioners adopted diamond abrasive cutting process for alumina machining, but the lengthy machining time and excessive tool wear increase machining cost by 60-90%. One other alternative to the traditional machining method is laser Beam machining (LBM). The LBM process is characterized by good machining quality, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective because there is no tool wear, vibration, and cutting force. Those characters are of benefit to productivity. However, there are still issues reported such as microcrack and surface roughness during alumina laser machining that needs to be further investigated. This paper reviews the published works on alumina laser beam machining (LBM). The review focuses on the CO2 LBM system.
Synthesis of calcite-zincite nano composite materials using sol-gel auto combustion method
Authors: Sampath Kumar L , Shantha V. , Naik Chandrashekhar , Drakshayani D. N. , Kataraki Pramodkumar S. , Janvekar Ayub Ahmed , Ishak Aulia
Published: December 2020

Calcite-Zincite nano particles were synthesized by Sol-Gel Auto Combustion (SGC) technique. Modifying nanoparticles promote numerous advantages, such as, simplicity of synthesis, small heat for breakdown, regulation above the compound structure, small budget, dependability, repeatability, and moderate synthesis situations. One of interesting study on Sol-Gel auto Combustion technique has proven massive advantages as compared to other traditional methods. Presented work follow synthesized of novel nanoparticles. Research work was focused on characterized UV visible absorption spectroscopy and FTIR. The UV visible absorption spectroscopy shows an absorption band at 214 nm, 234 nm and 372nm due to calcite/zincite nano composite particles. FTIR spectra establishes a particular Calcite - Zincite nano powder obtained the characteristic peak of carbonate group at 1414 cm-1, 868 cm-1 (CaCo3) and 477 cm-1 (ZnO).
Influence of Static VAR Compensator Application for Improving Power Quality in Distribution Lines Supplied Industry
Authors: Rohana  , Hardi Surya , Tambunan J D A , Hasibuan Arnawan
Published: December 2020

The voltage drop in distribution line unavoidable but can be reduced until the allowable limit. The voltage drop occurred due to currents flow in impedance lines. Harmonics caused by non-linear loads that are often found in the industrial used electronics devices. This study is to discuss the application of static var compensator (SVC) to improve the power quality in distribution lines. Harmonics analysis of the loads industries are modelled as arc furnace and adjustable speed drive (ASD) using software ETAP simulation. The loads are connected to the IEEE 14 busses system. Fast decoupled method was used for investigating the voltage drop at each buss. Harmonics analysis was carried out to find harmonics level contents i.e., total harmonics distortion of voltage (THDV) and current (THDI). Values of THDV and THDI resulted are evaluated by state electrical company (PLN) standard. The load flow study result shows that there are some busses have voltage below the standard and harmonics analysis beyond the allowable limit but the voltage at Bus 14 is lowest, therefore SVC is connected to it. The results show all the voltage is fulfilling the standard. The SVC installation on this case is less significant it affects on mitigating harmonics.
Simulation model on the potato as the samples on the dryer operation module with thickness variation
Authors: Haryanto B , Sinuhaji T R F , Tarigan E , Bukit R Br.
Published: December 2020

During the COVID-19 virus impact on most areas in Indonesia, most of the teaching and research activities done at home. The idea to force the activity at home by giving the idea to research drying operation. It is the sample of how students can apply the drying operation at their home. The idea to dry the potato as the material sample was applied and have given the result the size or shape of the sample, the operation time and temperature impact the drying kinetics. As a result of drying at the open area and naturally were give the information has impacted the rate of drying. The type of shape was the most impacted in comparing the temperature and operation time.
Designing a Medical Device Marketplace Business Model Using the Lean Startup Method
Authors: Oshaviani Annisya Emma , Rochman Taufiq
Published: December 2020

Marketplace is a model of business where sellers and buyers do their selling and purchasing transactions online. Medical devices marketplace comes in application software that can be used as a place for promoting products that have a purpose to increase health quality in Indonesia. This application is called ‘MedMarket’ that stand for Medical-Market. The aim of this study is to design business processes that will be implemented and design product prototype according to market needs. So it can be solution to obtain various types of medical devices with good quality and competitive price in one application that will make it easier to look for the requested medical device. MedMarket is designed with lean startup method which consist of three stages: document the plan, identify the riskiest parts of the plan, and systematically test the plan to validate feedbacks from respondents. MedMarket has three main features which are verified sellers, products information, and the products are divided in several categories. Application’s prototype was designed with Adobe Xd software.
Design of Virtual Automotive Showroom with Augmented Reality Technology Using The Smartphone
Authors: Fahmi F , Alwy M
Published: December 2020

In an exhibition like an automotive showroom, it is usually not possible to display all the features of products directly to potential customers. Displaying products of cars with various colors, for example, had challenges due to several limitations. In this study, the researcher developed an application for smartphones that can interactively display a product of cars with different features in real-time. The development process was using Vuforia and 3D Unity applied in Android system. Customers can change the color of the car and see the animation through an Augmented Reality application. The system provides convenience to customers in obtaining information by displaying an animation of a certain product in real-time and gives benefits to the owner to promote their products uniquely.
Design of an IoT-based smart incubator that listens to the baby
Authors: Fahmi F , Shalannanda W , Zakia I , Sutanto E
Published: December 2020

In the industrial era 4.0, domestic baby incubator producers are facing the challenge of free trade of foreign products that will compete in innovation with the application of IoT technology. One of the opportunities that arise consciously or unconsciously at the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) unit in Hospitals, in general, is that there are no facilities for parents to monitor the baby’s condition inside the incubator directly. The purpose of this research project is to build a prototype of an internet-based baby incubator monitoring system based on things equipped with various sensors that will send data to the server in real-time and mobile apps for monitoring facilities for parents, including the voice of the baby. This study focused on how to develop baby incubators that can listen to baby’s crying, capture the voice, and interpret it using artificial intelligence. More than 40 (forty) voice datasets were used and successfully classified into five possible terms of the baby’s condition: burping, sleepy, hungry, uncomfortable, and pain by energy signal and spectrum analysis. The benefit of this research is as a driver of innovation for baby incubator products that will support the national medical devices manufacturing company.
Measurement of Criterion Weight to Determine Industrial Area Location Using AHP for Economic Growth
Authors: Chumaidiyah E. , Dewantoro M. D. R , Hakimah D. A , Arffan Z , Robbi R. M. N
Published: December 2020

Industrial area is an infrastructure for the process of industrialization as a source that can trigger economic growth. Industrial areas that are structured and can support production operations are an appeal to foreign investors. However, the development of industrial areas requires careful planning because it impacts on the environmental carrying capacity and land loss. Therefore, industrial area development needs attention to a variety of important criteria as considerations in determining the location of an industrial area. This study aims to determine the criteria and measure the importance of each relative criterion to other criteria. The method used is Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results show that there are four important factors that need to be considered with each of the importance level, namely Infrastructure by 33.97%, Distance to Access by 31.74%, Land & Soil by 19.57%, and Production Factors by 14.72%. The four factors have ten important criteria that need to be considered in making decisions to determine the location of an industrial area where the two highest criteria are electricity infrastructure with a significance level of 19.05% and telecommunications infrastructure with an importance level of 14.92%.
Development of A Methodology for Selection And Assessment of Liquid Waste Processing Technology From Oil Palm Industry Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)
Authors: Ishak Aulia , Ali Amir Yazid bin , Lateh Hafnee , Ginting Rosnani
Published: December 2020

The waste produced by the palm oil industry contributes a lot to environmental damage if it is not operated properly. Waste consists 70% of raw material amount which is almost half in the form of liquid. There are many alternatives for treating palm oil industry wastewater, from the most advanced technology to conventional technology. The difficulty in choosing and evaluating and applying the most appropriate technology for certain companies from various alternative technologies is a big problem. Therefore, a Decision Support System has been developed to assist in identifying, evaluating and selecting the best technology for wastewater treatment. In this study, three operations have been developed in MySQL, a database for waste treatment technology; Introduction of criteria using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach. The AHP method is also a proven tool for the decision-making process for selecting palm oil industry wastewater treatment technology. This model in the palm oil industry, therefore the software database can be updated and the program algorithm can be modified according to user needs. This study can assist in decision making and optimize the reprocessing of liquid waste from palm oil mills.
A method for constructing a dataset to reveal the industrial behaviour of big data
Authors: Nasution Mahyuddin K M
Published: December 2020

Dataset is a set of data that becomes the standard for showing the behaviour of something. In this case, the industry. For this situation, the industry. Be that as it may, each dataset consistently has restrictions to help the prediction. The prediction is about the current conduct of the industry, where yet just exists in enormous information like in big data. This paper aims to construct a concept that describes a method for developing a dataset.
Stroke therapy using an interactive game with accelerometer and gyroscope sensor device
Authors: Fahmi F , Utomo N , Nasution I K , Sawaluddin S
Published: December 2020

Stroke is one of the diseases that have a long-term impact on people who suffer it. Patients are feared not only for the “sudden attacks,” but also for the after-effect due to the disease itself. The paralysis of certain limbs is very disturbing and even inhibits the activity of a patient’s life. The process of rehabilitation usually takes a long time, and the patients experience boredom easily. In the rehabilitation process, there are several tools needed by post-stroke patients, such as the use of motion aids and using memory exercise aids such as brain games. Here in this study, accelerometer sensors and gyroscope sensors were used to create a post-stroke therapy game. With this stroke therapy game, patients are expected to be happier to perform the process of stroke therapy and to make stroke therapy more fun, interactive, and can be done at home or elsewhere.
Decision Support System for Suppliers of Household Appliance with Analytical Hierarchy Process Method Using Super Decisions Software
Authors: Ishak Aulia , Siregar Khawarita , Intan Siagian Lyly Sri
Published: December 2020

Decision Support Systems can be used as problem solving in semi-structured and unstructured conditions. Multi-criteria decision making tools can be solved by the Analytical Hierarchy Process method. The problem that will be examined in this study is about the services of household appliances in the city of XYZ. The household appliance services that will be compared in this study are Ace Hardware, Yafurni, and IJC. There are 5 criteria, 22 sub criteria, and 3 alternatives. This problem was resolved through the application of the AHP method which calculations were carried out manually and using the Super Decisions Software, which was carried out through the distribution of questionnaires to 10 respondents. Processing data begins with making a hierarchy. Hierarchy is used to make the AHP questionnaire consistent with the meaning of one element with other elements equivalent. Then making AHP questionnaires, distributing AHP questionnaires, find priority vector, calculate the consistency ratio, to get the best alternative with manual calculations. Processing data using the Super Decisions Software are create interconnected hierarchies, make a pairwise comparison, and then find results of alternative priority calculations that have been calculated with Super Decisions Software.
Analysis Concept Design of Corn Raw Materials Suppliers in the Animal Feed Industry using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Method
Authors: Monica  , Sembiring A C
Published: December 2020

Procurement of raw materials is a major activity in the manufacturing industry. Therefore, the role of supplier is very important in the supply flow of an industry. Supply Chain Management in the industry must be managed efficiently. The animal feed industry located in Medan City has constraints in determining suppliers in the supply of timely and quality raw materials, it greatly affects industrial activities so the industry can’t provide the consumers’ needs properly. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the suppliers that fit the company’s needs. The analysis used Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method by taking data randomly from 20 suppliers in Animal Feed Industry. The AHP method analyzes based on the main criteria then obtained the first priority criterion is Delivery (0.4385), the second priority is Quality (0.2775), the third priority is Cost (0.0890), the fourth priority is Service (0,0854), the fifth priority is Flexibility (0.0582) and the last is Performance (0.0513). As for the selection of suppliers that have been adjusted to the priority level of the existing criteria is supplier B (0.5026), followed by supplier A (0.3129) and the last is supplier C (0.1845). So, it can be concluded that Supplier B is the best supplier.
Remarkable improvement in damping capacity of M2052 alloy by step-cooling treatment
Authors: Wei Li , Li Qiangfeng , Zhang Xinglin , Sun Yongqing , Zhao Hongjin , Liu Zhenbao , Liang Jianxiong , Yang Zhiyong
Published: December 2020

In order to efficiently produce high-damping Mn–Cu based alloys, different heat treatment processes were designed in this study, and the influence of the cooling process on the damping property of M2052 alloy was systematically investigated. The results show that the step-cooling process significantly influenced the damping performance of M2052 alloy. Compared with M2052 alloy processed using air-cooling with an internal friction (tan δ) of 0.087 at a strain amplitude λ = 5 × 10−4, the damping capacity was improved by more than 49% through the step-cooling treatment. This was mainly because of the increment of manganese content of in the Mn-rich regions, which is caused by the spinodal decomposition on the low temperature side of the miscibility gap. Meanwhile, the step-cooling treatment significantly suppressed the precipitation of α-Mn, which reduced the negative effect of α-Mn on the damping capacity and kept the Mn content in the Mn-rich regions at a high level. The step-cooling treatment, a novel and effective microstructure control process, provides a new method for the efficient preparation of high-damping M2052 alloy.
Redox-driven control of magnetism and structure of polycrystalline PrBaCo2O5+δ
Authors: Heo Yunseok , Annas Dicky , Park Kang Hyun , Jeen Hyoungjeen
Published: December 2020

Controlling oxygen contents (0.25 ≤ δ ≤ 0.83) and its associated structural and magnetic properties in polycrystalline PrBaCo2O5+δ
are presented. To control oxygen contents, heat treatments were performed using tube furnace in controlled gas environment. Through temperature dependent reductive annealing, oxygen vacancies are formed in PBCO, and changes of associated properties such as lattice expansion and stabilization of antiferromagnetism are observed. When we performed oxidative annealing, oxygens are intercalated into PBCO. This results in stabilization of ferromagnetism. At last, we checked reversibility through consecutive redox reactions. The structural and magnetic phase transitions occur nearly reversibly. Thus, we could control oxygen contents and associated structural and magnetic properties reversibly through conventional gas reaction.
Estimating the Effect of Social Distancing Interventions on COVID-19 in the United States
Authors: Olney Andrew M , Smith Jesse , Sen Saunak , Thomas Fridtjof , Unwin H Juliette T
Published: December 2020

Since its global emergence in 2020, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused multiple epidemics in the United States. When medical treatments for the virus were still emerging and a vaccine was not yet available, state and local governments sought to limit its spread by enacting various social-distancing interventions, such as school closures and lockdowns; however, the effectiveness of these interventions was unknown. We applied an established, semimechanistic Bayesian hierarchical model of these interventions to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 from Europe to the United States, using case fatalities from February 29, 2020, up to April 25, 2020, when some states began reversing their interventions. We estimated the effects of interventions across all states, contrasted the estimated reproduction numbers before and after lockdown for each state, and contrasted the predicted number of future fatalities with the actual number of fatalities as a check of the model’s validity. Overall, school closures and lockdowns were the only interventions modeled that had a reliable impact on the time-varying reproduction number, and lockdown appears to have played a key role in reducing that number to below 1.0. We conclude that reversal of lockdown without implementation of additional, equally effective interventions will enable continued, sustained transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States.
TSPTFBS: a Docker image for trans-species prediction of transcription factor binding sites in plants
Authors: Liu Lifen , Zhang Ge , He Shoupeng , Hu Xuehai
Published: December 2020

Motivation

Both the lack or limitation of experimental data of transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) in plants and the independent evolutions of plant TFs make computational approaches for identifying plant TFBSs lagging behind the relevant human researches. Observing that TFs are highly conserved among plant species, here we first employ the deep convolutional neural network (DeepCNN) to build 265 Arabidopsis TFBS prediction models based on available DAP-seq (DNA affinity purification sequencing) datasets, and then transfer them into homologous TFs in other plants.

Results

DeepCNN not only achieves greater successes on Arabidopsis TFBS predictions when compared with gkm-SVM and MEME but also has learned its known motif for most Arabidopsis TFs as well as cooperative TF motifs with protein–protein interaction evidences as its biological interpretability. Under the idea of transfer learning, trans-species prediction performances on ten TFs of other three plants of Oryza sativa, Zea mays and Glycine max demonstrate the feasibility of current strategy.

Availability and implementation

The trained 265 Arabidopsis TFBS prediction models were packaged in a Docker image named TSPTFBS, which is freely available on DockerHub at https://hub.docker.com/r/vanadiummm/tsptfbs. Source code and documentation are available on GitHub at: https://github.com/liulifenyf/TSPTFBS.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Assortative pairing for boldness and consequences for reproductive success in Montagu’s harrier
Authors: Rabdeau Juliette , Badenhausser Isabelle , Gaffard Agathe , Mangelinck Camille , Moreau Jérôme , Bretagnolle Vincent , Monceau Karine
Published: December 2020

Behavioural combination within pairs depending on personality and plasticity might influence reproductive success. However, studies testing this hypothesis are rare, especially in the case of monogamous species with bi-parental care in which the sexes exhibit different behavioural roles. In this study, we investigated the pairing patterns for both boldness and boldness plasticity in Montagu’s harriers (Circus pygargus), a species with sex-specific care, and the consequences for their reproductive success. We measured individual boldness and plasticity for both sexes, and we assessed the pairing pattern in the Montagu’s harrier population for these two traits. We calculated four indices to characterize the behavioural association within pairs: pair boldness, boldness similarity within pairs, pair plasticity and plasticity similarity within pairs. The relationship between the behaviour of the parents and the reproductive success was then tested through these four indices. We found a pattern of assortative pairing based on both boldness and plasticity in the Montagu’s harrier population. Within-pair similarity of plasticity had a significant effect on the reproductive success, which was higher for less similar pairs than for more similar pairs. Our results question the origin of this pairing pattern and suggest that ecological constraint and not sexual selection could be the major driver.
Growth Differentiation Factor (GDF)-15 and Cardiometabolic Outcomes among Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Echouffo-Tcheugui Justin B , Daya Natalie , Matsushita Kunihiro , Wang Dan , Ndumele Chiadi E , Al Rifai Mahmoud , Hoogeveen Ron C , Ballantyne Christie M , Selvin Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Laboratory studies suggest an involvement of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) in metabolic dysregulation. However, the utility of GDF-15 for assessing risk of cardiometabolic outcomes has not been rigorously examined among older adults.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of older adults who attended visit 6 (2016–2017) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. We used multivariable logistic regression to quantify cross-sectional associations of GDF-15 (in quartiles) with prevalent diabetes, obesity, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), subclinical myocardial stress/injury (assessed by NT-proB-type Natriuretic Peptide [NT-proBNP] and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T [hs-cTnT]), and heart failure (HF).

Results

Among 3792 ARIC study participants (mean age 80 years, 59% women, 23% Blacks and 77% Whites, mean GDF-15: 2094.9 pg/mL [SD: 1395.6]), higher GDF-15 concentrations (highest vs. lowest quartile) were positively associated with diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:] : 2.48, 95% CI : 1.89, 3.26), ASCVD (aOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.11), increased hscTnT (aOR: 2.27, 95%CI: 1.54, 3.34), increased NT-proBNP (aOR: 1.98, 95%CI: 1.46, 2.70), and HF (aOR: 3.22, 95%CI : 2.13, 4.85), in models adjusted for demographics and traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

In this sample of older US black and whites, increased GDF-15 was positively associated with diabetes, ASCVD, HF, and markers of subclinical myocardial stress or injury. These results illustrate the diverse aspects of the link between GDF-15 and diseases states, and its potential utility as robust biomarker of adverse cardiometabolic outcomes.
Disability Incidence Rates for Men and Women in 23 Countries: Evidence on Health Effects of Gender Inequality
Authors: Lee Jinkook , Meijer Erik , Phillips Drystan , Hu Peifeng
Published: December 2020

Background

Inequality in gender varies across social contexts, which may influence the health of both men and women. Based on theories of gender as a social system, we examine whether systematic gender inequality at the macro-level influences health of men and women.

Method

Using harmonized panel data from the Gateway to Global Aging Data in 23 high- and middle-income countries (N = 168 873), we estimate disability prevalence and incidence for men and women ages 55–89 (2000–2016). Within each country or geographic region, we also investigate gender differences in age gradients of the probability of disability onset. We, then, pool data from all countries and test the hypothesis that gender inequality increases the probability of disability onset.

Results

We found substantial cross-country variation in disability incidence rates, and this variation is greater for women than for men. Among ages 65–69, disability incidence rates ranged from 0.4 to 5.0 for men and from 0.5 to 9.4 for women. Our within-country analysis showed significant gender differences in age gradients of the probability of disability onset in the United States, Korea, Southern Europe, Mexico, and China, but not in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe, England, and Israel. Testing hypothesized effects of gender inequality, we find that gender inequality is significantly associated with the probability of disability onset for women, but not for men.

Conclusions

Macro-level societal gender inequality is significantly associated with the probability of disability onset for women. Reducing and eliminating gender inequality is crucial to achieving good health for women.
Temporal Analysis of Serial Donations Reveals Decrease in Neutralizing Capacity and Justifies Revised Qualifying Criteria for Coronavirus Disease 2019 Convalescent Plasma
Authors: Girardin Roxie C , Dupuis Alan P , Payne Anne F , Sullivan Timothy J , Strauss Donna , Parker Monica M , McDonough Kathleen A
Published: December 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescent plasma (CCP) received an Emergency Use Authorization by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). CCP with a signal-to-cutoff ratio of ≥12 using the Ortho VITROS severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) test (OVSARS2IgG) is permitted to be labeled “high titer.” Little is known about the relationship between OVSARS2IgG ratio and neutralizing capacity of plasma/sera against genuine SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

Nine hundred eighty-one samples from 196 repeat CCP donors 0–119 days post–initial donation (DPID) were analyzed. Neutralizing capacity was assessed for 50% (PRNT50) and 90% (PRNT90) reduction of infectious virus using the gold standard plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). A subset of 91 donations was evaluated by OVSARS2IgG and compared to PRNT titers for diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Of donations, 32.7%/79.5% (PRNT90/PRNT50) met a 1:80 titer initially but only 14.0%/48.8% (PRNT90/PRNT50) met this cutoff ≥85 DPID. Correlation of OVSARS2IgG results to neutralizing capacity allowed extrapolation to CCP therapy results. CCP with OVSARS2IgG ratios equivalent to a therapeutically beneficial group had neutralizing titers of ≥1:640 (PRNT50) and/or ≥1:80 (PRNT90). Specificity and positive predictive value of the OVSARS2IgG for qualifying highly neutralizing CCP was optimal using ratios significantly greater than the FDA cutoff.

Conclusions

This information provides a basis for refining the recommended properties of CCP used to treat COVID-19.
Deep propensity network using a sparse autoencoder for estimation of treatment effects
Authors: Ghosh Shantanu , Bian Jiang , Guo Yi , Prosperi Mattia
Published: December 2020

Objective

Drawing causal estimates from observational data is problematic, because datasets often contain underlying bias (eg, discrimination in treatment assignment). To examine causal effects, it is important to evaluate what-if scenarios—the so-called “counterfactuals.” We propose a novel deep learning architecture for propensity score matching and counterfactual prediction—the deep propensity network using a sparse autoencoder (DPN-SA)—to tackle the problems of high dimensionality, nonlinear/nonparallel treatment assignment, and residual confounding when estimating treatment effects.

Materials and Methods

We used 2 randomized prospective datasets, a semisynthetic one with nonlinear/nonparallel treatment selection bias and simulated counterfactual outcomes from the Infant Health and Development Program and a real-world dataset from the LaLonde’s employment training program. We compared different configurations of the DPN-SA against logistic regression and LASSO as well as deep counterfactual networks with propensity dropout (DCN-PD). Models’ performances were assessed in terms of average treatment effects, mean squared error in precision on effect’s heterogeneity, and average treatment effect on the treated, over multiple training/test runs.

Results

The DPN-SA outperformed logistic regression and LASSO by 36%–63%, and DCN-PD by 6%–10% across all datasets. All deep learning architectures yielded average treatment effects close to the true ones with low variance. Results were also robust to noise-injection and addition of correlated variables. Code is publicly available at https://github.com/Shantanu48114860/DPN-SAz.

Discussion and Conclusion

Deep sparse autoencoders are particularly suited for treatment effect estimation studies using electronic health records because they can handle high-dimensional covariate sets, large sample sizes, and complex heterogeneity in treatment assignments.
Compensatory Abilities of Canola in Response to Swede Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Damage
Authors: Muzzatti Matthew J , Mori Boyd A , Hallett Rebecca H
Published: December 2020

Swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii Kieffer) is an invasive, economic pest of canola (Brassica napus L.) that threatens production throughout Canada. Swede midge has up to four overlapping generations, placing canola at risk of multiple infestations in the field. The relationship between single and multiple swede midge infestations at different canola stages, and the resulting impacts on yield, are unknown. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of single and multiple infestations of swede midge on four plant stages of canola: three-leaf, seven-leaf, primary bud, and secondary bud. Previously, the seven-leaf and primary bud stages were considered vulnerable to swede midge, but we determined that the secondary bud stage is also vulnerable. Evidence of compensation by canola in response to herbivory by swede midge was discovered. Compensation occurred mainly through increased production of tertiary racemes and pods and was maximized with exposure of 4.5–6.5 female midges per plant. Although compensation may increase potential yield, it also results in uneven crop maturation resulting in delayed harvest and yield loss. Consequently, to prevent delays in maturation and harvest, insecticides should be applied before these densities are reached.
Self-assembly of nickel icosahedrons and truncated octahedral nanocrystals on a SrTiO3 (111) support
Authors: Rasheed Atif
Published: December 2020

Nickel nanocrystals have received much attention for their ferromagnetic properties. The crystal properties are strongly dependent on their facets and therefore detailed study of their morphology, facets and orientation is critical for magnetic applications. In this work, equilibrium crystal shapes of self-assembled nickel nanocrystals on the (111) termination of strontium titanate (SrTiO3) at room temperature and under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions have been investigated using scanning tunneling microscope. SrTiO3 (111) substrate was sputtered (0.5 keV, 2.5 µA, 10 min) and annealed (900°C, 1 h) under UHV conditions. Three different periodicities were observed: 2.21 ± 0.01 nm corresponding to (4 × 4) reconstruction, 3.31 ± 0.02 nm corresponding to (6 × 6) reconstruction and 2.85 ± 0.05 nm, rotated at 30° with respect to (4 × 4) reconstruction, corresponding to (3√3 × 3√3)R30° reconstruction. Nickel (∼1 ml) was deposited using an e-beam evaporator on the substrate preheated to 320°C and the sample was post-annealed multiple times. Nickel took platonic shapes of supported icosahedron comprising of (111) facets and truncated octahedron comprising of (001) and (111) facets. Based on surface energy ratios of truncated octahedrons at equilibrium, the work of adhesion was calculated to be 3.889 ± 0.167 J/m2.
Natural Area Forests in US Cities: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Pregitzer Clara C , Charlop-Powers Sarah , Bradford Mark A
Published: December 2020

Not all urban greenspace is the same. Natural area forests can provision more benefits than designed landscapes, and healthy natural area forests can provide more benefits than degraded and invaded forests. Yet there is little information about the scale of natural areas in cities and their management systems. We used data sets on city parkland from across the United States and surveyed practitioners to understand urban natural area forest extent and management. We find that urban natural areas are a dominant greenspace landcover, accounting for 68% of total city parkland across 96 of the most populous cities in the United States in 2019. In the same cities over a five-year period (2014–2019), natural area parkland decreased by 4% (15,264 hectares). At municipal scales, most cities are managing forested natural areas to conserve native species. Across the 108 organizations and 92 cities that responded to our online survey, many different management interventions are being used to steer forest structure and composition. These activities and their outcomes are being tracked nearly 70% of the time by the managing organizations, suggesting a strong data basis for adaptive management. However, challenges exist: 94% of organizations cite invasive species and limited funding as primary challenges. Lack of data and low public awareness of the value of natural areas are also considered primary challenges by more than 70% of the organizations surveyed. As cities embark on efforts to expand and improve greenspace, protecting natural area parkland from development and addressing the challenges managers of these ecosystems face are two very important goals.
Is the Meckel diverticulum still a bad boy in general surgery? Case report of an intestinal obstruction managed through a single-port access and review of the literature
Authors: Bauci Gabriele , Kolb Walter , Janczak Joanna
Published: December 2020

In our institution single-port diagnostic laparoscopy is the routine procedure for patients with acute abdominal emergencies. Here, we present a case of intestinal obstruction due to a torqued Meckel diverticulum successfully managed through a single-port incision.
Delayed rabies post-exposure prophylaxis treatment among Dutch travellers during their stay abroad: a comprehensive analysis
Authors: Verdoes Loes , Luppino Floriana S , Wallinga Prof Jacco , Visser Prof Leo G
Published: December 2020

Background

After an animal-associated injury (AAI) in rabies-endemic regions, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed to prevent infection.1,2 PEP consists of rabies vaccinations (RV) and in some cases also additional rabies immune globulins (RIG). Not always PEP medication, and RIG in particular, is accessible. Along with an increased number of exposure notifications among Dutch travellers, this might lead to treatment delay and thus to increased health risks. Until now, research mainly focused on factors associated with exposition, but none on which factors are associated with PEP delay. This study aimed to identify which general sample characteristics are associated with PEP delay while being abroad.

Methods

A quantitative retrospective observational study was conducted. The study population consisted of insured Dutch international travellers who actively contacted their medical assistance company (2015–2019) because of an animal-associated injury (AAI) (N = 691). The association between general sample characteristics and delay of different PEP treatments was studied using survival analysis.

Results

Travellers without pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) had an increased hazard, and therefore a shorter delay, for receiving their first RV as compared to travellers with PrEP (HR:1.11, 95%CI:1.01–1.22). The travellers needing both RV and RIG had a decreased hazard, and therefore a longer delay, as compared to travellers only needing RV (HR:0.81, 95%CI:0.67–0.96). General sample characteristic associated with RIG administration delay was travel destination. Travellers to Central and South America, East Mediterranean and Europe had a decreased hazard, and therefore a longer delay, for receiving RIG treatments relative to travellers to South East Asia (HR:0.31, 95%CI:0.13–0.70; HR:0.34, 95%CI:0.19–0.61; HR:0.46, 95%CI:0.24–0.89; HR:0.48, 95%CI:0.12–0.81, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the advice for PrEP should be given based on travel destination, as this was found to be the main factor for PEP delay, among travellers going to rabies-endemic countries.
SARS-CoV-2 testing to assure safety in air travel
Authors: Chen Lin H , Steffen Robert
Published: December 2020

To support the resumption of travel, rational and consistent testing and quarantine guidelines will be critical. Uniformity in the documentation of COVID-19 test results and vaccination will also be important. We discuss evidence to support standardized testing and quarantine requirements and propose a strategy to allow ease in travel planning.