bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the impact of convection industrial waste
Authors: Nilda  , Mulyadi  , Nurwahidah Andi
Published: August 2020

Waste from the production of an industry is one of the problems that often arise. The statement about whether the waste will be thrown away or will be produced again to obtain products with added value to increase the economic value of residual waste production and reduce environmental impacts. This study will identify the impacts and causes of residual production waste in the convection industry and develop products from residual production waste so that we can reduce the environmental impact in the form of waste and also increase the economic value of products and of course become income for the industry. Initial identification is done by identifying waste from the production process in the convection industry. The list of wastes will be analyzed for their impacts and causes using the cause consequence analysis method. The initial method used was the fault tree analysis method to identify the cause of the waste that occurred and it was found that the average waste that occurred was caused by human error and the standard of clothing that was not good so it could not be continued to be produced. The next method is an event tree analysis that is used to identify the consequences if the waste is not handled properly. Solid waste from production if not managed properly will accumulate and can cause negative effects such as flooding. Processing waste into finished products must be supported for the sustainability of this earth, by providing financial assistance to small industries or households to develop products.
Effect of types of control materials in a modified sedimentation equipment batch laboratory scale
Authors: Mustafa  , Masing  , Irwan M
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this research is to be able to recognize laboratory scale sedimentation devices in the process of deposition through batch system experiments in a cylindrical tub, to explain how the relationship between time, height of deposition and concentration of various solids with sedimentation rates, can compare the precipitating materials used in the sedimentation process both manually and automatically, and can determine the performance of tools and sedimentation rates by using a variety of sedimentation and flocculant materials used in the sedimentation process both without the addition of flocculants or with the addition of flocculants. In supporting this research, the method used is experimentation and analysis. The sample is a mixture of media that is water - depositional material (solids) where the depositional material has previously been sieved and cleaned of impurities and the variables analyzed were deposition time, deposition height, suspension concentration and concentration of flocculant addition. the settling material used varies, among others: 50 grams, 100 grams, 150 grams, 200 grams, and 250 grams, then put into a settling tube. While the results can be obtained from visualization data that is based on more accurate observations and data processing conditions (measurements) obtained in the form of the influence of time on settling rate, the influence of sedimentation column height on settling rate and the effect of solid concentration on settling rate. From the results obtained from various settling materials, the settling speed for CaCO3 precipitates without flocculants and with flocculants is 4.43 cm / minute and 3.86 cm / minute. For the settling speed for tapioca flour depositor without flocculant and with flocculant is 23.64 cm / minute and 23.47 cm / minute. And for settling speed for dry soil sedimentation material without flocculant and with flocculant is 18.60 cm / minute and 15.10 cm / minute and for settling speed of active carbon precipitation material without flocculant and with flocculant is 7.76 cm / minute and 7 .05 cm / minute.
Comparison of freeze drying and foam mat drying effects on characteristics of inulin from gembili (dioscorea esculenta)
Authors: Indah N , Zainal  , Ganesa D
Published: August 2020

Gembili (Dioscorea esculenta) is of Dioscorea spp. which contains high inulin. Several factors can affect the physico-chemical characteristics of inulin, one of which is drying method. The purpose of this study was to compare the freeze drying and foam mat drying methods in producing of inulin from gembili (Dioscorea esculenta) based on physicochemical characteristics. Based on the analysis of inulin content of day the best gembili obtained, the samples dried using foam mat drying contained about 9,38% inulin while those dried using freeze contained about 8,66%inulin. The colors of dried samples were relatinglight as indicated by high L values 95.9% for freeze drying and 91,3% for foam mat drying.
Preliminary Analysis of Electricity Energy Efficiency in SMEs
Authors: Akil Y S , Miyauchi H , Mangngenre S , Amar K
Published: August 2020

In general, industrial sector consumes high energy. Therefore, efforts to manage the energy usage in this sector are useful as it can reduce significantly total energy consumption mainly for electricity. This research aims to observe consumers’ perceptions and success factors to improve efficiency of electricity energy usage for industry particularly for manufacturing small-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Makassar as a representative big city in Indonesia. A questionnaire for survey is designed to get data from 127 respondents and analysed using statistical approach. Observed variables related to energy efficiency in SMEs include human resources, production technology, rainfall, and tax. Results shown the developed questionnaire is reliable (Cronbach’s alpha value exceeds 0.6). Perception of consumers about energy saving is quite good. From aspect of demographic characteristic, there is a difference in users’ perceptions on energy saving. Other results show the significant relationship between human resources, production technology, and rainfall condition to the energy efficiency level at SMEs. Knowledge or findings of this study provide valuable information in relation to strategy to improve efficiency of electricity usage in industries.
Analysis of FMEA and FTA methods in identifying the causes of decreased quality of refined sugar products (case study: PT. Makassar Tene)
Authors: Khaerani B N , Arminas  , Hendrawan R
Published: August 2020

PT. Makassar Tene is one of the manufacturing industries that produce refined sugar from raw sugar as basic materials. Most of the refined sugar production process has been carried out automatically, but it still requires regular supervision and monitoring from the operator to ensure the smoothness and accuracy of the sugar processing steps in reducing the number of defect products significantly. Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is a method to identify product failures based on potential causes. FMEA is used to determine the value of Risk Priority Number (RPN), then further identified as the main focus in determining the root of the potential cause using the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). The application of FTA can provide suggestions for improvements and controls in order to help companies reduce the risk of production failure. Based on the results of the research using FMEA method, it can be seen that the process stage with the greatest risk of failure lies in the stages of sugar evaporation/crystallization and the packaging stage in the packaging bin. The next step is to identify the type of problem at each stage of the process selected using Pareto diagram so that the results show that the evaporation/crystallization stage CV deviation often happened which can produce sugar dust, while at the packaging stage the problem that often occurs is metal detection, torn sack, and sweeping sugar. Then proceed with the use of the FTA method to identify the underlying causes of each failure that arises at the chosen process stage, and the results show that most of the failures that arise are caused by operator negligence, the operation process is still done manually, and the design of operating equipment is less optimal.
Model development of risk assessment of risk-taking relationship with integrated approach
Authors: Indah A B R , Mangngenre S , Mudiastuti R D , Syamsul N I , Nilda
Published: August 2020

Each organization or company must always be dealing with risk. The decision-makers strive to be able to avoid the impact of such risks. Those generated risks may affect the achievement of the objectives, therefore risk management is needed. Risk management is a solution to avoid or to minimize the occurrence of the risk. Risk management consists of several steps, one of them is risk assessment. An appropriate risk assessment would support the achievement of the objectives. In this study, a risk assessment model is developed with PLTSa Kota Surabaya as a (research) object, which was selected because there were still constraints that affect the energy produced and waste volume used as fuel in this PLTSa. This study aims to develop risk assessment models integrated with the Delphi method, Fuzzy Cognitive Maps, and Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation, then implementing these models in real cases and proposing risk mitigation steps by considering the relationship of the risks. The Delphi method was used to identify risks, FCM was used to identify the relationship among risks and the relationship between risks with the objectives of PLTSa, and FSE was used to assess the level of risks to find risks with the critical category. Delphi method identified 15 risks as a result and reached the consensus based on statistical analysis, FCM generated positive value of the relationship among all of the identified risks and negative value of the relationship between identified risks with the objectives of PLTSa. Meanwhile, FSE method obtained six types of critical risk, which were the machine brake all of a sudden (RC = 3,082), the blower did not work (RC = 3,041), congestion in fuel flow (RC = 2,954), clogged filter (RC = 2.915), lack of machine maintenance knowledge by the operator (RC = 2,872), and the energy produced had not maximum. (RC = 2.828). Those six types of risk used a scenario to run the FCM simulation and meet the dynamic behavior of the risk relationship value. The mitigation proposals are to perform maintenance activities programmatically, to improve the management system related to human resources, and to do the fuel examination according to the standard.
Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) analysis and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) on Packer Machines for minimizing the Six Big Losses - A cement industry case
Authors: Muthalib I S. , Rusman M , Griseldis G L
Published: August 2020

Bosowa Maros Cement Company (BMC) is a company engaged in the production of cement. There are seven packer machines for the packaging process to fulfill the demand in BMC. The most problems are many breakdowns that occur on packer machines, and the amount of production, which not maximum, causes a lack of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) value. The research aimed to identify the performance of packers based on production data using OEE and Failure Mode Effect Analysis values. The results of the six big losses and the Pareto diagram show that the most affect losses in causing the low achievement of OEE values on both machines are reduced speed loss, idling and minor stoppages, equipment failure (breakdown loss) for Packer 3 is 94.27% and Packer 7 is 90.41%. The average OEE value of the Packer 3 machine is 53%, and the Packer 7 machine is 36%. OEE values on the two machines have not reached the OEE ideal standard by the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (JIPM), which is 85%.
Analysis of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Failure Mode And Effect Analysis (FMEA) to improve machine effectiveness: A study on Indonesia’s sugar mills
Authors: Lukmandono  , Prabowo R , Sulistyowati E
Published: August 2020

Many companies experienced a halt of operation because their production machines are damaged. As a result, customer demand is not fulfilled; such productivity decreases. This study conducted at PT. PG Candi Baru Sidoarjo. They often experience a suffered engine damage on their rolling and grinding station. The purposes of this study were to improve their machine performance at the grinding station by using the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), to measure the value of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and to determine the type of damage that often occurs using the Age Replacement method in order to improve engine maintenance schedule. As the results, the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) at the grinding station decreased from 2015 to 2016 in the amount of 74.6% to 69.7%. The most frequent types of damage were the IMC chain abrasion, IMC chain breaking, dropping/off track and slip mill. For the type of squashed IMC damage, treatment was carried out on the 12th day at the cost of IDR 3,806,425.92. The dropped/exited IMC from the operation line was repaired on the 13th day at the expense of IDR 5,614,466.88 For the type of rolling slip damage, treatedment done on the 10th day at the cost of IDR 34,272,482.34.
Basic properties evaluation of alkyl palmitate to be used as oil insulation
Authors: Rajab A , Ramadhani J S , Kurniawan R , Qibran K , Melda L , Hamid M I
Published: August 2020

This paper discusses the evaluation of alkyl palmitate to be used as the oil insulation in an oil-filled transformer. Three kinds of alkyl palmitates, namely, Methyl-, Ethyl-, and Isopropyl-palmitates, were prepared through the esterification of methyl-, ethyl-, and iso-propyl-alcohols, respectively, and palmitate acid. The resulted alkyl palmitates were then evaluated for their basic properties such as breakdown voltage, viscosity, density, acidity, and water content based on the ASTM D 6871 standard specification. The peroxide value of the alkyl palmitates was also examined to indicate their oxidation stability and compared the result with that of mineral oil. The results show that viscosity, water content, and density of all alkyl palmitates fulfill the values specified by the standard, whereas, the breakdown voltage and acidity do not. The peroxide value of all alkyl palmitates is still much higher than that of mineral oil.
Processing and indexing of electron backscatter patterns using open-source software
Authors: Ånes H W , Hjelen J , Sørensen B E , van Helvoort A T J , Marthinsen K
Published: August 2020

A new method to increase the signal-to-noise ratio S/N of electron backscatter patterns (EBSPs) based upon principal component analysis (PCA) is presented. The PCA denoising method is applied to ten scans of EBSPs from the same region of interest of a recrystallised nickel sample acquired with a decreasing S/N, achieved by reducing the exposure time while increasing the camera gain accordingly. That PCA denoising increases S/N in EBSPs is demonstrated by comparing indexing success rates after both Hough and dictionary indexing (HI and DI) of the Ni patterns having undergone one of four processing routes: i) standard static and dynamic background corrections (standard corrections), ii) standard corrections and pattern averaging with the four closest neighbours, iii) standard corrections and PCA denoising, and iv) standard corrections and pattern averaging followed by PCA denoising. Both pattern averaging and PCA denoising increases the indexing success rates for both indexing approaches for the studied Ni scans, with the former processing route providing the better success rates. The best success rates are obtained after pattern averaging followed by PCA denoising. The potential of PCA denoising to reveal additional pattern details compared to standard corrections and pattern averaging is demonstrated in a pattern from an orthoclase (KAlSi3O8) grain in a geological sample. Software code, and the Ni data sets, are released alongside this article as part of KikuchiPy, an open-source software package dedicated to processing and analysis of EBSPs.
SI traceable characterisation of nanomaterials by X-ray spectrometry
Authors: Beckhoff B
Published: August 2020

The development of new materials and the assessment of nanomaterials require the correlation of the materials’ functionality or toxicity with their chemical and physical properties. To probe these properties, analytical methods that are both sensitive and selective at the nano-and microscales are required. The reliability of most analytical methods is based on the availability of reference materials or calibration samples, the spatial elemental compositions of which have to be as similar as possible to the matrix of the specimens of interest. However, there is a drastic lack of reference materials in particular at the nanoscale. Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) addresses this challenge by means of a bottom-up X-ray analytical method where all instrumental and experimental parameters are determined with known contributions to the uncertainty of the analytical results. This first-principle (FP) based approach does not require any reference materials but a complete characterisation of the analytical instruments’ characteristics and, in addition, knowledge on the X-ray fundamental parameters related to the elements composing the sample. In order to reveal more reliable FP data in line with recent FP roadmap recommendations, PTB has been developing and using calibrated instrumentation, both energy- and wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectrometers, in conjunction with well-known synchrotron radiation (SR) of high spectral purity. Examples of recent PTB works on different FP determinations mostly of technologically relevant elements are given. SR based X-ray spectrometric methods allow for the variation of the analytical sensitivity, selectivity, and information depth needed to effectively reveal the spatial, elemental, and chemical specimen parameters of interest. Examples of particle characterisation, interfacial speciation, elemental depth profiling, as well as layer composition and thickness characterisations in advanced materials and nanostructures as well as for in-situ conditions are given.
Very low energy peak shifts in EDS spectra
Authors: Eggert F , Camus P P , Reinauer F
Published: August 2020

The response function of energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometers (EDS) has been a topic for investigation as long as EDS has been used. This work systematically investigates soft X-ray peaks with energies below 150 eV in regard to the detector energy calibration linearity. It was found that Si-L (92 eV) and Al-L (73 eV) lines are not shifted in energy position in comparison to higher energy K-lines of boron, carbon and nitrogen. The reason is simply the silicon detector material has a large absorption jump at 99 eV (Si-L2/Si-L3), which causes much higher detection depths of photons with energies below 99 eV. There is also less shift than assumed with older approaches in the energy region 100 to 149 eV (Si-L1). It is also expected that Li-K radiation will not be affected by an energy shift due to detector artefacts. The authors propose a modified shift-correction which corrects this detector artefact and linearizes the energy calibration of measured EDS spectrum below 600 eV. This energy shift effect of the measured X-ray lines is in principle with any silicon-based X-ray detector. But the shift value depends also on the front contact layer design and quality. The novelty with changed correction is that no shift is applied for X-ray peaks below 99 eV. Older applied correction procedures were found to produce a line energy misplacement in spectrum for this energy region.
The microanalysis of iron and sulphur oxidation states in silicate glass - Understanding the effects of beam damage
Authors: Hughes E C , Buse B , Kearns S L , Brooker R A , Di Genova D , Kilgour G , Mader H M , Blundy J D
Published: August 2020

Quantifying the oxidation state of multivalent elements in silicate melts (e.g., Fe2+ versus Fe3+ or S2- versus S6+) is fundamental for constraining oxygen fugacity. Oxygen fugacity is a key thermodynamic parameter in understanding melt chemical history from the Earth’s mantle through the crust to the surface. To make these measurements, analyses are typically performed on small (<100 µm diameter) regions of quenched volcanic melt (now silicate glass) forming the matrix between crystals or as trapped inclusions. Such small volumes require microanalysis, with multiple techniques often applied to the same area of glass to extract the full range of information that will shed light on volcanic and magmatic processes. This can be problematic as silicate glasses are often unstable under the electron and photon beams used for this range of analyses. It is therefore important to understand any compositional and structural changes induced within the silicate glass during analysis, not only to ensure accurate measurements (and interpretations), but also that subsequent analyses are not compromised. Here, we review techniques commonly used for measuring the Fe and S oxidation state in silicate glass and explain how silicate glass of different compositions responds to electron and photon beam irradiation.
Using complementary microanalytical techniques to analyse diamond anvil cell experiments
Authors: Jennings E S
Published: August 2020

Diamond anvil cell (DAC) experiments are being used with increasing frequency to examine deep planetary processes. A variety of analytical techniques are available to characterise the products of high-pressure, high-temperature DAC experiments. Recent developments in both sample preparation and analytical techniques allow in-situ measurements made during experiments (typically synchrotron-source X-ray techniques) to be supplemented and supported by ex-situ measurements made of the extracted experimental sample after the experiment. The combination of complementary microanalytical techniques facilitates the verification of analytical results and allows additional information to be obtained from these technically-challenging experiments. Techniques with differing spatial resolutions can also be effectively used together. This contribution describes some techniques used to analyse the products of DAC experiments, and discusses example case studies from the Earth and planetary sciences where the combination of several complementary techniques has resulted in important additional insight into the interpretation of DAC experimental results.
Recent features in EBSD, including new trapezoidal correction for multi-mapping
Authors: Sørensen B E , Hjelen J , Ånes H W , Breivik T
Published: August 2020

EBSD (electron backscatter diffraction) of geological samples can be a challenge due to the complex crystal structures of minerals and commonly 5 or more different minerals in the samples. This poses a big challenge as the EBSP (electron backscatter diffraction patterns) of the minerals like feldspar and quartz commonly are much noisier than metallurgical materials that have simpler structures. Therefore, the indexing of geological samples can commonly be quite difficult and to correct for this in the online procedure means that the data acquisition needs to be redone on the SEM. This is a costly procedure, also because the indexing can take longer than the pattern acquisition itself. We, therefore, suggest that offline techniques are better suited for geological materials because the patterns can be re-indexed using different settings and further can be processed using different software both for indexing and pattern improvement. EBSD commonly have geometric scan distortion which increases with decreasing magnification. This problem is solved by acquiring using a geometric online scan correction during data collection in the NORDIF software using calibration grid. This overcomes stitching problems and additionally removes hidden problems such as geometrically distorted grain boundary segments and grain shape distortions.
Advances in electron channelling contrast imaging and electron backscatter diffraction for imaging and analysis of structural defects in the scanning electron microscope
Authors: Trager-Cowan C , Alasmari A , Avis W , Bruckbauer J , Edwards P R , Hourahine B , Kraeusel S , Kusch G , Jablon B M , Johnston R , Martin R W , Mcdermott R , Naresh-Kumar G , Nouf-Allehiani M , Pascal E , Thomson D , Vespucci S , Mingard K , Parbrook P J , Smith M D , Enslin J , Mehnke F , Kneissl M , Kuhn C , Wernicke T , Knauer A , Hagedorn S , Walde S , Weyers M , Coulon P-M , Shields P A , Zhang Y , Jiu L , Gong Y , Smith R M , Wang T , Winkelmann A
Published: August 2020

In this article we describe the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques of electron channelling contrast imaging and electron backscatter diffraction. These techniques provide information on crystal structure, crystal misorientation, grain boundaries, strain and structural defects on length scales from tens of nanometres to tens of micrometres. Here we report on the imaging and analysis of dislocations and sub-grains in nitride semiconductor thin films (GaN and AlN) and tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) hard metals. Our aim is to illustrate the capability of these techniques for investigating structural defects in the SEM and the benefits of combining these diffraction-based imaging techniques.
Does the degree of tensile strain have an impact on the cracking behavior of vertical structural elements?
Authors: Chrysanidis T , Panoskaltsis V
Published: August 2020

Given the random nature of crack formation, research into reinforced concrete members in the context of cracking behavior proves difficult. Therefore, widely accepted methodologies for predicting crack characteristics, e.g. crack width and spacing and number of cracks, have not been developed yet. Furthermore, cracking for members strained to high degrees of elongation, as happens during earthquakes, has not been investigated before. This experimental work aims to look into the impact, primarily of tensile deformation’s mechanical factor, in terms of cracking behaviour. Four test specimens were strained under uniaxial tensile loading. The degrees of elongation used were equal to 10‰, 20‰, 30‰ and 50‰. Useful conclusions concerning cracking behaviour are derived.
Investment Cost Analysis with Structural Design of Concrete Duct Bank Power Cables
Authors: Charerndee K , Chatthaworn R , Khunkitti P , Kruesubthaworn A , Siritaratiwat A , Surawanitkun C.
Published: August 2020

Capital investment in underground duct bank cables is very expensive. Therefore, the design and planning for underground power cables is important. It is often done with analysis of the power demands minimizing costs over the lifetime of the cables. This work presents an evaluation of underground power cable ampacity and the total costs during the anticipated operational life of the equipment. It was evaluated with variation of concrete duct bank dimensions. Analysis of ampacity depends on temperature. The thermal model of the current study uses a finite element method. The total costs evaluated by the economic model in terms of net present value analysis consist of the initial investment costs and the value of losses over the life of the cable. These were based on installation costs, load factors, annual load growth, the price of energy, the price of demand charges and the forecast discount rate. The results show that cable spacing parameters are a significant factor that influences ampacity. Ampacity can be improved while reducing the losses in power cables. This is because appropriate cable spacing can reduce the effect of Joule heating from neighboring cables. However, this leads to increased construction costs. The total costs of power cables over their lifetime can be reduced by decreasing the horizontal distance between the center of a casing pipe and the side edge of the concrete layer. This is because the contribution of reduced construction costs is more than that of the effect of increased losses. Therefore, the dimensions of the concrete duct bank significantly influence ampacity, the construction costs and the losses of power cables in an analysis of total costs over the lifetime of power cables.
Third-point flexural test on concrete-filled rectangular tubular flange girders
Authors: Rosales Jude Shahara , Tarranza Nathaniel
Published: August 2020

The influence of shear stud connectors on the horizontal displacement brought about by the occurrence of shear stress at the interface between the rectangular steel tube and in-filled concrete on Concrete-filled Rectangular Tubular Flange Girders (CFRTFG) was investigated. As a composite structure, providing shear stud connectors allow stress transfer between steel and concrete which may result for the two (2) components to work as a single unit. Accordingly, a three-dimensional finite element software called SOLIDWORKS® was employed. Static linear analysis was performed using the finite element (FE) models to study the effect of shear stud connectors on the resulting stresses and slip on CFRTFGs. Results showed that the maximum slip occurred at CFRTFG without shear stud connectors while CFRTFG under full composite action had the least slip. Correspondingly, the maximum shear stress for both CFRTFG under full and partial composite action occurred at the shear stud connectors, while the maximum shear stress for CFRTFG without shear connectors occurred at the supports. Conducting finite element analysis using SOLIDWORKS® proved to be theoretically accurate as in the case of this study.
Effect of silica fume and limestone powder on mechanical properties of ultra-high performance concrete
Authors: Singniao P , Sappakittipakorn M , Sukontasukkul P
Published: August 2020

This research aimed to study the effect of Portland cement replacement with silica fume and limestone powder in Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC). Nine mix proportions were designed with a constant amount of binder at 1200 kg per cubic meter of concrete. In these mixes, the cement was replaced with silica fume at 10%, 15% and 20% and limestone powder at 15% and 30% by weight of binder. For all mixes, the ratio of water to binder (W/B) and the steel fiber volume fraction were 0.2 and 2% respectively. After the preparation of test specimens and stream curing for 3 days, compressive strength, flexural strength, and length change due to shrinkage of the UHPC mixes were examined. The results showed that the silica fume increases the compressive and flexural strength (at the first peak load) but the limestone decreases. Without the limestone, the 20% silica fume mix provides the maximum average residual strength. However, when either 15% or 30% limestone is admixed, the optimum residual strength occurs at the 15% silica fume. Moreover, it is worth noting that the reducing amount of cement by replacing either with silica fume or limestone powder effectively reduces the shrinkage.
Improved Rapid Assessment of Earthquake Hazard Safety of Structures via Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Harirchian Ehsan , Lahmer Tom
Published: August 2020

The vulnerability of structures mainly depends on the structural resistance system of buildings to earthquake. It is unlikely that all existing buildings can be inspected in detail. Therefore, rapid methods for evaluating buildings have been developed over the last decades. This paper investigates the earthquake susceptibility through the combination of buildings’ geometrical attributes that affect the vulnerability of building and can be used to obtain an optimal prediction of the damage state of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings using artificial neural networks (ANNs). In this regard, a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) network has been trained and optimized using a database of 145 damaged buildings from the Haiti earthquake. The results demonstrate the practicability and effectiveness of the selected ANNs approach to classify actual structural damage that can be used as a preliminary assessment procedure to recognize vulnerable buildings.
Decision-making in the commercial space service design of transportation architecture
Authors: Shen Chia-Jung , Hsu Yen
Published: August 2020

Transportation architecture is common globally. The design of rest areas, which allow travelers to rest and refuel, is crucial in such architecture. The design focus of rest areas in Taiwan has shifted from function-oriented features to that meet travelers’ diverse needs. Space planning in such areas can be used to integrate highway information, dining services, and leisure activities for travelers; design spaces with local characteristics; and improve service design and innovative service models. This study analyzed the effect of evaluation criteria weights used in highway rest area design tendering in Taiwan on the selection of space designers. The modified Delphi method was used to conduct interviews with experts and select criteria for commercial service space design from a consensus. Subsequently, an analytic hierarchy process was adopted to determine the relative weight of each criterion, and a consistency analysis was conducted. These design criteria were deemed essential by the experts and are thus beneficial for future designers in understanding the aspects in the spatial planning for highway rest areas and acquiring transportation architecture tenders. The results of this study can facilitate identification of highway rest area design criteria, which can serve as a reference for space designers to make related decisions.
Efficient generation of bone morphogenetic protein 15-edited Yorkshire pigs using CRISPR/Cas9†
Authors: Shi Xuan , Tang Tao , Lin Qiyuan , Liu Hongbo , Qin Yufeng , Liang Xinyu , Cong Peiqing , Mo Delin , Liu Xiaohong , Chen Yaosheng , He Zuyong
Published: August 2020

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, plays an essential role in ovarian follicular development in mono-ovulatory mammalian species. Studies using a biallelic knockout mouse model revealed that BMP15 potentially has just a minimal impact on female fertility and ovarian follicular development in polyovulatory species. In contrast, our previous study demonstrated that in vivo knockdown of BMP15 significantly affected porcine female fertility, as evidenced by the dysplastic ovaries containing significantly decreased numbers of follicles and an increased number of abnormal follicles. This finding implied that BMP15 plays an important role in the regulation of female fertility and ovarian follicular development in polyovulatory species. To further investigate the regulatory role of BMP15 in porcine ovarian and follicular development, here, we describe the efficient generation of BMP15-edited Yorkshire pigs using CRISPR/Cas9. Using artificial insemination experiments, we found that the biallelically edited gilts were all infertile, regardless of different genotypes. One monoallelically edited gilt #4 (Δ66 bp/WT) was fertile and could deliver offspring with a litter size comparable to that of wild-type gilts. Further analysis established that the infertility of biallelically edited gilts was caused by the arrest of follicular development at preantral stages, with formation of numerous structurally abnormal follicles, resulting in streaky ovaries and the absence of obvious estrous cycles. Our results strongly suggest that the role of BMP15 in nonrodent polyovulatory species may be as important as that in mono-ovulatory species.
Age-related alterations in fertilization-induced Ca2+ oscillations depend on the genetic background of mouse oocytes†
Authors: Czajkowska Katarzyna , Walewska Agnieszka , Ishikawa Takao , Szczepańska Katarzyna , Ajduk Anna
Published: August 2020

Maternal aging affects various aspects of oocytes’ physiology, including the functionality of their nuclear apparatus and mitochondria. In the present paper, we wished to investigate whether advanced reproductive age impacts oocytes’ ability to generate proper Ca2+ oscillations in response to monospermic fertilization. We examined three different mouse strains/crosses: inbred C57BL/6Tar, outbred Tar:SWISS, and hybrid F1 (C57BL/6Tar × CBA/Tar). The females were either 2–4 months old (young) or 13–16 months old (aged). We observed that the Ca2+ oscillatory pattern is altered in a strain-dependent manner and changes were more profound in aged C57BL/6Tar and F1 than in aged Tar:SWISS oocytes. We also showed that maternal aging differently affects the size of Ca2+ store and expression of Itpr1, Atp2a2, Erp44, and Pdia3 genes involved in Ca2+ homeostasis in oocytes of C57BL/6Tar, Tar:SWISS, and F1 genetic background, which may explain partially the differences in the extent of age-dependent changes in the Ca2+ oscillations in those oocytes. Maternal aging did not have any visible impact on the distribution of the ER cisterns in oocytes of all three genetic types. Finally, we showed that maternal aging alters the timing of the first embryonic interphase onset and that this timing correlates in C57BL/6Tar and Tar:SWISS oocytes with the frequency of fertilization-induced Ca2+ oscillations. Our results indicate that extreme caution is required when conclusions about oocyte/embryo physiological response to aging are made and complement an increasing amount of evidence that mammalian (including human) susceptibility to aging differs greatly depending on the genetic background of the individual.
Cerebrospinal fluid cytotoxicity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review of in vitro studies
Authors: Ng Kee Kwong Koy Chong , Gregory Jenna M , Pal Suvankar , Chandran Siddharthan , Mehta Arpan R
Published: August 2020

Various studies have suggested that a neurotoxic cerebrospinal fluid profile could be implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, we systematically review the evidence for cerebrospinal fluid cytotoxicity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and explore its clinical correlates. We searched the following databases with no restrictions on publication date: PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. All studies that investigated cytotoxicity in vitro following exposure to cerebrospinal fluid from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients were considered for inclusion. Meta-analysis could not be performed, and findings were instead narratively summarized. Twenty-eight studies were included in our analysis. Both participant characteristics and study conditions including cerebrospinal fluid concentration, exposure time and culture model varied considerably across studies. Of 22 studies assessing cell viability relative to controls, 19 studies reported a significant decrease following exposure to cerebrospinal fluid from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, while three early studies failed to observe any difference. Seven of eight studies evaluating apoptosis observed significant increases in the levels of apoptotic markers following exposure to cerebrospinal fluid from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, with the remaining study reporting a qualitative difference. Although five studies investigated the possible relationship between cerebrospinal fluid cytotoxicity and patient characteristics, such as age, gender and disease duration, none demonstrated an association with any of the factors. In conclusion, our analysis suggests that cerebrospinal fluid cytotoxicity is a feature of sporadic and possibly also of familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Further research is, however, required to better characterize its underlying mechanisms and to establish its possible contribution to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathophysiology.
Preventing Subsequent Teenage Pregnancy: A Multisite Analysis of Goal Orientation and Social Supports
Authors: Kan Marni L , Ramirez Derek D
Published: August 2020

Subsequent teenage births may present various challenges for teenage parents and their children. Evaluation of efforts to prevent subsequent teenage pregnancy and increase use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) have lacked investigation of the mechanisms—particularly, goal orientation and social supports—through which these efforts may be effective. Data were from a multisite evaluation of the Title XX Adolescent Family Life program, which involved 12 demonstration projects comparing enhanced and core services to pregnant and parenting teenagers. Data from 857 female teenagers at baseline and follow-up were used in analyses. Multivariate regression models examined associations between independent variables (study condition and effective project characteristics) and mediators (orientation toward goals and social supports) and between mediators and outcomes (subsequent pregnancy and use of LARC). Structural equation models tested mediation pathways. The program and selected project characteristics significantly predicted decreased coresidence with parents, and support from the child’s father was associated with higher LARC use. However, neither orientation toward goals nor social supports mediated program effects on LARC use or subsequent pregnancy. Programs to prevent subsequent teenage pregnancy may encourage teenagers’ independence from families of origin and should consider promoting supportive relationships with the child’s father.
Frailty and Prodromal Parkinson’s Disease: Results From the HELIAD Study
Authors: Ntanasi Eva , Maraki Maria , Yannakoulia Mary , Stamelou Maria , Xiromerisiou Georgia , Kosmidis Mary H , Dardiotis Efthimios , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios , Sakka Paraskevi , Gargalionis Antonios , Patas Kostas , Chatzipanagiotou Stylianos , Charisis Socrates , Stefanis Leonidas , Scarmeas Nikolaos
Published: August 2020

Background

To investigate the association between frailty, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and the probability of prodromal Parkinson’s disease (prodromal PD) in Greek community-dwelling older individuals.

Methods

Parkinson’s disease diagnosis was reached through standard clinical research procedures. Probability of prodromal PD was calculated according to the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society’s research criteria for PD-free participants. Frailty was evaluated according to definitions of the phenotypic and multidomain approach. Logistic and linear regression models were performed to investigate associations between frailty (predictor) and the probability of prodromal PD, either continuous or dichotomous (≥30% probability score), or PD (outcome).

Results

Data from 1765 participants aged 65 and older were included in the present analysis. Parkinson’s disease and prodromal PD prevalence were 1.9% and 3.0%, respectively. Compared to nonfrail participants, those who were frail, as identified with either the Fried frailty phenotype or Frailty Index had approximately 4 (odds ratio [OR] 4.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.54–10.89) and 12 times (OR 12.16, 95% CI 5.46–27.09) higher odds of having a PD diagnosis, respectively. Moreover, compared to the nonfrail, frail participants as identified with either the Fried frailty phenotype or Frailty Index had 2.8 (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.09–7.37) and 8.3 times (OR 8.39, 95% CI 4.56–15.42) higher odds of having possible/probable prodromal PD, respectively.

Conclusions

Frailty status was associated with prodromal PD and PD, suggesting common characteristics or underlying mechanisms of these conditions. Although prospective studies are warranted, acknowledging the possible association of frailty, PD, and prodromal PD may improve their clinical management.
VariantSpark: Cloud-based machine learning for association study of complex phenotype and large-scale genomic data
Authors: Bayat Arash , Szul Piotr , O'Brien Aidan R , Dunne Robert , Hosking Brendan , Jain Yatish , Hosking Cameron , Luo Oscar J , Twine Natalie , Bauer Denis C
Published: August 2020

Background

Many traits and diseases are thought to be driven by >1 gene (polygenic). Polygenic risk scores (PRS) hence expand on genome-wide association studies by taking multiple genes into account when risk models are built. However, PRS only considers the additive effect of individual genes but not epistatic interactions or the combination of individual and interacting drivers. While evidence of epistatic interactions ais found in small datasets, large datasets have not been processed yet owing to the high computational complexity of the search for epistatic interactions.

Findings

We have developed VariantSpark, a distributed machine learning framework able to perform association analysis for complex phenotypes that are polygenic and potentially involve a large number of epistatic interactions. Efficient multi-layer parallelization allows VariantSpark to scale to the whole genome of population-scale datasets with 100,000,000 genomic variants and 100,000 samples.

Conclusions

Compared with traditional monogenic genome-wide association studies, VariantSpark better identifies genomic variants associated with complex phenotypes. VariantSpark is 3.6 times faster than ReForeSt and the only method able to scale to ultra-high-dimensional genomic data in a manageable time.
Genomic data imputation with variational auto-encoders
Authors: Qiu Yeping Lina , Zheng Hong , Gevaert Olivier
Published: August 2020

Background

As missing values are frequently present in genomic data, practical methods to handle missing data are necessary for downstream analyses that require complete data sets. State-of-the-art imputation techniques, including methods based on singular value decomposition and K-nearest neighbors, can be computationally expensive for large data sets and it is difficult to modify these algorithms to handle certain cases not missing at random.

Results

In this work, we use a deep-learning framework based on the variational auto-encoder (VAE) for genomic missing value imputation and demonstrate its effectiveness in transcriptome and methylome data analysis. We show that in the vast majority of our testing scenarios, VAE achieves similar or better performances than the most widely used imputation standards, while having a computational advantage at evaluation time. When dealing with data missing not at random (e.g., few values are missing), we develop simple yet effective methodologies to leverage the prior knowledge about missing data. Furthermore, we investigate the effect of varying latent space regularization strength in VAE on the imputation performances and, in this context, show why VAE has a better imputation capacity compared to a regular deterministic auto-encoder.

Conclusions

We describe a deep learning imputation framework for transcriptome and methylome data using a VAE and show that it can be a preferable alternative to traditional methods for data imputation, especially in the setting of large-scale data and certain missing-not-at-random scenarios.