bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Efficiency Monitoring in Textile Industries to Achieve GHG Emissions Reduction Target in Indonesia
Authors: Dewi Retno Gumilang , Parinderati Rias , Hendrawan Iwan , Dewantoro M. Wisnu B. , Bayuwega Wira Dharma
Published: December 2019

Modelling is used to provide an outlook and evaluate scenarios related to energy efficiency potentials from end-user in various sectors including industrial sectors. The modelling tools used ExSS (Extended Snap Shot) and GAMS (General Algebraic Modelling System) as solver. Three scenarios were developed to envision Indonesia paths in energy savings potentials, namely business as usual (BaU or baseline) and two counter measure scenarios (CM 1 and CM2). Base year was set to year 2010, in line with NDC scenarios and projection. In the baseline scenario, it is assumed that in the future years (after 2010) there were no increase in renewable energy utilisation and rise in electricity demands would be provided by coal and natural gas fired power plants. The economic structures that were incorporated in the model for the target year 2030, was assumed to be have the same value as that of 2010’s. Accordingly, structures of energy demand in end-user sectors would not change from 2010. There would be no changes in share of transportation modes. Similarly of efficiency of equipment in household, commercial and industrial sector were also indifferent to that of the 2010 values. CM1 was developed to envision the development path to achieve energy savings through the implementation of more efficient energy technology in end-user. More efficient equipment or best available technology (BAT) were expected to be implemented in various sectors, however the penetration in industry was still 5% less than other sectors (household, commercial and transportation). At this rate, BAT penetration for household, commercial and transportation sectors could reach as high as 20%. CM2 was set to be more advanced in implementing the BAT. As much as 10% increased in BAT penetration was projected to be realised in each of end use sector, i.e., household, commercial and transportation. Although, the BAT penetration in industry sector was still 5% less than others, the BAT could rise up to 25% for industry and 30% for non-industrial sectors. Parallel with this measure, biofuel demands would also increase to 10% by force of strictly implementing regulation. Baseline scenario estimates of the total final energy demand has increased by 2.5 times, from 143,747 ktoe in 2010 to 364,627 ktoe in 2030. The associated GHG emission from the related energy consumption in 2030 was estimated to be around 1,642,009 Gg CO2e, which was higher by almost 4 times the GHG emission level in 2010 (416,530 Gg CO2e).
Comparative Study of Methods to Estimate Historical Peat Burnt Area in Gaung – Batang Tuaka River of Peat Hydrological Unit (KHG)
Authors: Rossita A , Boer R , Hein L , Nurrochmat DR
Published: December 2019

As a country with 14.9 ha of peatland, Indonesia is a major contributor of GHG emissions, especially from peat ecosystems. These emissions were caused by peat decomposition and peat fires. However, accurate estimation of peat burnt area was still a barrier that prevented the inclusion of peat fire emission in the document of Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL) as a followup document to REDD+ activities. This research has the objective to analyse two different approaches to estimate peat burnt area used in the FREL document and the most recent semi-automatic approach suggested by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF). The study focused on the Gaung – Batang Tuaka River Peat Hydrological Unit (KHG), as one of the KHG priorities in Indonesia. The results showed that the average total annual burnt area from the FREL approach was 58% higher than that of the semi-automatic approach, which could lead to an overestimate of peat fire emissions from this approach. The burnt area identified in this study was found to occur within the production forest area. As stepwise approach is allowed for FREL submission, improvements to a higher precision method are necessary to increase the accuracy of burnt area estimation.
Pathogenicity of Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat. on Maesopsis eminii Engl. Seedling Leaves
Authors: Firmansyah M A , Achmad  , Setiadi L
Published: December 2019

Maesopsiseminii Engl. is a commercial wood which classified as fast-growing multifunctional species. The disease will inhibit plant growth as well as decrease the quality of timber. Botryodiplodiatheobromaeis disease-producing pathogen which is harmful and has many hosts. This study aims to examine the pathogenicity of Botryodiplodiatheobromae, which harms the plant seedling leaves both macroscopically and microscopically. The experimental used a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of inoculation without wounding, wounding, wounding with inoculation. The results showed that there was a symptom of brownish-colored spot occurred on plant seedling leaves. According to the Duncan’smultiple range test (DMRT), wounding with inoculation provided the greatest average value of disease severity by 27.56% and disease incidence by 82.67%. The results of macroscopic observation on PDA showed that colony of isolates until seven days old had white-colored mycelium, while the old mycelium looked grayish to black. Mycelium colony had a texture which is similar to the fine threads with thick aerial mycelium and dispersed unevenly from the middle part of mycelium. Microscopic observation on the symptomatic leaf disease pathogens result showed Botryodiplodiatheobromae characteristics, such as sectional hyphae and ellipsoidal conidia hyaline.
Vegetation Structure and Composition on Rafflesia zollingeriana Habitat in Meru Betiri National Park
Authors: Maulidiyan D , Ariansyah E N , Zubaidah S , Widiastuti E , Bekti H S , Larasati A D , Sari R , Trijunianto A , Aziz S , Diany E , Lestari K G , Muyasara J Q D , Nurbayadi  , Kurnianto W , Hakim L , Hilwan I
Published: December 2019

Meru Betiri National Park (TNMB) has five forest formation, e.g. coastal forest, mangrove forest, swamp forest, rheophyte, and lowland rain forest. The study aims to analyze vegetation structure and composition on Rafflesia zollingeriana habitat and to map the distribution of trees in TNMB. Vegetation data, diameter at breast height, and canopy height obtained by using line-transect method and analyzed using vegetation analysis. The sampling method used purposive sampling. TNMB had 64 trees species with 1,366 seedlings and saplings, 257 poles, and 183 trees. Pancal kidang (Aglaia variegata) had the highest Important Value Index (IVI) amounting to 32.46%. The result showed that the community similarity index (IS) in two sample plots was 86.86%. Tetrastigma spp. is a liana as a host of Rafflesia zollingeriana, and only found pancal kidang, besuleh, welangan, magnolia flower, laban, and rauh trees.
Relationship Between The Diversity of Mycorrhizal Arbuscule Fungi with The Physic-Chemical of Dystropept Soil
Authors: Suryantini R , Latifah S , Wulandari R S
Published: December 2019

The one of poor soil in West Kalimantan is the dystropept soil which includes sub ordo of inceptisol. This soil spread sporadic and relatively much in the production forest areal. Increasing the dystropept soil quality through the microbial approach is very rare or even may not have been done. As a first step, the purpose of the research was to determine the abundance and diversity of AMF (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) and the relationship of dystropepts soil characteristic with AMF diversity. The method consisted of taking soil samples at the location in depth of 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm and 40-60 cm, and location II in depth of 0-20 cm; identifying spore-based on morphology. Analyzing data used the pattern of relative abundance, diversity index, evenness index, and biplot RDA. The results were Glomus was dominant genera with high abundance and low species diversity in all location and uneven distribution of species. This diversity of species positively with excellent sand content, Mg, CEC, N, BS, K, and C.
Spread of Collembola at Different Altitudes and Their Response to the Environment at Gunung Halimun-Salak National Park
Authors: Haneda N F , Irfani E
Published: December 2019

Collembola is a soil fauna that is beneficial for soil health. Collembola had a role in the food chain as one who helps in reshuffle organic matter. However, until now, the Collembola still not yet known widely in Indonesia. The aim of this study to assess the Collembola distribution based on height, besides that also study the influence of environmental factors like moisture, temperature, and soil fertility to the Collembola. The research was done at National Park in Mount Halimun Salak on seven altitudes. Those seven altitudes spread on five resorts, namely Koneng Mountain Resorts (500 m asl), Cimantaja Resort (700 - 900 m asl), Gunung Kencana Resort (1,100 masl) and Cikaniki Resort (1,300 – 1,700 masl). The method used the pitfall trap method. The results showed that the abundance of Collembola in all observation areas was 1,620 individuals, consisting of 3 orders and nine families. The abundance of Collembola shows a difference according to altitude. The highest abundance and diversity are at an altitude of 1,100 masl. Family Entomobryidae is predominantly found at seven altitudes but is more dominant at an altitude of 1,500 masl. The abundance of Collembola influenced by litter, total N, and C-organic.
Study of Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp. Growth on the Ex-limestone Mining Soil with Goat Manure and NPK Fertilizer Increment
Authors: Putri M Y G , Wasis B , Winata B
Published: December 2019

The limestone mining process causes the former limestone quarry land has low soil fertility characteristics. It is necessary to rehabilitate ex-limestone mine land through revegetation. Syzygium polyanthum is a potential tree species for revegetation. This study aimed to analyze the effect of goat manure and NPK addition on the ex-limestone mining soil toward the growth of S. polyanthum seedlings and to found the optimal dosage of goat manure and NPK addition. This study used a factorial complete randomized design consisting of two factors, namely goat manure (doses of 0 g, 50 g, 100 g, and 150 g) and NPK (doses of 0 g, 5 g, 10 g, and 15 g). The application of goat manure and NPK on the ex-limestone mining significantly affected the growth of height, diameter, total wet weight, and total dry weight of S. polyanthum seedlings, except the root shoot ratio. The best treatment for the addition of goat manure and NPK toward the growth of S. polyanthum seedlings on the ex-limestone mining was 150 g goat manure and 5 g NPK.
Assessing The Growth of Local Sengon and Solomon Sengon in Agroforestry System
Authors: Ikhfan Amin Nur , Wijayanto Nurheni
Published: December 2019

Development of timber industry and demand for wood in Indonesia must be balanced with an enhancement of timber production. Utilization of fast growing species such as sengon (Falcataria moluccana) may be done to increase the timber production. The optimal use of the land will be achieved by applying agroforestry system. This research aims to compare the growth between local sengon and solomon sengon in agroforestry system. The research showed that provenance is significantly influence the diameter. The interaction between provenance and planting technique do not affect the height, diameter, canopy area, depth of rooting system, root lenght, and root diameter horizontally. Solomon sengon F1 with opened polybag treatment revealed the highest average in diameter. The best average of depth and root diameter was found in closed polybag treatment, whereas the best average of root lenght was found in opened polybag treatment.
Soil as A Fundamental Element of Silviculture for Sustainable Tropical Rain Forest Management
Authors: Munawar A , Wiryono
Published: December 2019

Soil is a fundamental element of a forest ecosystem. It provides physical support for plants, absorbs and retains water, retains and supplies essential nutrients and other chemical compounds for plant growth, and provides nutrients cycling services and habitats for organisms. Soils underlying tropical rainforest ecosystems have distintive characteristics. The soils are old and highly-weathered and leached, highly-acidic, lacking of weatherable minerals and nutrient reserves, and dominated by low-activity clays with poor retention capacity to nutrients. Under such conditions, rainforest productivity relies heavily on the top layer of the soils, consisting of decaying plant materials and animal remains in which most biological activities such as nutrient cycling occur. These characteristics indicate that rainforest ecosystem is very fragile. When the forest trees overlying such soils are cut down, the logged over areas lose this thick layer and then the forest will seriously degrade. Therefore maintaining vegetation on soil surface is imperative. This paper aims to discuss properties of soils in the tropical rainforests, to identify soil-related damages due to silvicultural practices, and to find preventive and currative actions in order to promote sustainable tropical rainforest management.
The use of Analytical Network Process (ANP) Approach to Assess the Health of Natural Production Forest
Authors: I Putra Erianto , Supriyanto  , Purnomo Herry , Haneda Noor F , Matangaran Juang R
Published: December 2019

The need of the sustainable forest management has become the world most demand in a recent to face the climate change issue. Monitoring the health of forest thus should be done properly as one of indicators for achieving sustainable forest management. Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) is one of the methods applied to monitor the status, change and trends of forest health condition by using the ecological indicators. Here, we re-introduce the used of Analytical Networking Process (ANP) approach to scoring the health condition of natural production forest. We weighted the-four ecological indicators of Forest Health Monitoring (FHM), e.g. forest productivity in term of quality and quantity, forest health and vitality (tree-damage and crown condition), site quality, and biodiversity. Final score of forest health is obtained by combining indicator weights and relative score of each indicator. This work has been published in 2008, but reintroducing the method is taking a high importance as it needed for better developing the health assessment for different forest type and function.
Identifying forest fires causes in Kawah Kamojang Nature Reserve (Mount Guntur), Garut, West Java
Authors: Lestari K G , Putra E I , Matangaran J R.
Published: December 2019

Forest and land fires have caused losses on social, economic, and ecological aspects in Indonesia. Forest and land fires management will not be optimal without knowing factors causing them. Mount Guntur which belong to Kawah Kamojang Nature Reserve (Mount Guntur) (KKNR) is suffering from forest and land fires almost every year. This study aims to identify the factors causing forest and land fires in KKNR. The research used field observation, in-depth interviews, and field data collection. The results indicate that the factors causing forest and land fires are human factors from sand mining, land preparation, and bird poaching. Drought due to long dry season trigger the fire occurrences. Here, we strongly suggest increasing the knowledge and awareness of forest fire to the people in KKNR to prevent the area from the further destructive forest fire.
Quality of kapok honey in some areas of Apis mellifera honey cultivation in Central Java and East Java Province
Authors: Adalina Y , Heryati Y , Yuniati D
Published: December 2019

Java Island is a center for developingApis melliferabee cultivation due to the availability of honey bee feed plants. The most reliable plant species producing honey is kapok plant (Ceiba petandra), because the flowering period is around 2.5 months. This study aims to determine the quality ofA.melliferakapok honey from Central and East Java. Sampling was carried out by purposive sampling method in Pati District and Jepara District (Central Java Province) and Pasuruan District (East Java Province), which were the centers of honey production. To find out the quality of kapok honey, laboratory analysis of 9 honey samples from honey producers was done. The results showed that the acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), reducing sugar and sucrose levels of all honey samples met SNI 8664-2018 standards, except honey water content which exceeded the SNI limit (maximum 22%). Kapok honey is acidic with a pH value of 4.0 to 4.5, white to light amber with an intensity value of 20 to 73 mm Pfund. The results of the phytochemical analysis that showed that the kapok honey in Pati District contained saponin active compounds, whereas honey from Jepara and Pasuruan District contained saponins and flavonoids which had the potential to be anti-bacterial and antioxidant.
The Best Practices of Stingless Bee Farming in Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia
Authors: Ashari R , Karyaatmadja B , Sutedja I G N N , Rakhmadi D , Abidin S
Published: December 2019

Utilization of non-timber forest products can provide income for the community. Through the Forest and Climate Change Programme – Financial Cooperation Module (FORCLIME - FC), communities in 15 villages in the Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan Province began developing stingless beekeeping in 2017. The purpose of this study were to measure the success rate of beekeeping and obtain the best practices for stingless beekeeping. Currently the community is developing 544 boxes of stingless bee colonies (Apidae: Apinae: Trigona) which colonies were obtained from forests in each village. From a number of these colonies, the success rate was 65%. This success depends on the location of cultivation, the technique of extracting and distributing colonies from the forest, and the maintenance process when the colonies have been moved.
Species Grouping of Shorea spp. Based On Responsive Scale of Periodic Individual Diameter Increment
Authors: Susanty F H
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this research was to determine species grouping of Shorea sp. based on the characteristics of periodic individual diameter increment on natural forest. The study was conducted on Labanan forest research station located in Berau, East Kalimantan. This study was using data series on logged over forest permanent plots with total of 8 ha along 1990-2018. Shorea spp. species group was determined based on the number of classes (5 classes) as responsive scale of periodic diameter increment rates. The consistency assessment analysis was conducted using compares of two approaches which as by interval class and euclidean distance method. The identified results of measuring 26 species of Shorea, 16 species can be further analyzed into species grouping based on their increment. The interval class rates approach has different scale with euclidean distance rates for cluster similarity method. Shorea parvifolia, S. johorensis, S. pinanga and S. scrobiculata were recommended as very responsive or fast-growing species. Whereas S. patoiensis, S. beccariana and S. smithiana were in the slow growing species group. This result is providing the recommendation of selection of priority species based on the increment rates characteristic for increasing the productivity especially on production forest stand.
Traditional Cultivation Of Laccifer lacca Kerr. in Alor, East Nusa Tenggara
Authors: Kadha F , Supriyanto  , Haneda N F
Published: December 2019

Lac is a resin produced by secretion of small insect of Laccifer lacca in Kesambi trees. Lac resin is important for paint, ink, pharmacy, cosmetic, electricity, coating (candy, fruits, and vegetables), textile and candle industries. Lac price in the market is IDR 10,000.00/kg in 2019, while the lac price in 2005 – 2006 was IDR 60,000.00/kg. The decrease of lac price in Alor Island due to lack of technology in increasing the lac quantity, quality and no special institution to facilitate lac marketing. The objective of this survey was to study the traditional practices of lac cultivation in Alor Island. The method was done by field survey in the farmer gardens and interviewed the farmers. The result showed that lac cultivation in Alor Island is done traditionally and low technological inputs. Insect inoculation is done on young branches at 1 m above ground of 16 years old of Kesambi trees as a host. The maintenance of Kesambi trees is done by cutting old branches. Lac harvesting is done in June, July and in December by cutting the colonized branches into small size, and dried under sunlight. Lac resin is crushed into granular sizes, and packed into plastic bags for post-harvesting technology.
Soil Disturbance by Logging Operation of Industrial Plantation Forest in Indonesia
Authors: Matangaran J R , Putra E I , Mashitha M W , Diatin I , Mujahid M , Adlan Q
Published: December 2019

Logging concessions in natural forest and industrial plantation forest are the main producers of logs in Indonesia. Several companies of industrial plantation forest have been successfully planted with fast-growing species such as Acacia mangium for pulpwood. These plantation forests have entered their annual harvesting period. Some options of timber harvesting machines such as forwarder, harvester, feller buncher, and excavator are chosen to remove timber from stump to the log landing site. The negative impact of such machines includes the loss of topsoil and soil compaction. The objectives of the research were to analysis soil compaction by excavator with log carrier in forwarding log from stump to landing site. Bulk density, cone index and deep of rut were measured after logging operation at the harvesting site at one of industrial plantation forest of South Kalimantan. The result showed that soil bulk density increase with the increase in the number of excavator with log carrier passes. The rut was formed on several places on the soil surface, particularly near landings and under the log carrier. The ground pressure of the excavator and log carrier caused the formation of the rut on the soil surface. Weight of excavator plus loads had caused pressure on the track of the contact with the ground. Rut formed and high soil bulk density indicated the soil compaction occurred by the harvesting operation.
Land Management in Optimizing Productivity of Limited Land to Deal with Rural Food, Feed and Fuel (3F) Security
Authors: Widyati E , Darwiati W , Yulianti M
Published: December 2019

Study aims to observe the best practice in optimizing land productivity for successing rural food and energy sovereignity. This study was carried out in Majalengka District on 2 ha land, arranged as monoculture calliandra plantation (2 × 3 m spacing), agroforestry (2 × 5 m spacing), and agro-sylvo-pasture (2 × 5 m spacing). Calliandra planted in agroforestry was combined with maize, beans, and peas; while agro-silvo-pasture planted with the same commodities mixed with utilizing waste of corn and calliandra for forage of cattle or goats. Calliandra were harvested in 2 years age by applying coppice system. Yield of 2 years fire-woods, annual (food crops), and 6 months coppice sprouting capacity of calliandra, were calculated as land productivity. The result showed that productivity of grown in monoculture was 28 tons/ha, higher than agroforestry (15) or agro-silvo-pasture (13.8). However, agro-silvo-pasture could significantly improve number of 6 months age coppice (diameter 4-6 cm) by 8-10 coppices/trees higher than agroforestry (6-8) or monoculture (3-5). Agroforestry was also successfuly improve land productivity; such as produced corn grain (8.4 tons), mung bean (1.6 tons), groundnut grain (2.5 tons), pigeon pea (0.8 tons), respectively, per year. Income for farmer can be calculated per years per hectar, as 3,050,000 IDR (monoculture); 26,575,000 IDR (agroforestry), and 28,375,000 IDR (agro-silvo-pasture). Whereas agro-silvo-pasture was not significantly different in increasing land productivity compare to agroforestry, nevertheless, cattle or goat breeder not only gained 3 tons maize waste and 2.2 tons leaf during a season but also saved fertilizers due to manure production. It can be concluded that developing energy plantation forest through agroforestry or agrosylvopasture can be the promissing program to realize the rural food, feed, fuel security.
Human embryo gene editing: God's scalpel or Pandora's box?
Authors: Zhou Qi , Zhang Yan , Zou Yujie , Yin Tailang , Yang Jing
Published: December 2019

Gene editing refers to the site-specific modification of the genome, which mainly focuses on basic research, model organism construction and treatment and prevention of disease. Since the first application of CRISPR/Cas9 on the human embryo genome in 2015, the controversy over embryo gene editing (abbreviated as EGE in the following text) has never stopped. At present, the main contradictions focus on (1) ideal application prospects and immature technologies; (2) scientific progress and ethical supervision; and (3) definition of reasonable application scope. In fact, whether the EGE is ‘God's scalpel’ or ‘Pandora's box’ depends on the maturity of the technology and ethical supervision. This non-systematic review included English articles in NCBI, technical documents from the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority as well as reports in the media, which performed from 1980 to 2018 with the following search terms: ‘gene editing, human embryo, sequence-specific nuclease (SSN) (CRISPR/Cas, TALENT, ZFN), ethical consideration, gene therapy.’ Based on the research status of EGE, this paper summarizes the technical defects and ethical controversies, enumerates the optimization measures and looks forward to the application prospect, aimed at providing some suggestions for the development trend. We should regard the research and development of EGE optimistically, improve and innovate the technology boldly and apply its clinical practice carefully.
Logomaker: beautiful sequence logos in Python
Authors: Tareen Ammar , Kinney Justin B
Published: December 2019

Sequence logos are visually compelling ways of illustrating the biological properties of DNA, RNA and protein sequences, yet it is currently difficult to generate and customize such logos within the Python programming environment. Here we introduce Logomaker, a Python API for creating publication-quality sequence logos. Logomaker can produce both standard and highly customized logos from either a matrix-like array of numbers or a multiple-sequence alignment. Logos are rendered as native matplotlib objects that are easy to stylize and incorporate into multi-panel figures.

Availability and implementation

Logomaker can be installed using the pip package manager and is compatible with both Python 2.7 and Python 3.6. Documentation is provided at http://logomaker.readthedocs.io; source code is available at http://github.com/jbkinney/logomaker.
Anatomy and Physiology of Macaque Visual Cortical Areas V1, V2, and V5/MT: Bases for Biologically Realistic Models
Authors: Vanni Simo , Hokkanen Henri , Werner Francesca , Angelucci Alessandra
Published: December 2019

The cerebral cortex of primates encompasses multiple anatomically and physiologically distinct areas processing visual information. Areas V1, V2, and V5/MT are conserved across mammals and are central for visual behavior. To facilitate the generation of biologically accurate computational models of primate early visual processing, here we provide an overview of over 350 published studies of these three areas in the genus Macaca, whose visual system provides the closest model for human vision. The literature reports 14 anatomical connection types from the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus to V1 having distinct layers of origin or termination, and 194 connection types between V1, V2, and V5, forming multiple parallel and interacting visual processing streams. Moreover, within V1, there are reports of 286 and 120 types of intrinsic excitatory and inhibitory connections, respectively. Physiologically, tuning of neuronal responses to 11 types of visual stimulus parameters has been consistently reported. Overall, the optimal spatial frequency (SF) of constituent neurons decreases with cortical hierarchy. Moreover, V5 neurons are distinct from neurons in other areas for their higher direction selectivity, higher contrast sensitivity, higher temporal frequency tuning, and wider SF bandwidth. We also discuss currently unavailable data that could be useful for biologically accurate models.
Do Audits Deter or Provoke Future Tax Noncompliance? Evidence on Self-Employed Taxpayers
Authors: Beer Sebastian , Kasper Matthias , Kirchler Erich , Erard Brian
Published: December 2019

This article employs unique tax administrative data and operational audit information, including risk scores used for audit selection, from a sample of approximately 7500 self-employed US taxpayers to investigate the effects of operational tax audits on future reporting behavior. Our estimates indicate that audits can have substantial deterrent or counter-deterrent effects, depending on the audit outcome. In the aggregate, taxable income is estimated to increase by roughly 15% 1 year after an operational audit. However, this figure masks substantial heterogeneity within the population. Among those taxpayers who receive an additional tax assessment, reported taxable income is estimated to be 64% higher in the first year after the audit (44% after 3 years) than it would have been in the absence of the audit. In contrast, among those taxpayers who do not receive an additional tax assessment, reported taxable income is estimated to be approximately 15% lower the year after the audit (21% 3 years later) than it would have been had the audit not taken place. Our results suggest that improved targeting of audits toward noncompliant taxpayers would not only yield more direct audit revenue but also pay dividends in terms of future tax collections.
Global Burden of Hepatitis B Infection in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Leumi Steve , Bigna Jean Joel , Amougou Marie A , Ngouo Anderson , Nyaga Ulrich Flore , Noubiap Jean Jacques
Published: December 2019

Background

This meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the global burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH).

Methods

We searched multiple databases for studies published between January 1990 and December 2017. HBV infection (hepatitis B surface antigen) was diagnosed with serological assays. A random-effects meta-analysis served to pool data.

Results

We included 358 studies (834 544 PLWH from 87 countries). The pooled prevalence of HBV infection was 8.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.9%–8.8%), among which 26.8% (95% CI, 22.0%–31.9%) was positive to hepatitis B e antigen. HBV prevalence (with 95% CIs) differed according to region: West and Central Africa, 12.4% (11.0%–13.8%); Middle East and North Africa, 9.9% (6.0%–14.6%); Asia and the Pacific, 9.8% (8.7%–11.0%); Eastern and Southern Africa, 7.4% (6.4%–8.4%); Western and Central Europe and North America, 6.0% (5.5%–6.7%); and Latin America and the Caribbean, 5.1% (4.2%–6.2%) (P < .0001). The prevalence decreased from 10.4% in low-developed to 6.6% in highly developed countries (P < .0001) and increased from 7.3% in countries with HIV prevalence ≤1% to 9.7% in countries with HIV prevalence >1% (P < .0001). Globally, we estimated that there were 3 136 500 (95% CI, 2 952 000–3 284 100) cases of HBV in PLWH, with 73.8% of estimated regional cases from sub-Saharan Africa and 17.1% from Asia and the Pacific.

Conclusions

This study suggests a high burden of HBV infection in PLWH, with disparities according to region, level of development, and country HIV prevalence.
Estimates of the Time From Seroconversion to Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Among People Newly Diagnosed With Human Immunodeficiency Virus From 2006 to 2015, New York City
Authors: Robertson McKaylee M , Braunstein Sarah L , Hoover Donald R , Li Sheng , Nash Denis
Published: December 2019

Background

We estimated the time from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroconversion to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation during an era of expanding HIV testing and treatment efforts.

Methods

Applying CD4 depletion parameters from seroconverter cohort data to our population-based sample, we related the square root of the first pretreatment CD4 count to time of seroconversion through a linear mixed model and estimated the time from seroconversion.

Results

Among 28 162 people diagnosed with HIV during 2006–2015, 89% initiated ART by June 2017. The median CD4 count at diagnosis increased from 326 (interquartile range [IQR], 132–504) cells/µL to 390 (IQR, 216–571) cells/µL from 2006 to 2015. The median time from estimated seroconversion to ART initiation decreased by 42% from 6.4 (IQR, 3.3–11.4) years in 2006 to 3.7 (IQR, 0.5–8.3) years in 2015. The time from estimated seroconversion to diagnosis decreased by 28%, from a median of 4.6 (IQR, 0.5–10.5) years to 3.3 (IQR, 0–8.1) years from 2006 to 2015, and the time from diagnosis to ART initiation reduced by 60%, from a median of 0.5 (IQR, 0.2–2.1) years to 0.2 (IQR, 0.1–0.3) years from 2006 to 2015.

Conclusions

The estimated time from seroconversion to ART initiation was reduced in tandem with expanded HIV testing and treatment efforts. While the time from diagnosis to ART initiation decreased to 0.2 years, the time from seroconversion to diagnosis was 3.3 years among people diagnosed in 2015, highlighting the need for more effective strategies for earlier HIV diagnosis.
Clinical Impact of Rapid Drug Susceptibility Testing to Accompany Fluoroquinolone-Containing Universal Tuberculosis Regimens: A Markov Model
Authors: Kendall Emily A , Malhotra Shelly , Cook-Scalise Sarah , Dowdy David W , Denkinger Claudia M
Published: December 2019

Background

To appropriately treat tuberculosis (TB) with regimens that combine novel and older drugs, evidence-based, context-specific strategies for drug-susceptibility testing (DST) will be required.

Methods

We created a Markov state-transition model of 100 000 adults with TB receiving a novel, fluoroquinolone (FQ)–containing regimen. We estimated clinical outcomes and resource utilization with no FQ-DST, universal FQ-DST, or FQ-DST only for patients with rifampin-resistant TB (“targeted FQ-DST”). We considered scenarios of stronger (South Africa) and weaker (Southeast Asia) correlation of fluoroquinolone resistance with rifampin resistance, with sensitivity analysis for other setting and regimen characteristics.

Results

Relative to no FQ-DST, targeted FQ-DST increased cure of FQ-resistant TB by 7.5% (interquartile range [IQR], 6.7%–9.2%) in South Africa and 1.7% (IQR, 0.7%–2.5%) in Southeast Asia. However, rare FQ resistance among the more prevalent rifampin-susceptible TB accounted for 50% of FQ-resistant TB in South Africa and 83% in Southeast Asia. As a result, universal FQ-DST further increased cure of FQ-resistant TB by 3.4% (IQR, 2.3%–5.4%) in South Africa and 5.8% (IQR, 5.1%–6.3%) in Southeast Asia. With targeted FQ-DST, 1 additional patient was cured per 50 (IQR, 42–70) tests in South Africa and 44 (IQR, 37–51) in Southeast Asia. When expanding from targeted to universal FQ-DST, 1 additional cure required 3500 (IQR, 2300–5500) tests in South Africa and 410 (IQR, 370–450) in Southeast Asia.

Conclusions

FQ-DST improved patient outcomes and was particularly important for high-risk patient groups and less robust regimens. A universal strategy was favored in generalized epidemics of fluoroquinolone resistance.
Prediction of Esophageal Varices by Liver Stiffness and Platelets in Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Compensated Advanced Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Merchante Nicolás , Saroli Palumbo Chiara , Mazzola Giovanni , Pineda Juan A , Téllez Francisco , Rivero-Juárez Antonio , Ríos-Villegas Maria José , Maurice James B , Westbrook Rachel H , Judge Rebekah , Guaraldi Giovanni , Schepis Filippo , Perazzo Hugo , Rockstroh Juergen , Boesecke Christoph , Klein Marina B , Cervo Adriana , Ghali Peter , Wong Philip , Petta Salvatore , De Ledinghen Victor , Macías Juan , Sebastiani Giada
Published: December 2019

Background

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are at increased risk of cirrhosis and esophageal varices. Baveno VI criteria, based on liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and platelet count, have been proposed to avoid unnecessary esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) screening for esophageal varices needing treatment (EVNT). This approach has not been validated in PLWH.

Methods

PLWH from 8 prospective cohorts were included if they fulfilled the following criteria: (1) compensated advanced chronic liver disease (LSM >10 kPa); (2) availability of EGD within 6 months of reliable LSM. Baveno VI (LSM <20 kPa and platelets >150 000/μL), expanded Baveno VI (LSM <25 kPa and platelets >110 000/μL), and Estudio de las Hepatitis Víricas (HEPAVIR) criteria (LSM <21 kPa) were applied to identify patients not requiring EGD screening. Criteria optimization was based on the percentage of EGDs spared, while keeping the risk of missing EVNT <5%.

Results

Five hundred seven PLWH were divided into a training (n = 318) and a validation set (n = 189). EVNT were found in 7.5%. In the training set, Baveno VI, expanded Baveno VI, and HEPAVIR criteria spared 10.1%, 25.5%, and 28% of EGDs, while missing 0%, 1.2%, and 2.2% of EVNT, respectively. The best thresholds to rule out EVNT were platelets >110 000/μL and LSM <30 kPa (HIV cirrhosis criteria), with 34.6% of EGDs spared and 0% EVNT missed. In the validation set, HEPAVIR and HIV cirrhosis criteria spared 54% and 48.7% of EGDs, while missing 4.9% and 2.2% EVNT, respectively.

Conclusions

Baveno VI criteria can be extended to HEPAVIR and HIV cirrhosis criteria while sparing a significant number of EGDs, thus improving resource utilization for PLWH with compensated advanced chronic liver disease.
Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli Infections Associated With Romaine Lettuce—United States, 2018
Authors: Bottichio Lyndsay , Keaton Amelia , Thomas Deepam , Fulton Tara , Tiffany Amanda , Frick Anna , Mattioli Mia , Kahler Amy , Murphy Jennifer , Otto Mark , Tesfai Adiam , Fields Angela , Kline Kelly , Fiddner Jennifer , Higa Jeffrey , Barnes Amber , Arroyo Francine , Salvatierra Annabelle , Holland April , Taylor Wendy , Nash June , Morawski Bozena M , Correll Sarah , Hinnenkamp Rachel , Havens Jeffrey , Patel Kane , Schroeder Morgan N , Gladney Lori , Martin Haley , Whitlock Laura , Dowell Natasha , Newhart Corinne , Watkins Louise Francois , Hill Vincent , Lance Susan , Harris Stic , Wise Matthew , Williams Ian , Basler Colin , Gieraltowski Laura
Published: December 2019

Background

Produce-associated outbreaks of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) were first identified in 1991. In April 2018, New Jersey and Pennsylvania officials reported a cluster of STEC O157 infections associated with multiple locations of a restaurant chain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) queried PulseNet, the national laboratory network for foodborne disease surveillance, for additional cases and began a national investigation.

Methods

A case was defined as an infection between 13 March and 22 August 2018 with 1 of the 22 identified outbreak-associated E. coli O157:H7 or E. coli O61 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern combinations, or with a strain STEC O157 that was closely related to the main outbreak strain by whole-genome sequencing. We conducted epidemiologic and traceback investigations to identify illness subclusters and common sources. A US Food and Drug Administration–led environmental assessment, which tested water, soil, manure, compost, and scat samples, was conducted to evaluate potential sources of STEC contamination.

Results

We identified 240 case-patients from 37 states; 104 were hospitalized, 28 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, and 5 died. Of 179 people who were interviewed, 152 (85%) reported consuming romaine lettuce in the week before illness onset. Twenty subclusters were identified. Product traceback from subcluster restaurants identified numerous romaine lettuce distributors and growers; all lettuce originated from the Yuma growing region. Water samples collected from an irrigation canal in the region yielded the outbreak strain of STEC O157.

Conclusions

We report on the largest multistate leafy greens–linked STEC O157 outbreak in several decades. The investigation highlights the complexities associated with investigating outbreaks involving widespread environmental contamination.
Endocardial ventricular pulsed field ablation: a proof-of-concept preclinical evaluation
Authors: Koruth Jacob S , Kuroki Kenji , Iwasawa Jin , Viswanathan Raju , Brose Richard , Buck Eric D , Donskoy Elina , Dukkipati Srinivas R , Reddy Vivek Y
Published: December 2019

Aims

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel, non-thermal modality that selectively ablates myocardium with ultra-short electrical impulses while sparing collateral tissues. In a proof-of-concept study, the safety and feasibility of ventricular PFA were assessed using a prototype steerable, endocardial catheter.

Methods and results

Under general anaesthesia, the left and right ventricles of four healthy swine were ablated using the 12-Fr deflectable PFA catheter and a deflectable sheath guided by electroanatomic mapping. Using the study catheter, electrograms were recorded for each site and pre-ablation and post-ablation pacing thresholds (at 2.0 ms pulse width) were recorded in two of four animals. After euthanasia at 35.5 days, the hearts were submitted for histology. The PFA applications (n = 39) resulted in significant electrogram reduction without ventricular arrhythmias. In ablation sites where it was measured, the pacing thresholds increased by >16.8 mA in the right ventricle (3 sites) and >16.1 mA in the left ventricle (7 sites), with non-capture at maximum amplitude (20 mA) observable in 8 of 10 sites. Gross measurements, available for 28 of 30 ablation sites, revealed average lesion dimensions to be 6.5 ± 1.7 mm deep by 22.6 ± 4.1 mm wide, with a maximum depth and width of 9.4 mm and 28.6 mm, respectively. In the PFA lesions, fibrous tissue homogeneously replaced myocytes with a narrow zone of surrounding myocytolysis and no overlying thrombus. When present, nerve fascicles and vasculature were preserved within surrounding fibrosis.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that endocardial PFA can be focally delivered using this prototype catheter to create homogeneous, myocardium-specific lesions.
Deciphering belowground nitrifier assemblages with elevational soil sampling in a subtropical forest ecosystem (Mount Lu, China)
Authors: Han Shun , Tan Shuang , Wang Achen , Chen Wenli , Huang Qiaoyun
Published: December 2019

The elevational distribution patterns of microbial functional groups have long been attracting scientific interest. Ammonia-oxidizers (ammonia-oxidizing archaea [AOA] and bacteria [AOB]), complete ammonia oxidation (comammox) Nitrospira and nitrite-oxidizers (e.g. Nitrobacter and Nitrospira) play crucial roles in the nitrogen cycle, yet their activities and abundances in response to elevational gradients in a subtropical forest ecosystem remain unclear. Here, we investigated the distribution of potential functions and abundances of these nitrifiers in forest soils along elevational gradients on Mount Lu, China. Our results showed that AOA and Nitrospira abundance was higher than that of their counterparts. Only AOA, Nitrobacter and comammox Nitrospira abundances followed a hump-backed-model with altitude. Soil potential ammonia-oxidation activity (PAO) and nitrite-oxidation activity (PNO) ranged from 0.003 to 0.084 and 0.34 to 0.53 μg NO2−-N g−1 dry soil h−1, respectively. The biotic (AOA, Nitrobacter, Nitrospira and comammox Nitrospira abundances) and abiotic factors (soil variables) jointly affected PAO, whereas the abiotic factors were mainly responsible for PNO. Variance partitioning analysis showed that contemporary environmental disturbance is the most important driver for the biogeography of nitrifier assemblages. Overall, our findings indicate that forest soil nitrifier assemblages exhibit a biogeographic pattern largely shaped by soil chemistry along an elevational gradient.
Guilty Pleasure? Communicating Sexually Explicit Content on Dating Apps and Disillusionment with App Usage
Authors: Niehuis Sylvia , Reifman Alan , Weiser Dana A , Punyanunt-Carter Narissra M , Flora Jeanne , Arias Vladimir S , Oldham C Rebecca
Published: December 2019

Some people send or receive sexually explicit images or messages when using dating apps. Seeing unwanted content may produce adverse effects, consistent with expectancy violations theory (EVT), and disillusion some users. To test links between encountering sexually explicit materials and dating app disillusionment (with oneself, with others, and regret over app usage), we surveyed two samples of dating app users. Study 1 (n = 531 college students) focused on Tinder, whereas Study 2 (n = 209 Mechanical Turk workers) examined dating apps broadly. In each study, a latent class analysis sorted users into four groups, based on their dating app engagement with sexual content. Participants who rarely exchanged and did not enjoy sexual content were most regretful, as even one bad experience might have violated their expectations. Contrary to EVT, participants with high enjoyment of explicit materials felt disillusioned with themselves. Participants citing relationship-seeking purposes for app usage were highly disillusioned when heavily involved with explicit content.
Connecting Everyday Talk and Time Alone to Global Well-Being
Authors: Hall Jeffrey A , Merolla Andy J
Published: December 2019

Theoretical explanations for associations between characteristics of social interactions and global well-being (e.g., life satisfaction, loneliness) require further development and empirical grounding. We used the Communicate Bond Belong theory to develop six hypotheses linking the frequency, type, relatedness-to-energy ratio, and volition/choice of everyday social interactions with global well-being. Hypotheses were tested using two experience sampling studies and one 28-day diary study (TotalN = 389; Totalobservations = 10,368). Results suggest that number of social interactions is associated with global well-being, and that the portion of interactions with close partners is associated with lower loneliness. Experiencing unsatiated social needs when alone was negatively associated with global well-being and greater interaction choice was positively associated with global well-being. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion about how the pattern and nature of daily sociability are reflective of human thriving.
Effects of the patient education strategy ‘Learning and Coping’ in cardiac rehabilitation on readmissions and mortality: a randomized controlled trial (LC-REHAB)
Authors: Lynggaard V , Zwisler A D , Taylor R S , May O , Nielsen C V
Published: December 2019

We assessed the effects of the patient education strategy ‘Learning and Coping’ (LC) in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on mortality and readmissions by exploring results from the LC-REHAB trial. In all, 825 patients with ischaemic heart disease or heart failure were randomized to the intervention arm (LC-CR) or the control arm (standard CR) at three hospitals in Denmark. LC-CR was situational and inductive, with experienced patients as co-educators supplemented with two individual interviews. Group-based training and education hours were the same in both arms. Outcomes were time to death or readmission, length of stay and absolute number of deaths or readmissions. No between-arm differences were found in time to death, first readmission, or length of stay. Within 30 days after completion of CR, the absolute number of all-cause readmissions was 117 in the LC arm and 146 in the control arm, adjusted odds ratio 78 (95% CI: 0.61–1.01), P = 0.06. This trend diminished over time. Adding LC strategies to standard CR showed a short term but no significant long-term effect on mortality or readmissions. However, the study was not powered to detect differences in mortality and morbidity. Thus, a risk of overseeing a true effect was present.