bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of bird species diversity between 4th ages burnt and unburnt land in PT Waimusi Agroindah, South Sumatera
Authors: Putri Marini Machdi , Santosa Yanto
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, one of the most highlighted issues in oil palm plantations is land fire. The fire event is thought to have a negative impact on biodiversity, including birds. One of the major fires ever occurred in Indonesia in 2015. The fire also struck on PT Waimusi Agroindah, South Sumatra. The high accusation that the fire only caused a negative impact triggered a lawsuit against oil palm companies that experienced fires to pay the cost of environmental damage fines. The small number of studies conducted to determine the impact of fires on bird species diversity requires further research to determine the condition of bird species diversity after the fire, especially on oil palm plantations. The method for estimating impacts of fire is to compare species diversity between unburnt and post-burn land. While the observation method used is the line transect in the morning and afternoon with three repetitions. The results showed that there were 39 species of birds on burnt land and 36 species of birds on unburnt land. The highest type of Margalef index is shown by burnt land which is equal to 6.37 and the Evenness index is 0.90. Overall there was an increase in bird species diversity on post-burnt land because there were gains of 5 species and loss of 2 species. Changes in the composition of bird species in both land types are caused because post-burnt land has a higher feed potential. The majority of birds at the study site are insectivorous. There are 13 species of bird which is included into protected species according to the Permen LHK No. P 106 of 2018 and also CITES and IUCN status.
Refocusing on Community-Based Fire Management (A Review)
Authors: Krah C Y , Perdinan  , Njume A C , Aminah
Published: June 2020

Forest fires do not only destroy the forests, it endangers public health, disrupt socio-economic activities, and contribute to greenhouse gas emission but do more harm than good to the ecosystem. A greater percent of forest fires occurring in the world, especially developing countries have been identified to have human causes. Land use was identified as number one cause while others like conflicts and human errors follow as reasons for which people burn the forest. Governments and cooperate bodies have invested much in solutions that largely control these fires rather than preventing them. This approach has yielded results that do not match the investments. It is in view of this worrying situation that this review was carried out to reassess the prospects of Community Based Fire Management (CBFiM) system as a critical component for achieving an effective integrated forest fire management. The work is structured into four sections, section one introduces forest fires and discusses general causes, and prevailing management tactics, section two discusses CBFiM and its potentials, section three follows up with case-studies from USA, Vietnam, and Ghana, the fourth section concludes with ways of enhancing the CBFiM system to make it more effective.
Questioning law enforcement against forest fire in Indonesia
Authors: Soedomo Sudarsono , Risdiyanto Idung
Published: June 2020

Forest fires in Indonesia occur repeatedly every year and longer droughts are generally followed by more widespread forest fires. The impact caused by the forest fire is very significant environ-mentally, economically, and socially. Almost all of these forest fires are triggered by human actions, so it makes sense that actors who cause forest fires must take responsibility for their actions before the law. But unfortunately, law enforcement against forest fires is very awkward and unfair. Using satellite imagery and land use maps, one can detect the distribution of hotspots that are most likely to cause forest fires and who controls the burning land. Forest fires generally occur on land that appears neglected. Law enforcement is generally carried out against private actors who are considered to control land that is on fire, while government actors who also have the responsibility for the absence of forest fires have never been prosecuted as happened to private actors. Furthermore, the way the government calculates losses due to forest fires is very unreasonable.
Forecast fishing areas in the waters of the Kei Islands based on satellite data
Authors: Saragih R W , Mannu D M A , Ryan M
Published: June 2020

Maluku is one of the provinces in Indonesia which is dominated by the sea. The region of Maluku consisting of small islands and separated by the ocean, makes the majority of the people in this province choose to use the sea as their main livelihood. The sea of Kei Island is one of the considerable fisheries potential. The purpose of this study is to make an estimate of fishing areas by utilizing sea surface temperature data and satellite image data. This study use descriptive method using MODIS-Aqua Chlorophyll-a satellite data and sea surface temperature data. These data will be used to forecast fishing area. Chlorophyll-a as food source of fish in the sea while sea surface temperature influence viability of organism in the sea. With good content of chlorophyll-a and fit the sea surface temperature, that zone has the potential to become a fishing area.
Carbon stock of the seagrass Enhalus acoroides and Thalassia hemprichii in Tanjung Tiram coastal waters, Poka, Ambon Island
Authors: Tupan C I , Wawo M
Published: June 2020

Seagrass is a marine plant that can reduce carbon dioxide by storing carbon and can bind carbon in thousands of years. The ability of seagrass beds as a carbon sink can be determined by calculating carbon stocks. The purpose of this study was to analyze the carbon stock of seagrass Enhalus acoroides and Thalassia hemprichii. This research took place at Tanjung Tiram Coastal Waters, Poka Village, Ambon Island on June 2019. The study was conducted at two different stations, namely station one on mixed sand and gravel substrates and station two on mixed sand and mud substrates. Carbon content was analyzed by using the Walkley and Black method. The results of the study showed that carbon stock of E. acoroides ranged from 78.89 gC.m-2 to 107.42 gC.m-2 and was higher than T. hemprichii, which ranges from 50.04 gC.m-2 to 64.75 gC.m-2. The carbon stock was higher in the bellow ground component, especially in rhizome which was 46.94 gC.m-2 - 61 gC.m-2 (E. acoroides) and 25.74 gC.m-2 - 33.59 gC.m-2 (T. hemprichii). Seagrass beds in the mixed sand and mud substrates have a higher carbon stock and can store more carbon.
Carrying capacity and tourism suitability of Ngurbloat Beach, Southeast Maluku Regency
Authors: Renjaan Melissa Justine , Raka Susanty Ida I Dewa Ayu
Published: June 2020

The aim of this research is to know the suitable tourism for beach recreation, swimming, and sitting relaxed, measuring the carrying capacity of the Ngurbloat Beach and knowing the tourist perception of beauty and comfort. The research conducted from February to May 2019. Method of determining the station used a purposive sampling technique while the method of determining the respondent used an accidental sampling technique. Data analysis perform used a tourism suitability matrix, carrying capacity analysis and tourism perception analysis. This Research consisted of three observation stations. The results showed the suitability index of tourism for beach recreation at all stations is a highly suitable category is 100%. Swimming tours on all stations are in a category high suitable with 97% of index suitability and 90% of relaxing seat tourism is a highly suitable category. The results of data analysis of effective carrying capacity (ECC) showed Ngurbloat beach is able to accommodate tourist of 238 people/day. If the tourist visit exceeds the carrying capacity it will impact the coastal ecosystem. The interview showed 80% of tourists expressed comfort and 90% of the tourists stated that Ngurbloat Beach was beautiful.
Beach orientation and exposure accumulate types of marine debris on the coast of Dullah Island, kei archipelago, Indonesia
Authors: Renjaan Eugenius Alfred , Silubun Dortje T , Latar Dullah I , Makailipessy Marvin
Published: June 2020

Marine debris has become the world’s attention from various aspects. The survey was conducted in April and May 2019, at 6 coastal locations on Dullah Island which have a coastline of 74,796 km. The purpose of this survey is to find out how beach orientation and beach exposure affect the type of marine debris that accumulates on the beach on the coast of Dullah Island. The survey results show that statistically, there is a very significant and positive correlation between island orientation and beach exposure with total accumulation of marine debris, but negatively and insignificantly correlated with accumulation of plastic debris, ie; the greater the beach exposure will accumulate total debris the sea but conversely the greater beach exposure causes light plastic debris to be swept from the beach by waves and tides. Of the average total marine debris, 46% consists of plastic items while the most plastic clusters that accumulate on the beach are “common items” (53%).
Assessment of sediment quality in the waters around of ternate city, North of Maluku, Indonesia based on an index analysis approach
Authors: Edward  , Kusnadi Agus , Triandiza Teddy
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals in sediments and to assesses the sediment quality based on an index analysis approach. Sediment samples were collected from five different stations located along the coast around Ternate City waters. Heavy metal content was measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed that mercury levels ranged from: 0.592-3.571 mg/kg, Lead: 10.4-12.4 mg/kg, Cadmium: 0.095-0.298 mg/kg and Copper: 0.713-40.494. The average levels of Pb, Cd and Cu are still lower than the sediment quality threshold values, exception Hg. The results of the index analysis showed that the average value of enrichment factors of Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu are 786.162, 104.511, 118.195 and 30.810 (no enrichment to very high enrichment), contamination factors are 4.363, 0.568, 0.653 and 0.208 (no contamination to slight), geo-accumulation index are 1.291, -1.404, -1.288 and - 4.586 (unpolluted to moderate polluted) respectively. Based on the pollution load index value (PLI <1), sediments in these waters are categorized as not yet polluted by Hg, Pb, Cd and Cu.
The study of sustainable procurement in the procurement of ready mixed concrete supplier
Authors: Setiadi T , Abduh M
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, the concept of sustainable construction has been known, namely the implementation of construction that considers social and environmental aspects in addition to the economic aspects. Sustainable construction has been mandated in Law Number 2 of 2017 concerning Construction Services. The success of sustainable construction is inseparable from the role of its supply chain network, the supply chain involved is selected through the procurement process so that the procurement process needs to consider sustainable aspects as well. This study discusses the sustainable procurement of ready-mixed concrete suppliers carried out by Indonesian contractors in order to realize the implementation of sustainable construction. The level of procurement process implementation of the ready-mixed concrete suppliers will be compared with ISO 20400 which is a sustainable guideline for flexible procurement and sustainable procurement best practices at the London Olympics 2012 project as well as various literature on sustainable concrete work to see more detailed about the implementation of sustainable criteria of Ready-mixed concrete job. The study was conducted by analyzing qualitative data obtained through semi-structured interviews conducted on 4 BUMN contractors and 1 BUMS contractor in Indonesia that had carried out green building projects. Based on the results of data processing and analysis, it was found that the process of procuring concrete by the contractors fulfilled about 44% - 76% of the principle of sustainable procurement at ISO 20400. In this study, an overview and comparison of the sustainable procurement practice of ready-mixed concrete suppliers is described by contractors in Indonesia with ISO 20400 standards, as well as sustainable procurement best practices and what obstacles are faced in the implementation of sustainable procurement, and how contractors in Indonesia can increase implementation of sustainable procurement when procuring ready-mixed concrete supplier in the future.
The Effect of Lighting, Aeration and Stirring on Industrial Synthetic Resin Wastewater Model Treatment by Using Tubular Bioreactor
Authors: Ramadhan M Y A , Harahap A F P , Hartono H , Gozan M
Published: June 2020

Industrial synthetic resin wastewater biological treatment has widely carried out. However, given its highly resistant organic content, the effect of some operating conditions is not well understood. A culture bacteria (PB) was taken from an industrial waste treatment facility and was tried in the lab-scale tubular reactor to observe the effect of lighting, aeration and mixing. The results showed that lighting gave an unclear outcome. However, aeration and stirring experiments had increased the quality of the treated wastewater model, as shown by the lower COD, odor, and clarity. The volatility of the synthetic resin might have influenced beside the biodegradation process. This qualitative-quantitative approach research gives a simple approach for further understanding of what occurred during the wastewater treatment process in the field application.
Experts Opinion on Building Passive Strategy Performance
Authors: Sahid  , Sumiyati Y , Purisari R
Published: June 2020

Passive strategy is believed as the primary strategy to achieve high performance on green building before applying an active strategy. Various passive strategy options need to be used optimally in buildings before implementing an active strategy. Architects can choose different passive strategy options while combining them to be applied to buildings. Architects need to listen to the opinions of experts who have been engaged in the field of green architecture or passive strategies to achieve the best performance. This study aims to determine the opinions of experts on the performance of passive green building strategies based on their understanding while giving weight to the main options available. This study has used an interview to confirm the available passive strategy options and have used the Analytic Hierarchy Process to weigh the performance of the passive strategy options according to criteria obtained from various sources. The criteria used in measuring passive strategy performance are energy efficiency, environmental impact, comfort, ease of implementation, savings in operational and investment cost. It can be concluded that according to experts, the most influential passive strategy option on building performance is the building shape, followed by building orientation, building envelope, interior design, and greenery.
Sustainability Design on Use of Biomass Waste Gasification Technology for Small Industry of Palm Sugar in Sinarlaut Village
Authors: Budiarto R , Arnif I , Wardhana A R , Novitasari D , Margono B
Published: June 2020

Sinarlaut Village is located in Agrabinta District, Cianjur Regency, West Java Province. The community is mainly farmers, and some people produce palm sugar from coconut tree sap. Farming activities produce various agricultural waste. One of them is an abundant rice husk. This research conducted an analysis focusing on the feasibility of implementing gasification technology in supporting small industry palm sugar. The study was conducted not only on the technical aspect but also on the multi-variable sustainability aspect. One business cooks around 60 liters of sap for 6-8 hours to produce approximately 20 kg of palm sugar daily. The community uses firewood to cook coconut tree sap. They need around 50 kg/day firewood equivalent to 197,400 kcal/day. Based on the calculations, 59,818 kg of rice husk is an alternative resource to replace wood as fuel for cooking sap by gasification technology. The evaluation shows disadvantages and gap problems in terms of social, operation and maintenance, readiness to use, waste, land availability, and safety standard that should be managed. To implement the technology diffusion, social engineering needs to be conducted in the community to build system sustainability. The challenge will be more substantial for the effort to implement gasification technology on mass scale.
Frequency distribution of foliar nickel is bimodal in the ultramafic flora of Kinabalu Park (Sabah, Malaysia)
Authors: van der Ent Antony , Echevarria Guillaume , Nkrumah Philip Nti , Erskine Peter D
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

The aim of this study was to test the frequency distributions of foliar elements from a large dataset from Kinabalu Park (Sabah, Malaysia) for departure from unimodality, indicative of a distinct ecophysiological response associated with hyperaccumulation.

Methods

We collected foliar samples (n = 1533) comprising 90 families, 198 genera and 495 plant species from ultramafic soils, further foliar samples (n = 177) comprising 45 families, 80 genera and 120 species from non-ultramafic soils and corresponding soil samples (n = 393 from ultramafic soils and n = 66 from non-ultramafic soils) from Kinabalu Park (Sabah, Malaysia). The data were geographically (Kinabalu Park) and edaphically (ultramafic soils) constrained. The inclusion of a relatively high proportion (approx. 14 %) of samples from hyperaccumulator species [with foliar concentrations of aluminium and nickel (Ni) >1000 μg g–1, cobalt, copper, chromium and zinc >300 μg g–1 or manganese (Mn) >10 mg g–1] allowed for hypothesis testing.

Key Results

Frequency distribution graphs for most elements [calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P)] were unimodal, although some were skewed left (Mg and Mn). The Ni frequency distribution was bimodal and the separation point for the two modes was between 250 and 850 μg g–1.

Conclusions

Accounting for statistical probability, the established empirical threshold value (>1000 μg g–1) remains appropriate. The two discrete modes for Ni indicate ecophysiologically distinct behaviour in plants growing in similar soils. This response is in contrast to Mn, which forms the tail of a continuous (approximately log-normal) distribution, suggestive of an extension of normal physiological processes.
BnpC: Bayesian non-parametric clustering of single-cell mutation profiles
Authors: Borgsmüller Nico , Bonet Jose , Marass Francesco , Gonzalez-Perez Abel , Lopez-Bigas Nuria , Beerenwinkel Niko
Published: June 2020

Motivation

The high resolution of single-cell DNA sequencing (scDNA-seq) offers great potential to resolve intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) by distinguishing clonal populations based on their mutation profiles. However, the increasing size of scDNA-seq datasets and technical limitations, such as high error rates and a large proportion of missing values, complicate this task and limit the applicability of existing methods.

Results

Here, we introduce BnpC, a novel non-parametric method to cluster individual cells into clones and infer their genotypes based on their noisy mutation profiles. We benchmarked our method comprehensively against state-of-the-art methods on simulated data using various data sizes, and applied it to three cancer scDNA-seq datasets. On simulated data, BnpC compared favorably against current methods in terms of accuracy, runtime and scalability. Its inferred genotypes were the most accurate, especially on highly heterogeneous data, and it was the only method able to run and produce results on datasets with 5000 cells. On tumor scDNA-seq data, BnpC was able to identify clonal populations missed by the original cluster analysis but supported by Supplementary Experimental Data. With ever growing scDNA-seq datasets, scalable and accurate methods such as BnpC will become increasingly relevant, not only to resolve ITH but also as a preprocessing step to reduce data size.

Availability and implementation

BnpC is freely available under MIT license at https://github.com/cbg-ethz/BnpC.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Testing for measurement error in survey data analysis using paradata
Authors: Da Silva D N , Skinner C J
Published: June 2020

Paradata refers to survey variables which are not of direct interest themselves, but are related to the quality of data on survey variables which are of interest. We focus on a categorical paradata variable, which reflects the presence of measurement error in a variable of interest. We propose a quasi-score test of the hypothesis of no measurement error bias in the estimation of regression coefficients under models for paradata. We also propose a regression-based test, analogous to a simple test proposed by Fuller for instrumental variables. The methods developed can take account of a complex sampling design. In an application with data from the British Household Panel Survey, all tests provide clear evidence of measurement bias in the estimated coefficient of gross pay. In a simulation study, all tests have rejection rates close to the nominal level under the null hypothesis; the quasi-score tests display more power than the regression-based test. The size of the quasi-score test is shown to be robust to some forms of misspecification of the paradata model, both by a theoretical argument and in findings of the simulation study.
Risk-Managing Decision-Making: A Psycho-Social Rationality Model
Authors: Taylor Brian J
Published: June 2020

Social workers are frequently involved in making decisions and in managing risks, although there has been limited conceptualisation to connect these tasks with each other or with assessment processes. This lack of connection reflects the general separateness of the wider academic discourses on risk and uncertainty (often sociological and organisational, relating frequently to business or economic contexts) and those on decision-making (often focusing on psychology of individual judgement, and typically relating to medical or military contexts). This article presents and explores the potential of a ‘risk-managing decision model’, as an example of a model linking risk management with decision science. This is a psycho-social rationality model for choosing between options, such as possible care, support or intervention plans for a client or family. Rather than treating the options as ‘given’ (i.e. unchangeable), as in most decision theories, this model proposes that the decision maker(s) look for ways to manage or reduce the risks inherent in the preferred option as part of the decision process. Like other psycho-social rationality models, this model incorporates both individual cognitive dimensions and framing aspects of the decision environment. Relevance to social work is discussed with examples and reference to various settings and decision processes.
Deaths in Prison Custody: A Scoping Review of the Experiences of Staff and Bereaved Relatives
Authors: Roulston Audrey , McKeaveney Clare , Anderson Margaret , McCloskey Paul , Butler Michelle
Published: June 2020

Prison populations are growing globally with an increase in older and infirm prisoners, as well as longer prison sentences, meaning more prisoners are likely to die while incarcerated. This scoping review explored the experiences of death in prison custody on staff and relatives. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO were professionally searched, followed by a hand search. Empirical and non-empirical studies of deaths in prison custody were screened. Data extraction used Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Thematic analysis was underpinned by Braun and Clarke for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns. From 12,127 citations retrieved, 174 were selected for full-text review and 22 were included in the final scoping review. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: (i) transformative effect, (ii) time delays, (iii) conflicts of interest and (iv) support. Prison staff avoided contaminating their personal lives. Families were distressed by inaccurate and untimely information, inappropriate constraints and poor communication. Staff balanced security and humanitarian needs. Bereaved relatives and staff felt isolated, alienated and unsupported. Unmet advocacy, communication and social care needs, poor end-of-life and bereavement care could be improved through staff training and social work intervention. Staff need psychosocial support, supervision and counselling.
Changes in blood pressure during treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor lenvatinib
Authors: Saito Kei , Fujii Hideki , Kono Keiji , Hirabayashi Ken , Yamatani Satoshi , Watanabe Kentaro , Goto Shunsuke , Komatsu Shohei , Fukumoto Takumi , Nishi Shinichi
Published: June 2020

Background

Within the class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which are used for the treatment of numerous advanced cancers, lenvatinib is associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension (HT) compared with other TKIs. In this study, we investigated the effect of lenvatinib on blood pressure (BP) and associated factors.

Methods

This single-centre, retrospective observational study included 25 consecutive patients treated with lenvatinib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma from April 2018 to December 2018 at the study institution. We assessed changes in BP using ambulatory BP monitoring, urinary sodium excretion, kidney function, use of antihypertensive agents and diuretics, and fluid retention following treatment initiation with lenvatinib.

Results

At 1 week after treatment initiation, the mean BP and the percentage of patients with riser pattern significantly increased compared with those at the baseline. Although there were no significant changes at 1 week, urinary sodium excretion (153.4 ± 51.7 and 112.5 ± 65.0 mEq/day at 1 and 3 weeks, respectively, P < 0.05) and estimated glomerular filtration rate significantly decreased and the number of patients with fluid retention increased at 3 weeks. Furthermore, patients with fluid retention had significantly higher BP or required more intensive BP treatment compared with those without fluid retention.

Conclusions

Lenvatinib might lead to HT without fluid retention soon after the initiation of treatment, subsequently leading to a reduction in urinary sodium excretion, thereby contributing to a rise in BP by fluid retention.
Implementation of an on-demand app-based heart rate and rhythm monitoring infrastructure for the management of atrial fibrillation through teleconsultation: TeleCheck-AF
Authors: Pluymaekers Nikki A H A , Hermans Astrid N L , van der Velden Rachel M J , Gawałko Monika , den Uijl Dennis W , Buskes Saskia , Vernooy Kevin , Crijns Harry J G M , Hendriks Jeroen M , Linz Dominik
Published: June 2020

During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, outpatient visits in the atrial fibrillation (AF) clinic of the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+) were transferred into teleconsultations. The aim was to develop anon-demand app-based heart rate and rhythm monitoring infrastructure to allow appropriatmanagement of AF through teleconsultation. In line with the fundamental aspects of integrated care, including actively involving patients in the care process and providing comprehensive care by a multidisciplinary team, we implemented a mobile health (mHealth) intervention to support teleconsultations with AF patients: TeleCheck-AF. The TeleCheck-AF approach guarantees the continuity of comprehensive AF management and supports integrated care through teleconsultation during COVID-19. It incorporates three important components: (i) a structured teleconsultation (‘Tele’), (ii) a CE-marked app-based on-demand heart rate and rhythm monitoring infrastructure (‘Check’), and (iii) comprehensive AF management (‘AF’). In this article, we describe the components and implementation of the TeleCheck-AF approach in an integrated and specialized AF-clinic through teleconsultation. The TeleCheck-AF approach is currently implemented in numerous European centres during COVID-19.
Thinning and Burning Effects on Long-Term Litter Accumulation and Function in Young Ponderosa Pine Forests
Authors: Busse Matt , Gerrard Ross
Published: June 2020

We measured forest-floor accumulation in ponderosa pine forests of central Oregon and asked whether selected ecological functions of the organic layer were altered by thinning and repeated burning. Experimental treatments included three thinning methods applied in 1989 (stem only, whole tree, no thin—control) in factorial combination with prescribed burning (spring 1991 and repeated in 2002; no burn—control). Forest-floor depth and mass were measured every 4–6 years from 1991 to 2015. Without fire, there was little temporal change in depth or mass for thinned (270 trees ha−1) and control (560–615 trees ha−1) treatments, indicating balanced litterfall and decay rates across these stand densities. Each burn consumed 50–70 percent of the forest floor, yet unlike thinning, postfire accumulation rates were fairly rapid, with forest-floor depth matching preburn levels within 15–20 years. Few differences in forest-floor function (litter decay, carbon storage, physical barrier restricting plant emergence, erosion protection) resulted from thinning or burning after 25 years. An exception was the loss of approximately 300 kg N ha−1 because of repeated burning, or approximately 13 percent of the total site N. This study documents long-term forest-floor development and suggests that common silvicultural practices pose few risks to organic layer functions in these forests.

Study Implications: Mechanical thinning and prescribed fire are among the most widespread management practices used to restore forests in the western US to healthy, firewise conditions. We evaluated their effects on the long-term development of litter and duff layers, which serve dual roles as essential components of soil health and as fuel for potential wildfire. Our study showed that thinning and burning provided effective fuel reduction and resulted in no adverse effects to soil quality in dry ponderosa pine forests of central Oregon. Repeated burning reduced the site carbon and nitrogen pools approximately 9–13 percent, which is small compared to C located in tree biomass and N in mineral soil. Litter accumulation after burning was rapid, and we recommend burning on at least a 15–20-year cycle to limit its build-up.
Healthcare Access and Utilization Among Persons Who Inject Drugs in Medicaid Expansion and Nonexpansion States: 22 United States Cities, 2018
Authors: Lewis Rashunda , Baugher Amy R , Finlayson Teresa , Wejnert Cyprian , Sionean Catlainn ,   National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) Study Group, Wortley Pascale , Todd Jeff , Melton David , Flynn Colin , German Danielle , Klevens Monina , Doherty Rose , O’Cleirigh Conall , Jimenez Antonio D , Clyde Thomas , Poe Jonathon , Vaaler Margaret , Deng Jie , Al-Tayyib Alia , Shodell Daniel , Higgins Emily , Griffin Vivian , Sanger Corrine , Khuwaja Salma , Lopez Zaida , Padgett Paige , Sey Ekow Kwa , Ma Yingbo , Santacruz Hugo , Brantley Meredith , Mathews Christopher , Marr Jack , Spencer Emma , Nixon Willie , Forrest David , Anderson Bridget , Tate Ashley , Abrego Meaghan , Robinson William T , Barak Narquis , Beckford Jeremy M , Braunstein Sarah , Rivera Alexis , Carrillo Sidney , Ibrahim Abdel R , Wogayehu Afework , Moraga Louis , Brady Kathleen A , Shinefeld Jennifer , Nnumolu Chrysanthus , Menza Timothy W , Orellana E Roberto , Bhattari Amisha , Flynn Anna , Chambers Onika , Ramos Marisa , McFarland Willi , Lin Jessica , Miller Desmond , De León Sandra Miranda , Rolón-Colón Yadira , Martínez María Pabón , Jaenicke Tom , Glick Sara , Kienzle Jennifer , Smith Brandie , Reid Toyah , Opoku Jenevieve , Kuo Irene
Published: June 2020

Background

Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act increased insurance coverage, access to healthcare, and substance use disorder treatment, for many Americans. We assessed differences in healthcare access and utilization among persons who inject drugs (PWID) by state Medicaid expansion status.

Methods

In 2018, PWID were interviewed in 22 US cities for National HIV Behavioral Surveillance. We analyzed data from PWID aged 18–64 years who reported illicit use of opioids (n = 9957) in the past 12 months. Poisson regression models with robust standard errors were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to examine differences by Medicaid expansion status in indicators of healthcare access and utilization.

Results

Persons who inject drugs in Medicaid expansion states were more likely to have insurance (87% vs 36%; aPR, 2.3; 95% CI, 2.0–2.6), a usual source of healthcare (53% vs 34%; aPR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3–1.9), and have used medication-assisted treatment (61% vs 36%; aPR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1–1.7), and they were less likely to have an unmet need for care (21% vs 39%; aPR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4–0.7) than those in nonexpansion states.

Conclusions

Low insurance coverage, healthcare access, and medication-assisted treatment utilization among PWID in some areas could hinder efforts to end the intertwined human immunodeficiency virus and opioid overdose epidemics.
Novel Hepatitic C Virus (HCV) Diagnosis and Treatment Delivery Systems: Facilitating HCV Elimination by Thinking Outside the Clinic
Authors: Bajis Sahar , Applegate Tanya L , Grebely Jason , Matthews Gail V , Dore Gregory J
Published: June 2020

The World Health Organization has set a goal to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as public health threat by 2030. Although the advent of highly effective and tolerable direct-acting antiviral therapy has paved the way for HCV elimination, most people with HCV infection remain undiagnosed and untreated globally, with striking disparities between high-income and low- to middle-income countries. Novel decentralized and cost-effective “test-and-treat” strategies are critically needed to identify the millions of people unaware of their status and link them to treatment.
Progress towards elimination of lymphatic filariasis in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Ramzy Reda M R , Al Kubati Abdul Samid
Published: June 2020

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), a neglected tropical disease, is targeted for global elimination as a public health problem. This article reviews the history of LF control and elimination activities in the countries of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) over the last 2 decades. In 2000, the estimated at-risk population in EMR countries was 12.6 million people, accounting for approximately 1% of the global disease burden. Of the 22 EMR countries, 3 countries (Egypt, Sudan and Yemen) were LF endemic and the disease was suspected in 4 other countries (Djibouti, Oman, Somalia and Saudi Arabia). After almost 2 decades of implementing sustained control and prevention measures, Egypt and Yemen were successfully validated by the WHO as having achieved the elimination criteria in 2017 and 2019, respectively. In 2018, Sudan completed mapping of LF, reaching 26.2% geographical coverage where mass drug administration (MDA) is required and is scaling-up MDA. Extensive epidemiological assessment indicated the absence of LF transmission in the four suspected countries and no MDA required. Challenges faced during the elimination and post-elimination phases are described and discussed.
Beyond the corrective action hierarchy: A systems approach to organizational change
Authors: Wood Laura J , Wiegmann Douglas A
Published: June 2020

Background

Many patient safety organizations recommend the use of the action hierarchy (AH) to identify strong corrective actions following an investigative analysis of patient harm events. Strong corrective actions, such as forcing functions and equipment standardization, improve patient safety by either preventing the occurrence of active failures (i.e. errors or violations) or reducing their consequences if they do occur.

Problem

We propose that the emphasis on implementing strong fixes that incrementally improve safety one event at a time is necessary, yet insufficient, for improving safety. This singular focus has detracted from the pursuit of major changes that transform systems safety by targeting the latent conditions which consistently underlie active failures. To date, however, there are no standardized models or methods that enable patient safety professionals to assess, develop and implement systems changes to improve patient safety.

Approach

We propose a multifaceted definition of ‘systems change’. Based on this definition, various types and levels of systems change are described. A rubric for determining the extent to which a specific corrective action reflects a ‘systems change’ is provided. This rubric incorporates four fundamental dimensions of systems change: scope, breadth, depth and degree. Scores along these dimensions can then be used to classify corrective actions within our proposed systems change hierarchy (SCH).

Conclusion

Additional research is needed to validate the proposed rubric and SCH. However, when used in conjunction with the AH, the SCH perspective will serve to foster a more holistic and transformative approach to patient safety.
An XROMM Study of Food Transport and Swallowing in Channel Catfish
Authors: Weller H I , Olsen A M , Camp A L , Manafzadeh A R , Hernandez L P , Brainerd E L
Published: June 2020

Synopsis

Most predatory ray-finned fishes swallow their food whole, which can pose a significant challenge, given that prey items can be half as large as the predators themselves. How do fish transport captured food from the mouth to the stomach? Prior work indicates that, in general, fish use the pharyngeal jaws to manipulate food into the esophagus, where peristalsis is thought to take over. We used X-Ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology to track prey transport in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). By reconstructing the 3D motions of both the food and the catfish, we were able to track how the catfish move food through the head and into the stomach. Food enters the oral cavity at high velocities as a continuation of suction and stops in the approximate location of the branchial basket before moving in a much slower, more complex path toward the esophagus. This slow phase coincides with little motion in the head and no substantial mouth opening or hyoid depression. Once the prey is in the esophagus, however, its transport is surprisingly tightly correlated with gulping motions (hyoid depression, girdle retraction, hypaxial shortening, and mouth opening) of the head. Although the transport mechanism itself remains unknown, to our knowledge, this is the first description of synchrony between cranial expansion and esophageal transport in a fish. Our results provide direct evidence of prey transport within the esophagus and suggest that peristalsis may not be the sole mechanism of esophageal transport in catfish.
Treatment efficacy for pharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kong Fabian Y S , Hatzis Christina L , Lau Andrew , Williamson Deborah A , Chow Eric P F , Fairley Christopher K , Hocking Jane S
Published: June 2020

Background

Rising gonorrhoea rates require highly effective treatments to reduce transmission and prevent development of antimicrobial resistance. Currently the most effective treatments for pharyngeal gonorrhoea remain unclear. This review aimed to estimate treatment efficacy for pharyngeal gonorrhoea.

Methods

Online bibliographic databases were searched for the period 1 January 2000 to 17 September 2019 for treatments of gonorrhoea. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with data on pharyngeal gonorrhoea among participants aged 15 years or above, published in English, were included. Meta-analyses (random effects) were used to estimate the treatment efficacy, defined as microbiological cure, among currently recommended monotherapies and dual therapies, previously recommended but no longer used regimens and emerging drugs under evaluation. Side effects were also summarized. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020149278).

Results

There were nine studies that included 452 participants studying 19 treatment regimens. The overall treatment efficacy for pharyngeal gonorrhoea was 98.1% (95% CI: 93.8%–100%; I2 = 57.3%; P < 0.01). Efficacy was similar for single (97.1%; 95% CI: 90.8%–100.0%; I2 = 15.6%; P = 0.29) and dual therapies (98.0%; 95% CI: 91.4%–100%; I2 = 79.1%; P < 0.01). Regimens containing azithromycin 2 g or ceftriaxone were similarly efficacious. The summary efficacy estimate for emerging drugs was 88.8% (95% CI: 76.9%–97.5%; I2 = 11.2%; P = 0.34). Small sample sizes in each trial was a major limitation.

Conclusions

Regimens containing ceftriaxone or azithromycin 2 g, alone or as part of dual therapies are the most efficacious for pharyngeal gonorrhoea. Further pharyngeal-specific RCTs with adequate sample sizes are needed.
The Use of 1H-qNMR Method for Simultaneous Determination of Osthol, Columbianadin, and Isoimperatorin inAngelicae PubescentisRadix
Authors: Feng Yanmei , Li Qian , Yang Lan , Zhang Yu , Qiu Daiyu
Published: June 2020

Objective

The goal of this work was to establish a method to identify and quantify the main active components in Angelicae Pubescentis Radix (APR) quickly, simply, and accurately. This paper reports a novel method which can determine osthol, isoimperatorin, and columbianadin using 1H-qNMR simultaneously and quantitatively.

Methods

In comprehensive consideration of resolution of target signals and the solubility of materials, dimethyl sulfoxide-d6 (DMSO-d6) was selected as an optimal 1H-qNMR solvent and pyrazine was used as internal standard substance (δ8.66 ppm). The quantitative peaks of three active components were determined using speciﬁc 1H resonances at δ7.54–7.56 ppm for osthol, δ6.83–6.85 ppm for columbianadin, and δ6.31–6.32 ppm for isoimperatorin.

Results

The results show that the method has good precision, stability, and repeatability. The content of APR plant material from Huating is 9.8 mg/g, 5.6 mg/g, and 15.6 mg/g for osthol, columbianadin, and isoimperatorin, respectively. Furthermore, the experimental process is simple and the test time is short (1 min).

Conclusions

The proposed quantitative 1H-qNMR methodology can be used for the quality control of APR.
Molecular characterization of a prolyl endopeptidase from a feather-degrading thermophile Meiothermus ruber H328
Authors: Yamamoto Fumi , Morisaka Hironobu , Ueda Mitsuyoshi , Watanabe Kunihiko
Published: June 2020

Prolyl endopeptidase from an aerobic and Gram-negative thermophile Meiothermus ruber H328 (MrPEP) was purified in native and recombinant forms, but both preparations had comparable characteristics. Production of the native MrPEP was increased 10-fold by adding intact chicken feathers. The gene for MrPEP (mrH_2860) was cloned from the genome of strain H328 and found to have no signal sequence at the N-terminus. MrPEP is composed of two major domains: the β-propeller domain and the peptidase domain with a typical active site motif and catalytic triad. Based on extensive investigations with different types of peptide substrates and FRETS-25Xaa libraries, MrPEP showed strict preferences for Pro residue at the P1 position but broader preferences at the P2 and P3 positions in substrate specificity with stronger affinity for residues at the P3 position of substrate peptides that are longer than four residues in length. In conclusion, the molecular characterization of MrPEP resembles its animal counterparts more closely than bacterial counterparts in function and structure.
Health challenges in refugee resettlement: an innovative multi-sector partnership to improve the continuum of care for resettled refugees
Authors: Mann Erin M , Klosovsky Alexander , Yen Catherine , Olson Andrew P J , Hoffman Sarah J , Mamo Blain , Frerich Ellen A , Weinberg Michelle , Mayali Harith , McCoy Molly , Prasad Shailendra , Dunlop Stephen J , Stauffer William M
Published: June 2020

Refugee resettlement is a complex process relevant to migration medicine. A partnership between the International Organization for Migration, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the University of Minnesota addresses medical needs of refugees and serves as a model for improving the continuum of care delivered to refugees.
HvHOX9, a novel homeobox leucine zipper transcription factor, positively regulates aluminum tolerance in Tibetan wild barley
Authors: Feng Xue , Liu Wenxing , Dai Huaxin , Qiu Yue , Zhang Guoping , Chen Zhong-Hua , Wu Feibo
Published: June 2020

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is the primary limiting factor of crop production on acid soils. Tibetan wild barley germplasm is a valuable source of potential genes for breeding barley with acid and Al tolerance. We performed microRNA and RNA sequencing using wild (XZ16, Al-tolerant; XZ61, Al-sensitive) and cultivated (Dayton, Al-tolerant) barley. A novel homeobox-leucine zipper transcription factor, HvHOX9, was identified as a target gene of miR166b and functionally characterized. HvHOX9 was up-regulated by Al stress in XZ16 (but unchanged in XZ61 and Dayton) and was significantly induced only in root tip. Phylogenetic analysis showed that HvHOX9 is most closely related to wheat TaHOX9 and orthologues of HvHOX9 are present in the closest algal relatives of Zygnematophyceae. Barley stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing of HvHOX9 in XZ16 led to significantly increased Al sensitivity but did not affect its sensitivity to other metals and low pH. Disruption of HvHOX9 did not change Al concentration in the root cell sap, but led to more Al accumulation in root cell wall after Al exposure. Silencing of HvHOX9 decreased H+ influx after Al exposure. Our findings suggest that miR166b/HvHOX9 play a critical role in Al tolerance by decreasing root cell wall Al binding and increasing apoplastic pH for Al detoxification in the root.
Chemical signal interactions of the bark beetle with fungal symbionts, and host/non-host trees
Authors: Fang Jiaxing , Liu Man , Zhang Sufang , Liu Fu , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Qinghe , Kong Xiangbo
Published: June 2020

The symbiosis between the bark beetle (Ips subelongatus) and its fungal symbiont (Endoconidiophora fujiensis) poses a serious threat to larch forests. However, the signaling pathways between these symbiotic partners and their host/non-host trees are not fully understood. Inoculation of the host larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii) with two strains of E. fujiensis induced a rapid and long-term release of monoterpenes. Although the fungi had a level of tolerance to these compounds, many monoterpenes inhibited fungal growth in culture. Moreover, monoterpenes with stronger inhibitory effects on fungal growth exhibited weaker synergistic effects on the attraction of I. subelongatus to aggregation pheromone. Surprisingly, individual isomers of aggregation pheromone components promoted fungal symbiont growth in a culture medium. Non-host volatiles (NHVs) were tested and shown to completely inhibit the growth of fungal symbionts in culture but had no effects on beetle responses to aggregation pheromone, with the exception of (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol. These results reveal convergence and mutualism patterns in the evolution of I. subelongatus and E. fujiensis with respect to host tree volatiles but not in response to NHVs. Ultimately, we put forward a hypothesis that host plants are ecological and evolutionary determinants of bark beetle–fungus symbioses in terms of their complex signaling interactions.