bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational thinking digital media to improve digital literacy
Authors: Yuliana I , Octavia L P , Sudarmilah E
Published: May 2020

Computational Thinking (CT) has been defined as an important skill that supports digital literacy in the industrial revolution 4.0. Computatiomal Thinking contained in the informatics curriculum is classified as local content for several formal schools. Four key techniques (cornerstones) to Computational Thinking consist of abstraction, algorithm, decomposition and pattern recognition, are very important in the processes involved in formulating problems and the solutions so that the solutions are represented in a form that can be effectively carried out by an information-processing agent The research started by analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation in series and give each other feedback to create an interactive learning media. The subjects of this study were students of grade IV and V of elementary school as great starting point for starting digital literacy as early as possible. Data collection techniques in this study are by observation, questionnaire, pre-test and post-test. The data analysis technique used was calculating the percentage of feasibility from the results of the questionnaire. The result is the use of CT learning media able to improve student’s understanding of CT in problem solving. The respondents could find the concept by themselves, analogically they can apply to similar problem. This is evidenced by the result of the post-test in similar questions from the pre-test. The respondents finally learnt how computer works, and this is important as basic creativity to improve digital literacy.
Application of fuzzy preference relations method in AHP to improve judgment matrix consistency
Authors: Hamka M , Harjono
Published: May 2020

Most issues when using AHP is the difficulty of getting the consistency of a judgment matrix. It can be affected due to decision-making subjectivity. This study proposes the usage of the fuzzy Preference Relations (FPR) method to ensure a judgment in decision-making is acceptable and high objectively due to its obstacle for satisfying consistent judgment matrix from decision-makers in AHP. Improving the consistency of decision matrix can be done through the following steps, namely: 1) Transform pairwise comparison matrix of A=(a_ij) into FPR R=(r_ij ), 2) construct a new consistency matrix of FRP which satisfies the additive consistency, and 3) compose a new consistent pairwise matrix. As a result, the consistency index value was acceptable (< 0.10). Moreover, the procedure is applied in the determination of agro-industries based SMEs development.
Correlation of risk factors for coronary heart disease in type-2 diabetes mellitus using the chi-square method
Authors: Syafaah L , Arisnanda D , Irfan M , Hendaryati R H
Published: May 2020

The male sex is taken into account a crucial risk issue for coronary heart disease (CHD) within the general population, however, studies on diabetic patients counsel that diabetic girls have a better risk of developing CHD. This study was to determine whether there is correlation between risk factors and the incidence of CHD in patients with type 2 DM. Furthermore, this work also investigates the mathematical model work in calculating the magnitude of the risk of variables against the tendency of CHD complications for patients with type 2 diabetes. This research utilizes current information on the setup of Dr. Soetomo Hospital’s medical records in 2015-2016. Samples were all patients with type 2 diabetes with CHD and without CHD reported in the inpatient medical records of Dr. Soetomo Hospital Surabaya. Data processing was carried out using the chi-square test technique. As a result, the system is proof to calculate the worth of the chi-square and confirm the results of conditions on every variable. There is a distinction in price between the calculations of the chi-square on the system with the calculation of the manual chi-square test. This is often caused by taking variety of digits behind completely different commas (,). The variables of gender, age, GDA, GDP, GD2PP, triglycerides, HDL, weight, smoking, and length failed to have a significant relationship on the incidence of CHD in patients with sort two DM. Sterol variables and lipoprotein levels have a highly vital relationship within the incidence of CHD for patients with sort two polygenic disease.
First time user experience of academic information system: An evaluation of usability
Authors: Setiawan A , Primadewi A
Published: May 2020

The use of information technology continues to grow, one of which is software development. The software does not only focus on functionality, but the ease of use becomes a heuristic development. The interface design cannot be underestimated because the wrong interface design can also result in repeated software development from an initial stage. Software development from the start is certainly not easy and time-consuming to revise it. The specific purpose of this study is to adapt various models of usability testing instruments to measure how easy it is to use the system being tested. This research aims to help the designer evaluate what he has designed. The first stage is the validation of the first user experience instrument of the Academic Information System Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang. The results of this study found that the KRS system was able to be well received by the first user.
Implementation and design gas leakage detection system using ATMega8 microcontroller
Authors: Evalina N , A Azis H
Published: May 2020

In Indonesia and many countries for economic reasons and green energy LPG is widely used for cooking. This paper show implementation and design gas leakage detection system. The main objective of the project to build a gas LPG leakage detector using an LPG gas sensor and micro-controller. It developed a security system by providing an early Warning System to give a sign if there is a smell of gas around Home. If this system has been the existence of leakage and smell of LPG gas, then the system will give a sign of alarm or buzzer where if there is leakage of gas that smelling the LPG system will work and the early warning alarm of the system. That the presence of gas leakage signals on the sensors to work, the MQ-6 is the gas Sensor used to detect leakage gas LPG. The tool is designed to detect gas leaks that are then legible on the LCD screen and alarm, and in certain circumstances, the buzzer will sound. This MQ-6 sensor test is performed by measuring the sensor output with the Atmega8 microcontroller when the LPG gas is detected and then writes it on the LCD screen. This test was conducted to determine the contribution of the MQ-6 sensor. It becomes essential to protect gas leakage from damage and accident.
Structure Analysis of an Innovative Vertical Axis Wind Turbine with Inclined Pitch Axes using Finite Element Method
Authors: Guo Jia , Zeng Pan , Lei Liping
Published: May 2020

Pitch regulation is critical to power performance of wind turbines. However, the complexity of the conventional pitch system of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) retards its appliance. In the present study, an innovative pitch system of a VAWT with inclined pitch axes was proposed where a slider in the main shaft actuated upwards or downwards drives blades to be folded by linkage mechanisms. Effect of design parameters of the pitch system on blade folding movement control sensitivity was evaluated. Loads of pitch hinge, deformation of blades and stresses of components were analyzed as well as natural frequencies of the wind turbine with various azimuth and fold angles under rated operational conditions by finite element method and effect of design parameters on structural performance of the wind turbine was investigated. It was found that deformation of blades and stresses of supporting arms deteriorated but natural frequencies of the wind turbine increased when blades were folded in the negative direction. In addition, the increasing arm interval height improved structural performance with the increasing natural frequencies. In the contrary, the decreasing blade linkage length, shaft linkage length and slider height improved structural performance with the decreasing natural frequencies. This study laid the foundation for the further design optimization of the novel pitch system.
Simulation Study on Flow-induced Vibration Characteristics of Multi-nozzle Ejector
Authors: Yisheng Yang , Zongzheng Liu , Xiqiang Yan , Hequan Jia
Published: May 2020

The ejector is an important power source for intermittent wind tunnel. In order to accurately predict the flow-induced vibration (FIV) response, numerical simulation based on fluid-structure coupling method was carried out. Firstly, three-dimensional unsteady constant simulation on the flow field of ejector was done, using the renormalized k-ε model. The ejector inlet and outlet mass flow were basically consistent with design, and the relative error of Mach number in the third-stage nozzle was 1.79%. Secondly, in the one-way coupling simulation, the MPCCI software was performed. Thirdly, the calculated vibration spectrum was obtained. The simulation results could be found in good agreement with experiment, and the domain frequency relative error was 4.27%.
Appling TRIZ Theory in Ship Overall EMC Design
Authors: Cheng Xiangxiang
Published: May 2020

Same frequency interference between electronic equipment still cannot be wiped out, which leads electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) system engineers to the one and only way by making an EMC rule to manage and control all the equipment onboard. However, while the sensors are following the EMC rule in battle, the weapons’ maximal combat capability is usually not able to be attained. Therefore, EMC management and control widely used in today’s ship engineering design is actually a compromise. This paper presents an unconventional design method combining the TRIZ methodology into traditional EMC design methods. The proposed method used TRIZ tools such as function analysis, causal analysis, ideal solution analysis and resources analysis to make deep analysis of the same frequency interference problem on ship. The final solution is obtained through contradiction resolution theory, Su-Field analysis and 76 standard solutions in this paper. At the end, a few enlightening ideas are harvested for the engineering innovative design problem.
Numerical Smulation of Radial Compression and High-temperature Creep of Metal Elastic Elements
Authors: Chang J , Cai Y , Peng L , Yang L , Liu H , Li H
Published: May 2020

With the help of the numerical calculation method—Finite Element Method, the numerical simulation and result analysis of a kind of metal elastic element-knitted spring are carried out, mainly focusing on the radial compression and high temperature creep behaviours of the spring. The purpose of this study is to analyse the previous with numerical simulation and explain the influence of configuration parameters on its mechanical properties and to provide data support for design, manufacture and application of the prepared material as an elastic component.
A Resonant Pressure Sensor based on Magnetostrictive/Piezoelectric Magnetoelectric Effect
Authors: Liu Lunan , Yang Yikun , Yang Bintang
Published: May 2020

This study proposed a resonant pressure sensor based on magnetoelectric effect induced in magnetostrictive/piezoelectric materials. Due to the magnetoelectric effect, the resonant frequency of the sensor varies as the external applied pressure changes. By studying the nonlinear constitutive parameters of the magnetostrictive material and adopting the equivalent circuit method, the sensor is theoretically analysed and the relationship between the resonant frequency and applied pressure is determined. The prototype of the sensor is optimized based on theoretical model. Optimal parameters of the sensor are determined to ensure high sensitivity. The measurement range of the sensor is 0-360 kPa and experimental studies show that the sensitivity reaches to 11.63 Hz/kPa. The experimental result is in good agreement with theoretical analysis. It can be concluded that the pressure measurement method based on magnetostrictive/piezoelectric magnetoelectric effect is of robustness and accuracy. Analysis shows the proposed mechanism also has the potential in mass measurement.
The Design of Hardware System of High Precision Dynamic Flow Controller
Authors: Chen Jie , Cheng Shuo , Li Bin , Gou Yang , Fan Xinghang
Published: May 2020

At present, the dynamic flow controller produced in China cannot meet the demand of pharmaceutical, food, beverage and other industries in terms of its precision. Therefore, a high precision dynamic flow controller detection device is designed to improve the control accuracy of the dynamic flow controller. The device also has the function of flow calibration. The experimental results show that the high-precision dynamic flow controller detection device designed in this paper has a great improvement in the control accuracy of dynamic flow controller and can realize the high-precision calibration function of the tested flowmeter.
Theoretical exploration on free radical scavenging mechanism of curcumin analogues in water solvent
Authors: Boli L S P , Aisyah N D , Khoirunisa V , Rusydi F , Rachmawati H , Dipojono H K
Published: May 2020

One way to improve curcumin’s possibility in preventing lipid peroxidation is through modification of carbon linker, β-diketone group and aromatic rings. However, there remains a need to explore the role of carbon linker on the free radical scavenging mechanisms of curcumin. This study uses density functional theory to explore two descriptors of free radical scavenging mechanisms, which are bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) and adiabatic ionization potential (AIP) of curcumin and its analogues. Five analogues with different amount of carbon atoms in the linker in the presence / absence of β-diketone group are chosen. Our result shows that decreasing the amount of carbon atom from 7 to 5 atoms in the linker decreases the BDE at β-diketone group of the curcumin analogue. Moreover, increasing the amount of carbon atoms in the linker decreases the AIP of the analogues.
Carbon nanotube reinforced aluminium composites fabricated by powder metallurgical and hot-rolling techniques
Authors: Tsukamoto Hideaki
Published: May 2020

This research aims to fabricate light weight and high strength materials such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) reinforced aluminium composites at relatively low cost. CNT/Al composites have been fabricated in three steps: (1) preparation of CNT dispersion, (2) preparation of CNT/Al based composite material by powder metallurgical slurry method, and (3) strengthening and refining of CNT/Al based composites by rolling processes. After fabrication, the composites have been characterized on dispersibility of CNT, Vickers hardness, three-point bending and tensile properties.
Synthesis and antiparkinsonian activity of nanocomposite of chitosan-tripolyphosphate-Mucuna pruriens L extract (CS-TPP-MP)
Authors: Sardjono R E , Fauziyah A N , Puspitasari M D , Musthapa I , Khoerunnisa F , Azzahra G N , Mamat R , Erdiwansyah
Published: May 2020

Mucuna pruriens L. (MP) has antiparkinsonian activity because it contains levodopa that acts as a dopamine precursor and plays a role to stimulate dopaminergic receptors in Parkinson's sufferers. The therapeutic efficacy of MP extract can be improved by using a nano drug carrier system, such as chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP). This study aims to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate antiparkinsonian activity of chitosan-tripolyphosphate-MP extract (CS-TPP-MP) nanocomposite in mice. MP seed powder was extracted by maceration method using water-ethanol (1:1) by adding citric acid until it reached pH 3. The CS-TPP-MP nanocomposite was synthesized by using ionic gelation method with variations in reactant composition and reaction time. The CS-TPP-MP nanocomposite was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. Catalepsy test was performed to find the antiparkinsonian activity level of CS-TPP-MP nanocomposite at doses of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/kg body weight. Based on the results of CS-TPP-MP synthesis, it was found that the reactant composition (CS-TPP:MP) of 1:3 with reaction time of 20 minutes produced the highest yield (14.21%.) SEM-EDX characterization showed that the morphology of CS-TPP-MP nanocomposite was predominantly spherical and the size was approximately 120-170 nm with a composition of C = 55.43%, O = 30.46%, N = 13.46%, P = 0.44%. XRD diffractogram showed that CS-TPP-MP nanocomposite has amorphous structure. FTIR analysis showed the appearance of absorption at wavelength of 1643.35 cm−1 which proved the interaction between the primary amine group of chitosan and the carbonyl group of EMP. Catalepsy test demonstrated that CS-TPP-MP nanocomposite at the doses of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/kg body weight could reduce catalepsy symptoms in mice significantly, and the best dosage was 20 mg/kg body weight.
Analytical Description of the Kinetic Processes of Forming the Properties of Composites
Authors: Garkina Irina , Danilov Alexander
Published: May 2020

Effective methods are proposed for approximating the kinetic processes of formation of physical and mechanical characteristics of composite materials for solving problems of both single-criterion and multi-criteria optimization of their structure and properties. The approximation of kinetic processes on a given interval with the definition of partial intervals of the maximum length approximation is considered in detail. An approximation algorithm on cubic splines is given. To determine the transfer functions of composites, as dynamic systems with many inputs and outputs, it is recommended to use Laguerre polynomials. The possibility of a cognitive approach is also not excluded with the direct selection of the form of the approximating function.
Tuning Polymerization Rate Program Block Copolymer Assemblies in PISA: A Simulation Study
Authors: Wang Junfeng
Published: May 2020

As a powerful tool of controlled preparation of polymeric nanomaterials, polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA), has been developed and extensively studied in the past decade. In this work, the RAFT polymerization system of P4VP as chain transfer agent and St as monomer in methanol was modelled and their PISA process was simulated by dissipative particle dynamics. Different morphologies of P4VP-b-PS was obtained at tuning polymerization rate. The morphology evolution at high conversation was investigated in detail and it was found that the appearance of worm-like micelles was a key point to determine the self-assemblies was vesicles or tubes. In addition, the PISA behavior at low conversion was also studied. The final morphologies was different with that at 100% conversion, but these results were well agreed with experiments. This simulation studies identified polymerization rate as the key factors on tuning morphology in PISA and broadens its research method.
Effect of Heating Process on Flexural Strength and Toughness of CFRTP Molded by Multi-layer Press -Investigation on Effect of Residual Stress-
Authors: Itami Akihito , Obunai Kiyotaka , Okubo Kazuya , Takei Hiroyuki
Published: May 2020

This study investigated the effect of differences in heating process of each mold due to the molding with multi-layer press on changing in mechanical properties of CFRTP. CFRTP specimens molded with 10 pages multi-layer were prepared for 3 point bending tests and DCB tests, ENF tests in order to investigate the different of mechanical properties. The change in the mechanical properties of CFRTP molded by multi-layer press were investigated considering residual stress occurred by differences in heating process of each mold. Average of flexural strength, mode-I interlaminar fracture toughness and mode-II interlaminar fracture toughness of the specimen molded at 5th page were decreased compared with that of 1st page. Assuming the fiber as a rigid and considering the thermal shrinkage of resin, compressive residual stress should be occurred in the fiber since free shrinkage of the resin was constrained. It was considered that the reduction of flexural strength with the failure close to the compression surface was caused due to this additional compressive residual stress. The tensile residual stress also should be occurred in the resin due to constraint of free shrinkage of the resin. The observed reduction of toughness in the resin was also occurred for the procedure of crack propagation. The reduction rate of mode-I interlaminar fracture toughness was much remarkable than that of mode-II interlaminar fracture toughness. Tensile residual stress in the resin was dominant since the mode-I fracture is a crack opening mode.
Performance Measurement and Improvement of Lean Manufacturing Operations: A Leanness Assessment Literature Review for the Product Development Industry
Authors: Silvério Leandro , Trabasso Luís Gonzaga , Pessôa Marcus Vinicius Pereira
Published: May 2020

Today manufacturing sectors are more competitive than before. Thus, to execute an enterprise’s transformation in a company emerging as a lean organization it is crucial to have assessments and performance measurements that observe multiple variables during the lean implementation patch. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate a research method focused on lean performance measurement assessments from previous works, summarizing and organizing the existing evaluation standards in a way to allow different industrial segments to replicate the screening steps for a literature review construction. As a result, the existing lean performance measurements and methods from the last 23 years were refined in order to highlight opportunities and insights for future researches to be developed on the lean field.
Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Nighttime Blood Pressure in African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Thomas Stephen Justin , Johnson Dayna A , Guo Na , Abdalla Marwah , Booth John N , Spruill Tanya M , Jackson Chandra L , Yano Yuichiro , Sims Mario , Calhoun David , Muntner Paul , Redline Susan
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), nocturnal hypertension, and nondipping systolic blood pressure (BP) are each highly prevalent among African Americans. However, few data are available on the association between OSA and nighttime BP in this population.

METHODS

We examined the association of OSA with nighttime BP among African Americans who completed 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) at Exam 1 (2000–2004) of the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) and subsequently participated in the JHS Sleep Study (2012–2016). Type 3 home sleep apnea testing was used to assess OSA measures, including respiratory event index (REI4%) and percent sleep time <90% oxygen saturation (nocturnal hypoxemia). Nocturnal hypertension was defined as mean asleep systolic BP (SBP) ≥120 mm Hg or diastolic BP (DBP) ≥70 mm Hg. Multivariable linear regression models were fit to estimate the association between each OSA measure and nighttime SBP and DBP.

RESULTS

Among 206 participants who completed ABPM and participated in the Jackson Heart Sleep Study, 50.5% had nocturnal hypertension and 26.2% had moderate to severe OSA (REI4% ≥15 events/hour). After multivariable adjustment, each SD (13.3 events/hour) increase in REI4% was associated with 1.75 mm Hg higher nighttime DBP (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38, 3.11) and a prevalence ratio of 1.11 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.24) for nocturnal hypertension. Each SD (10.4%) increase in nocturnal hypoxemia was associated with a 1.91 mm Hg higher nighttime SBP (95% CI: 0.15, 3.66).

CONCLUSIONS

Severity of OSA and nocturnal hypoxemia were associated with high nighttime BP in African American participants in the JHS.
Impact of the implementation of a pharmacist-driven chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation orderset in an inpatient setting
Authors: Petite Sarah E , Murphy Julie A
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines provide recommendations for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. Studies have demonstrated shortened hospital length of stay (LOS) with use of guideline-adherent systemic corticosteroid therapy. There are no published studies evaluating the impact of an inpatient orderset on patient-oriented outcomes.

Methods

This institutional review board–approved, retrospective, quasi-experimental, single-center cohort study included adult patients admitted to an internal medicine service for a documented COPD exacerbation from January 2014 through December 2015 (the pre-orderset group) or January 2017 through December 2018 (the post-orderset group). A pharmacy and therapeutics committee–approved orderset recommending guideline-adherent treatment with systemic corticosteroids, scheduled short-acting bronchodilators, and antibiotics was used in the post-orderset group. The primary outcome was hospital LOS. Secondary outcomes included 30-day all-cause and COPD-related readmission rates, systemic corticosteroid–related adverse events, and antibiotic use.

Results

A total of 358 unique patient encounters were identified for the pre-orderset group (n = 220) and post-orderset group (n = 138). The mean (SD) hospital LOS was significantly shorter in the post-orderset group (3.4 [2.4] days vs 4.3 [3.0] days; P = 0.004). There were no significant between-group differences in rates of 30-day all-cause and COPD-related readmissions. The overall rate of antibiotic use was lower in the post-orderset group vs the pre-orderset group (71% vs 90.2%; P < 0.001). The rate of occurrence of new blood glucose elevation was significantly lower in the post-orderset group (49.3% vs 79.1%; P < 0.001), with no significant between-group difference in occurrence of new blood pressure elevation.

Conclusion

A significant reduction in hospital LOS was found with the implementation of a pharmacist-driven COPD exacerbation orderset.
Mainstreaming Microbes across Biomes
Authors: Clarke Laurence J , Jones Penelope J , Ammitzboll Hans , Barmuta Leon A , Breed Martin F , Chariton Anthony , Charleston Michael , Dakwa Vongai , Dewi Fera , Eri Rajaraman , Fountain-Jones Nicholas M , Freeman Jules , Kendal Dave , McDougal Rebecca , Raes Eric J , Sow Swan Li San , Staples Timothy , Sutcliffe Brodie , Vemuri Ravichandra , Weyrich Laura S , Flies Emily J
Published: May 2020

Bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in the environment (i.e., environmental microbiomes) provide vital ecosystem services and affect human health. Despite their importance, public awareness of environmental microbiomes has lagged behind that of human microbiomes. A key problem has been a scarcity of research demonstrating the microbial connections across environmental biomes (e.g., marine, soil) and between environmental and human microbiomes. We show in the present article, through analyses of almost 10,000 microbiome papers and three global data sets, that there are significant taxonomic similarities in microbial communities across biomes, but very little cross-biome research exists. This disconnect may be hindering advances in microbiome knowledge and translation. In this article, we highlight current and potential applications of environmental microbiome research and the benefits of an interdisciplinary, cross-biome approach. Microbiome scientists need to engage with each other, government, industry, and the public to ensure that research and applications proceed ethically, maximizing the potential benefits to society.
Mapping the hyper-direct circuitry of impulsivity
Authors: Dagher Alain
Published: May 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘The structural connectivity of subthalamic deep brain stimulation correlates with impulsivity in Parkinson’s’, by Mosley et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa148).
Age-dependent Gender Differences in COVID-19 in Mainland China: Comparative Study
Authors: Qian Jie , Zhao Lin , Ye Run-Ze , Li Xiu-Jun , Liu Yuan-Li
Published: May 2020

Background

The ongoing pandemic of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is challenging the global public health system. Sex differences in infectious diseases are a common but neglected problem.

Methods

We used the national surveillance database of COVID-19 in mainland China to compare gender differences in attack rate (AR), proportion of severe and critical cases (PSCC), and case fatality rate (CFR) in relation to age, affected province, and onset-to-diagnosis interval.

Results

The overall AR was significantly higher in females than in males (63.9 vs 60.5 per 1 million persons; P ˂ .001). In contrast, PSCC and CFR were significantly lower among females (16.9% and 4.0%) than among males (19.5% and 7.2%), with odds ratios of 0.87 and 0.57, respectively (both P ˂ .001). The female-to-male differences were age dependent, and were significant among people aged 50–69 years for AR and in patients aged 30 years or older for both PSCC and CFR (all P ≤ .001). The AR, PSCC, and CFR varied greatly from province to province. However, female-to-male differences in AR, PSCC, and CFR were significant in the epicenter, Hubei province, where 82.2% confirmed cases and 97.4% deaths occurred. After adjusting for age, affected province, and onset-to-diagnosis interval, the female-to-male difference in AR, PSCC, and CFR remained significant in multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Conclusions

We elucidate an age-dependent gender dimorphism for COVID-19, in which females have higher susceptibility but lower severity and fatality. Further epidemiological and biological investigations are required to better understand the sex-specific differences for effective interventions.
COVID-19 Outbreaks in US Immigrant Detention Centers: The Urgent Need to Adopt CDC Guidelines for Prevention and Evaluation
Authors: Openshaw John J , Travassos Mark A
Published: May 2020

There have been several significant outbreaks of COVID-19 in federal immigrant detention centers, which lack clear and consistent guidelines across Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued detailed guidelines for the control, prevention, and evaluation of COVID-19 in detention facilities. Although the DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has stated that it complies with CDC recommendations, its policies significantly differ from these CDC guidelines, placing detainees at risk for contracting COVID-19. This submission urges the adoption of CDC guidelines across DHS-associated facilities. Such a policy change has the potential to protect and save the lives of the most vulnerable populations under the auspices of the federal government.
SkySlide: A Hybrid Method for Landslide Susceptibility Assessment based on Landslide-Occurring Data Only
Authors: Mutlu Alev , Goz Furkan
Published: May 2020

Landslide susceptibility assessment is the problem of determining the likelihood of a landslide occurrence in a particular area with respect to the geographical and morphological properties of the area. This paper presents a hybrid method, namely SkySlide, that incorporates clustering, skyline operator, classification and majority voting principle for region-scale landslide susceptibility assessment. Clustering and skyline operator are utilized to model landslides while classification and majority voting principle are utilized to assess landslide susceptibility. The contribution of the study is 2-fold. First, the proposed method requires properties of landslide-occurring data only to model landslides. Second, the proposed method is evaluated on imbalanced data and experimental results include performance metrics of imbalanced data. Experiments conducted on two real-life datasets show that clustering greatly improves performance of SkySlide. Experiments further demonstrate that SkySlide achieves higher class balance accuracy, Matthews correlation coefficient, geometric mean and bookmaker informedness scores compared with the most commonly used methods for landslide susceptibility assessment such as support vector machines, logistic regression and decision trees.
Effect of alirocumab on major adverse cardiovascular events according to renal function in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome: prespecified analysis from the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES randomized clinical trial
Authors: Tuñón José , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Bhatt Deepak L , Bittner Vera A , Díaz Rafael , Goodman Shaun G , Jukema J Wouter , Kim Yong-Un , Li Qian H , Mueller Christian , Parkhomenko Alexander , Pordy Robert , Sritara Piyamitr , Szarek Michael , White Harvey D , Zeiher Andreas M , Schwartz Gregory G ,   for the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES Investigators
Published: May 2020

Aims

Statins reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and normal-to-moderately impaired renal function. It is not known whether proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors provide similar benefit across a range of renal function. We determined whether effects of the PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab to reduce cardiovascular events and death after ACS are influenced by renal function.

Methods and results

ODYSSEY OUTCOMES compared alirocumab with placebo in patients with recent ACS and dyslipidaemia despite intensive statin treatment. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 was exclusionary. In 18 918 patients, baseline eGFR was 82.8 ± 17.6 mL/min/1.73 m2, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was 92 ± 31 mg/dL. At 36 months, alirocumab decreased LDL-C by 48.5% vs. placebo but did not affect eGFR (P = 0.65). Overall, alirocumab reduced risk of the primary outcome (coronary heart disease death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, or unstable angina requiring hospitalization) with fewer deaths. There was no interaction between continuous eGFR and treatment on the primary outcome or death (P = 0.14 and 0.59, respectively). Alirocumab reduced primary outcomes in patients with eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 7470; hazard ratio 0.784, 95% confidence interval 0.670–0.919; P = 0.003) and 60 to <90 (n = 9326; 0.833, 0.731–0.949; P = 0.006), but not in those with eGFR < 60 (n = 2122; 0.974, 0.805–1.178; P = 0.784). Adverse events other than local injection-site reactions were similar in both groups across all categories of eGFR.

Conclusions

In patients with recent ACS, alirocumab was associated with fewer cardiovascular events and deaths across the range of renal function studied, with larger relative risk reductions in those with eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.
Current challenges and future opportunities of phage therapy
Authors: Pires Diana P , Costa Ana Rita , Pinto Graça , Meneses Luciana , Azeredo Joana
Published: May 2020

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health challenge worldwide, whose implications for global health might be devastating if novel antibacterial strategies are not quickly developed. As natural predators of bacteria, (bacterio)phages may play an essential role in escaping such a dreadful future. The rising problem of antibiotic resistance has revived the interest in phage therapy and important developments have been achieved over the last years. But where do we stand today and what can we expect from phage therapy in the future? This is the question we set to answer in this review. Here, we scour the outcomes of human phage therapy clinical trials and case reports, and address the major barriers that stand in the way of using phages in clinical settings. We particularly address the potential of phage resistance to hinder phage therapy and discuss future avenues to explore the full capacity of phage therapy.
Spatial relationship between shallow very low frequency earthquakes and the subducted Kyushu-Palau Ridge in the Hyuga-nada region of the Nankai subduction zone
Authors: Tonegawa Takashi , Yamashita Yusuke , Takahashi Tsutomu , Shinohara Masanao , Ishihara Yasushi , Kodaira Shuichi , Kaneda Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2020

Shallow very low frequency earthquakes (sVLFEs) have occurred recurrently at the shallow plate interface of the Hyuga-nada region of the western Nankai subduction zone, Japan. Although the locations of sVLFE epicentres have been determined using land-based seismic records with moderate accuracy, it is necessary to determine their locations more precisely to explore the relationship between sVLFEs and other shallow slow earthquakes and examine the structural factors that may control sVLFE activity. Here, we identified sVLFE epicentres using seismic records obtained from temporarily deployed ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs) in the Hyuga-nada region. Seismic observations involved the deployment of 5–13 OBSs for approximately 1 yr, with deployments conducted three times during 2014–2016 each time with changing OBS numbers and array distribution. As a result, one sVLFE episode, containing successive Rayleigh wave pulses with slow velocities due to marine sediments, could be detected at a frequency band of 0.1–0.15 Hz per observation, resulting in a total of three episodes. Rayleigh wave amplitudes of ordinary earthquakes in the continuous records were suppressed using earthquake catalogues. We estimated the dispersion curve for the Rayleigh wave group velocity for each array, which represented the averaged group velocity within the array, using coda interferometry, and applied an envelope correlation method (ECM) using the group velocities to continuous records. These processing provided sVLFE epicentres with horizontal distance errors of <5 km. Our results showed that sVLFEs depths, which were inferred from the contour line of the top of the Phillipine Sea Plate, had increased from <10 km to 10–15 km in the region of the subducted Kyusyu-Palau Ridge (KPR). It was also apparent that migration of sVLFE epicentres occurred in 2015 from a depth of 15 km to shallower depths along the northern margin of the subducted KPR. These results identified the subducted KPR as a structural factor controlling the excitation conditions of sVLFE activities.
Separation of tectonic and local components of horizontal GPS station velocities: a case study for glacial isostatic adjustment in East Antarctica
Authors: Turner Ross J , Reading Anya M , King Matt A
Published: May 2020

Accurate measurement of the local component of geodetic motion at GPS stations presents a challenge due to the need to separate this signal from the tectonic plate rotation. A pressing example is the observation of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) which constrains the Earth’s response to ice unloading, and hence, contributions of ice-covered regions such as Antarctica to global sea level rise following ice mass loss. While both vertical and horizontal motions are of interest in general, we focus on horizontal GPS velocities which typically contain a large component of plate rotation and a smaller local component primarily relating to GIA. Incomplete separation of these components introduces significant bias into estimates of GIA motion vectors. We present the results of a series of tests based on the motions of GPS stations from East Antarctica: (1) signal separation for sets of synthetic data that replicate the geometric character of non-separable, and separable, GIA-like horizontal velocities; and (2) signal separation for real GPS station data with an appraisal of uncertainties. For both synthetic and real motions, we compare results where the stations are unweighted, and where each station is areal-weighted using a metric representing the inverse of the spatial density of neighbouring stations. From the synthetic tests, we show that a GIA-like signal is recoverable from the plate rotation signal providing it has geometric variability across East Antarctica. We also show that areal-weighting has a very significant effect on the ability to recover a GIA-like signal with geometric variability, and hence on separating the plate rotation and local components. For the real data, assuming a rigid Antarctic plate, fitted plate rotation parameters compare well with other studies in the literature. We find that 25 out of 36 GPS stations examined in East Antarctica have non-zero local horizontal velocities, at the 2σ level, after signal separation. We make the code for weighted signal separation available to assist in the consistent appraisal of separated signals, and the comparison of likely uncertainty bounds, for future studies.
Magnetotelluric imaging of the Mérida Andes and surrounding areas in Venezuela
Authors: Cruces-Zabala J , Ritter O , Weckmann U , Tietze K , Schmitz M
Published: May 2020

The Caribbean and South American tectonic plates bound the north-eastwards expulsion of the North Andean Block in western Venezuela. This complex geodynamic setting resulted in the formation of major strike-slip fault systems and sizeable mountain chains. The 100-km-wide Mérida Andes extend from the Colombian/Venezuelan border to the Caribbean coast. To the north and south, the Mérida Andes are bound by hydrocarbon-rich sedimentary basins. Knowledge of lithospheric structures, related to the formation of the Mérida Andes, is limited though, due to a lack of deep geophysical data. In this study, we present results of the first broad-band magnetotelluric profile crossing the Mérida Andes and the Maracaibo and Barinas–Apure foreland basins on a length of 240 km. Geoelectrical strike and dimensionality analysis are consistent with 1-D or 2-D subsurface structures for the sedimentary basins but also indicate a strong 3-D setting for the Mérida Andes. Using a combination of 2-D and 3-D modelling we systematically examined the influence of 3-D structures on 2-D inversions. Synthetic data sets derived from 3-D modelling allow identification and quantification of spurious off-profile features as well as smoothing artefact due to limited areal station coverage of data collected along a profile. The 2-D inversion models show electrically conductive basins with depths of 2–5 km for the Barinas-Apure and 2–7 km for the Maracaibo basins. A number of resistive bodies within the Maracaibo basin could be related to active deformation causing juxtaposition of older geological formations and younger basin sediments. The most important fault systems of the area, the Boconó and Valera Faults, cross-cut the Mérida Andes in NE–SW direction along its strike on a length 400 km and N–S direction at its centre on a length 60 km, respectively. Both faults are associated with subvertical zones of high electrical conductivity and sensitivity tests suggest that they reach depths of up to 12 km. A sizeable conductor at 50 km depth, which appears consistently in the 2-D sections, could be identified as an inversion artefact caused by a conductor east of the profile. We speculate the high conductivity associated with the off-profile conductor may be related to the detachment of the Trujillo Block. Our results partially support the ‘floating orogen hypothesis’ developed to explain the geodynamic evolution of western Venezuela and they highlight the relevance of the Trujillo Block in this process.
Dissecting genome-wide studies for microbiome-related metabolic diseases
Authors: Awany Denis , Allali Imane , Chimusa Emile R
Published: May 2020

Despite the meteoric rise in genome-wide association studies for metabolic diseases (MetD) over the last few years, our understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases is still far from complete. Recent developments have established that MetD arises from complex interactions between host genetics, the gut microbiome and the environment. However, our knowledge of the genetic and microbiome components involved and the underlying molecular mechanisms remains limited. Here, we review and summarize recent studies investigating the genetic and microbiome basis of MetD. Then, given the critical importance of study-individual’s ancestry in these studies, we leverage 4932 whole-genome sequence samples from 18 worldwide ethnic groups to examine genetic diversity in currently reported variants associated with MetD. The analyses show marked differences in gene-specific proportion of pathogenic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and gene-specific SNPs MAFs across ethnic groups, highlighting the importance of population- and ethnic-specific investigations in pinpointing the causative factors for MetD. We conclude with a discussion of research areas where further investigation on interactions between host genetics, microbiome and the environment is needed.
Catch-up dynamics in early industry lifecycle stages—a typology and comparative case studies in four clean-tech industries
Authors: Binz Christian , Gosens Jorrit , Yap Xiao-Shan , Yu Zhen
Published: May 2020

The literature on catch-up cycles has not yet systematically conceptualized how catch-up dynamics differ between the various industries that are emerging in the green techno-economic paradigm. We address this gap by connecting catch-up cycle theory with an industry typology from global innovation systems (GISs) literature, which distinguishes four generic industry types with footloose, spatially sticky, market-, and production-anchored innovation system characteristics. Catch-up patterns in early industry lifecycle stages are expected to systematically differ between these four industry types. This assumption is explored based on a comparative case study of the solar photovoltaics, wind power, solar water heaters, and membrane bioreactors industries, each of which exemplifies one of the four generic GIS configurations. We find that the speed and disruptiveness of early leadership changes differ significantly between the four industries, and that the effectiveness of capability upgrading strategies and catching-up policies are contingent on the innovation and valuation characteristics of each industry’s underlying GIS type.
McShane-Type Identities for Quasifuchsian Representations of Nonorientable Surfaces
Authors: Huang Yi
Published: May 2020

We show that Norbury’s McShane identity for nonorientable cusped hyperbolic surfaces $N$ generalizes to quasifuchsian representations of $\pi _1(N)$ as well as pseudo-Anosov mapping Klein bottles with singular fibers given by $N$.
A public health concern: emergence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a public transportation environment
Authors: Cao Tingting , Liu Yuanyuan , Li Yiming , Wang Yang , Shen Zhangqi , Shao Bin , Walsh Timothy R , Shen Jianzhong , Wang Shaolin
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This study was designed to understand the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the Beijing subway environment and the potential transmission of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a public transportation environment.

Methods

Carbapenem-resistant isolates were selected on brain heart infusion agar supplemented with meropenem (0.5 mg/L) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the broth microdilution method. WGS analyses were conducted for 11 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates to identify resistance genes. The genetic relationships among the isolates were evaluated by MLST and PFGE.

Results

We identified 11 carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates from the Beijing subway environment. WGS revealed three STs among the 11 isolates, with 9 isolates classified as ST726 and containing a blaNDM-5-carrying IncX3 plasmid. The genetic environment of blaNDM-5 was very similar to that observed in other blaNDM-5-containing clinical isolates.

Conclusions

The presence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a public transportation environment is concerning and indicates that regular antimicrobial resistance surveillance is urgent and necessary.