bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Moderate Impact of the 2015 El Niño over East Africa and Its Representation in Seasonal Reforecasts
Authors: MacLeod David , Caminade Cyril
Published: August 2019

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has large socioeconomic impacts worldwide. The positive phase of ENSO, El Niño, has been linked to intense rainfall over East Africa during the short rains season (October–December). However, we show here that during the extremely strong 2015 El Niño the precipitation anomaly over most of East Africa during the short rains season was less intense than experienced during previous El Niños, linked to less intense easterlies over the Indian Ocean. This moderate impact was not indicated by reforecasts from the ECMWF operational seasonal forecasting system, SEAS5, which instead forecast large probabilities of an extreme wet signal, with stronger easterly anomalies over the surface of the Indian Ocean and a colder eastern Indian Ocean/western Pacific than was observed. To confirm the relationship of the eastern Indian Ocean to East African rainfall in the forecast for 2015, atmospheric relaxation experiments are carried out that constrain the east Indian Ocean lower troposphere to reanalysis. By doing so the strong wet forecast signal is reduced. These results raise the possibility that link between ENSO and Indian Ocean dipole events is too strong in the ECMWF dynamical seasonal forecast system and that model predictions for the East African short rains rainfall during strong El Niño events may have a bias toward high probabilities of wet conditions.
Relationships between Sea Ice Concentration and Wind Speed over the Arctic Ocean during 1979–2015
Authors: Jakobson Liisi , Vihma Timo , Jakobson Erko
Published: August 2019

NCEP CFSR reanalysis 6-hourly fields from 1979 to 2015 were used to investigate the relationships of sea ice concentration (SIC), atmospheric stratification, surface roughness, and wind speed at 10-m height (W10) and 850-hPa level (W850). We found that in autumn (September–November), winter (December–February), and spring (March–May) a lower SIC favors less-stable stratification and a higher W10. In autumn, the decrease in SIC is strongest, and SIC has its strongest correlation with the atmospheric stratification, W10, and the ratio of W10 and W850 (WSR). W10 and WSR have increased in autumn, and the negative trends in SIC typically are collocated with positive trends in W10 and WSR. In winter, W850 has negative trends over the Arctic Ocean, which, together with the lack of decrease of SIC in the central Arctic, has prevented W10 from increasing in winter. The winter trends are notably different from those for autumn, but the correlations are fairly similar. In autumn, winter, and spring, the negative correlation between SIC and W10 originated from the reduction of both stratification and aerodynamic surface roughness z0 with a reduction of SIC. The dependence of z0 on SIC is, however, weak in NCEP CFSR. In summer, the ratio of W10 and W850 has increased over large areas. The correlations between SIC and atmospheric variables were stronger on interannual time scales than on subseasonal time scales. The causal relationships are complicated by the two-way interaction between SIC and W10. In most cases, especially in summer, SIC increases after periods of W10 exceeding 5 m s−1.
Convectively Coupled Equatorial Wave Simulations Using the ECMWF IFS and the NOAA GFS Cumulus Convection Schemes in the NOAA GFS Model
Authors: Bengtsson Lisa , Dias Juliana , Gehne Maria , Bechtold Peter , Whitaker Jeffrey , Bao Jian-Wen , Magnusson Linus , Michelson Sara , Pegion Philip , Tulich Stefan , Kiladis George N.
Published: August 2019

There is a longstanding challenge in numerical weather and climate prediction to accurately model tropical wave variability, including convectively coupled equatorial waves (CCEWs) and the Madden–Julian oscillation. For subseasonal prediction, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) has been shown to be superior to the NOAA Global Forecast System (GFS) in simulating tropical variability, suggesting that the ECMWF model is better at simulating the interaction between cumulus convection and the large-scale tropical circulation. In this study, we experiment with the cumulus convection scheme of the ECMWF IFS in a research version of the GFS to understand which aspects of the IFS cumulus convection scheme outperform those of the GFS convection scheme in the tropics. We show that the IFS cumulus convection scheme produces significantly different tropical moisture and temperature tendency profiles from those simulated by the GFS convection scheme when it is coupled with other physics schemes in the GFS physics package. We show that a consistent treatment of the interaction between parameterized convective plumes in the GFS planetary boundary layer (PBL) and the IFS convection scheme is required for the GFS to replicate the tropical temperature and moisture profiles simulated by the IFS model. The GFS model with the IFS convection scheme, and the consistent treatment between the convection and PBL schemes, produces much more organized convection in the tropics, and generates tropical waves that propagate more coherently than the GFS in its default configuration due to better simulated interaction between low-level convergence and precipitation.
Analysis of outcome and factors correlated with maintenance peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Li Min , Yan Jin , Zhang Hao , Wu Qiongying , Wang Jianwen , Liu Jishi , Xing Chengling , Zhou Yuqiong
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze the outcome and factors correlated with maintenance peritoneal dialysis (PD) to provide guidance for improving prognosis, and prolonging the catheterization and survival times of patients on PD with end-stage renal disease.

Methods

Clinical data of patients at The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University were retrospectively analyzed. We compared the survival and technique survival rates of patients, and analyzed relevant factors.

Results

A total of 510 cases of PD were included. Two hundred thirty-nine patients continued to receive PD treatment, 73 received kidney transplants, 72 transferred to hemodialysis, and 126 died. The main reasons of death were cardiovascular (27.00%) and cerebrovascular diseases (23.80%). The main reasons of transfer to HD were peritonitis and inadequate dialysis. The survival rates at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 years were 95.75%, 90.34%, 82.35%, 66.21%, and 54.32%, respectively. The technique survival rates at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 years were 93.22%, 86.76%, 77.91%, 63.16%, and 47.67%, respectively. Female sex and older age were protective factors that affected patients’ withdrawal from PD and survival time.

Conclusions

Death is the primary reason for withdrawal from PD. Female sex and older age affect patients’ withdrawal from PD and survival.
Inverse probability weighted Cox model in multi-site studies without sharing individual-level data
Authors: Shu Di , Yoshida Kazuki , Fireman Bruce H , Toh Sengwee
Published: August 2019

The inverse probability weighted Cox proportional hazards model can be used to estimate the marginal hazard ratio. In multi-site studies, it may be infeasible to pool individual-level datasets due to privacy and other considerations. We propose three methods for making inference on hazard ratios without the need for pooling individual-level datasets across sites. The first method requires a summary-level eight-column risk-set table to produce the same hazard ratio estimate and robust sandwich variance estimate as those from the corresponding pooled individual-level data analysis (reference analysis). The second and third methods, which are based on two bootstrap re-sampling strategies, require a summary-level four-column risk-set table and bootstrap-based risk-set tables from each site to produce the same hazard ratio and bootstrap variance estimates as those from their reference analyses. All three methods require only one file transfer between the data-contributing sites and the analysis center. We justify these methods theoretically, illustrate their use, and demonstrate their statistical performance using both simulated and real-world data.
Adaptation and validation of the Euthanasia Attitude Scale into Spanish
Authors: Onieva-Zafra María Dolores , Fernández-Muñoz Juan José , Parra-Fernandez María Laura , Romero-Blanco Cristina , Fernández-Martínez Elia
Published: August 2019

Background

Considering the extensive debate that is currently taking place in Spain regarding euthanasia, it is important to examine the attitude of professionals who perform most of their duties at the bedside of these patients and their families.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to present an adaptation and validation of the Euthanasia Attitude Scale and to evaluate its psychometric properties among a sample of nursing students in Spain.

Research design

A cross-sectional study design was conducted.

Participants and research context

Non-probabilistic sampling was used to recruit 396 Spanish nursing students.

Methods

A self-report questionnaire, including socio-demographic data and the Euthanasia Attitude Scale, were used for data collection. The psychometric properties of the Euthanasia Attitude Scale were assessed, including reliability and validity. Fit indices of the overall model were computed.

Ethical considerations

This study was approved by the Hospital Ethical Committee. Students were informed of the aims and procedures and provided written informed consent prior to data collection.

Results

The factorial solution comprised four domains and the scale demonstrated adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = .878). For the exploratory factor analysis, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin index of sampling adequacy was .905 and the Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity was 2972.79 (p < .001). The initial factorial solution revealed four factors with eigenvalues of 6.78 for the first factor, 1.90 for the second one, 1.29 for the third, and 1.10 for the fourth factor. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between religiosity and the domains of the Euthanasia Attitude Scale.

Discussion

This study obtained a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .88 which is in consonance with the findings reported by other studies whereby none of the items were removed and the initial structure based on four domains was conserved, with a factorial solution that explains 52.79% of the total variance. The displacement of some items of the domain may be explained by certain religious and/or cultural components as, in accordance with other studies, people with firm religious beliefs are more inclined to refuse euthanasia.

Conclusion

According to the findings of this study, the Euthanasia Attitude Scale is a reliable and valid instrument to measure the attitudes toward euthanasia in a sample of Spanish nursing students. This Spanish adaptation will be valuable in future studies examining the attitude and implication of nurses, understanding that nurses are key figures in the euthanasia debate.
Recipe of Life: A Relational Narrative Approach in Therapy With Persons Living With Chronic Pain
Authors: Chow Esther Oi Wah , Fok Doris Yuen Hung
Published: August 2019

Objective:

This study aims to describe the effectiveness of applying an overarching narrative metaphor, the “spiritual seasoning of life,” among 30 older adults diagnosed with chronic pain in Hong Kong.

Method:

Using a qualitative inquiry approach, interviews of participants from group-based narrative therapy (NT) interventions were conducted. Thematic analysis was performed on their responses to during group sessions.

Results:

The practice was effective in helping the participants to (1) deconstruct their problem-saturated stories; (2) unearth their inner strengths, core values, and perceived knowledge; (3) co-construct their preferred life stories and identities; and (4) document how these participants reclaimed their meaning of life after living with chronic pain.

Conclusion:

Narrative conversations using such metaphors are useful to reconnect them with different relationships, their significant others, and the society as a whole and have practical implications for promoting the quality of life of people living with chronic pain in the context of recovery.
Dynamic pricing in different Spanish resort hotels
Authors: Vives Aldric , Jacob Marta
Published: August 2019

The present study uses data on seven 4-star hotels belonging to the same multinational hotel chain located in different Spanish regions. The objective is to estimate the dynamic prices that allow the hotel revenue maximization during high season. The study includes the demand functions of seven resort hotels and implements a dynamic pricing deterministic model to estimate the prices that will maximize the hotel revenue for each date of stay. The results point out general revenue management implications, mainly that hotels located in the same destination should follow individualized pricing policies, more focused in the specific hotel and tourists’ characteristics; while in practice, hotel companies apply similar pricing policies to hotels located in the same destination. Furthermore, the deterministic model performs well with the data available on seven different hotels with different customer profiles and hotel characteristics.
High-pressure exhaust gas recirculation line condensation model of an internal combustion diesel engine operating at cold conditions
Authors: Luján Jose Manuel , Dolz Vicente , Monsalve-Serrano Javier , Bernal Maldonado Miguel Angel
Published: August 2019

To fulfill the future NOx emission regulations, the use of exhaust gas recirculation could be necessary for the engine starting at cold conditions. In this context, condensation inside the exhaust gas recirculation line could appear, affecting in several ways the engine components and their life span. In this article, a mathematical model is developed with the aim of predicting the conditions that produce the condensation phenomenon to appear inside the exhaust gas recirculation circuits of an internal combustion engine working at low ambient temperatures (−7 °C). In particular, the humidity ratio and the internal engine conditions that characterize the appearance of this phenomenon are estimated by the model. The model is validated by experimentally visualizing the condensation behavior along a representative driving cycle by means of cameras fitted on the exhaust gas recirculation rail. This validation process shows that the predictions made by the model are in good agreement with the results obtained from the experimental tests.
Torn between economic efficiency and social equality? Short-track apprenticeships in Denmark, Germany and Switzerland
Authors: Di Maio Gina , Graf Lukas , Wilson Anna
Published: August 2019

Educational institutions, especially those facilitating vocational education and training (VET), face the challenge of combining social goals, such as the provision of quality education for a large section of the population, with rising economic utility demands. However, we know little about how VET systems institutionalize these different demands and, further, how social and economic goals are actually institutionalized in VET. Our article aims to unpack this puzzle by analysing short-track dual vocational training programmes (short-tracks) in Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. These short-tracks combine on-the-job and school-based training, targeting candidates who face difficulties entering full-length dual programmes. Thus, short-tracks are prime examples of training programmes located at the nexus of economic and social demands. In our comparative institutional analysis, we bridge the political economy of collective skill formation and sociological institutionalism literatures. We find that the institutionalization of goals in VET not only differs between countries but that there is also considerable variation within national VET systems. Our analysis reveals that VET regulations, regional and sectoral standards, and the legitimization of key actors can differ greatly in their institutionalization of social and economic goals.
Study of an arm model for compression sleeve design and garment pressure measurement
Authors: Zhao Lihuan , Yu Jie , Zhang Siyu , Li Cuiyu
Published: August 2019

Compression garments apply garment pressure to suppress growth and flatten hypertrophic scars caused by serious burns. In order to reduce the pain caused by a trial-made compression garment for burn patients, one of the most studied parts of the human body, the arm, was selected as the research object, and the characteristics of an arm model that could be used for compression sleeve design and garment pressure measurement were studied. Five human arm models were made based on three-dimensional-printing technology, and then a compression sleeve was made based on Laplace’s law. After that, the garment pressures that the compression sleeve applied on the five human arm models and on a real human arm were tested. Finally, the garment pressure magnitudes and the distribution on a real human arm and on each arm model were compared and analyzed. The results show that when other conditions were consistent, the garment pressure on the arm model was inversely proportional to the hardness of the model, and the garment pressure magnitudes and the distribution on the model whose hardness was close to that of a real human arm were very similar to those of a real human arm. Moreover, consistent with the previous research results, the garment pressure of the compression sleeve that was made based on Laplace’s law increased with the increase of the arm circumference, and it decreased with decreasing circumference. The results of this study can provide a reference for the exploration of a mannequin that can substitute for a real human body in the design of compression garments.
The Diabetes Self-Care Calendar for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural Indonesia: a pilot study
Authors: Sugiharto Sh , Hsu Yu-Yun
Published: August 2019

Background

Diabetes self-care reminders are widely applied to improve self-care among diabetes patients. Unfortunately, there is a lack of self-care reminders for diabetes patients who live in rural areas of developing countries with limited resources.

Aims

The study evaluated the feasibility of the Diabetes Self-Care Calendar as a reminder tool for self-care.

Methods

The study was conducted in a community health centre in Pekalongan Regency, Indonesia. The Diabetes Self-Care Calendar was developed as a reminder tool following the American Association of Diabetes Educator self-care guidelines. The feasibility of the calendar was evaluated using the quality assessment questionnaire that assessed accessibility, acceptability, effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness. The participants’ qualitative feedback was organised into themes.

Results

A total of 10 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus participated in the study. The quality of the calendar was evaluated in terms of accessibility (m = 9.5; range = 0 – 10), acceptability (m = 9.7; range = 0 – 10), effectiveness (m = 9.3; range = 0 – 10), efficiency (m = 9; range = 0 – 10) and appropriateness (m = 9; range = 0 – 10). The feasibility of the calendar was m = 9.3 (range = 9 to 9.7). Three themes emerged based on the participants' qualitative feedback included family involvement, calendar portability and calendar design.

Conclusions

The findings suggest the Diabetes Self-Care Calendar is feasible as a reminder tool for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who live in rural areas.
Ultrasound-Guided Cutting Wire Release of the Proximal Adductor Longus Tendon: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Boettcher Brennan J. , Hollman John H. , Stuart Michael J. , Finnoff Jonathan T.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Adductor longus tendinopathy is a well-known etiology of chronic groin pain in elite athletes. Surgery is indicated for those who fail conservative treatment. No studies to date have evaluated the feasibility of an ultrasound-guided release of the proximal adductor longus tendon.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The primary aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of an ultrasound-guided selective adductor longus release with a cutting wire. A secondary aim was to determine safety by avoiding injury to adjacent structures. We hypothesized that the proximal adductor longus tendon can be released under ultrasound guidance with a cutting wire without injury to adjacent neurovascular or genitourinary structures.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten adductor longus tendons (5 cadaveric specimens) from 4 males and 1 female between 76 and 89 years of age with a mean body mass index of 21.9 kg/m2 (range, 16.8-29.6 kg/m2) were used during this study. A single experienced physician sonographer performed ultrasound-guided proximal adductor longus tendon releases on all cadaveric specimens using a cutting wire. Dissection was performed by a second physician to determine the completeness of the tendon transections and to detect injury to adjacent neurovascular or genitourinary structures.

Results:

All 10 adductor longus tendons were transected. Eight of 10 transections were complete, whereas in 2 transections, >99% of the tendon was transected. There were no injuries to adjacent genitourinary or neurovascular structures.

Conclusion:

Ultrasound-guided adductor tendon release is feasible and safe in a cadaveric model. Further translational research should be performed to determine whether these results can be replicated in the clinical setting.

Clinical Relevance:

Adductor longus tendinopathy frequently requires surgical intervention and prolonged time away from sport. The present study suggests that a selective adductor longus tendon release can be performed with ultrasound guidance. This procedure warrants further translational research to explore its use in clinical practice.
First Experience of Mechanical Thrombectomy Outcomes Without Bridging Technique: A 3-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Ahmad Saima , Chaudhry Umair Rashid , Mansour Ossama Yassin
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Mechanical thrombectomy has become the cornerstone and standard of care for acute stroke patients. Early reperfusion in patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke is the most important factor. The motivation behind this investigation is to display the aftereffects of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large vessel occlusion in anterior and posterior circulation and to demonstrate that it lessens the level of handicap 3 months post stroke.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who presented with acute ischemic stroke at our center from 2015 to 2018 and received mechanical thrombectomy using combined manual aspiration with a stent retriever and with large bore catheters without the bridging technique. Result factors including recanalization rate and modified Rankin Scale at 90 days post procedure were assessed. An aggregate of 30 patients were included.

Results: About 30 patients presented at the institute and met the inclusion criteria for the study. Successful recanalization (the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Score [TICI 2B]) was accomplished in 90% of patients, TICI 3 score was accomplished in 56% of the patients. 67% of the patients had good modified Rankin Scale score 0-2 result at 90 days. There were 3 symptomatic hemorrhages and 3 procedure and comorbidity-related deaths (10%).

Conclusion: Mechanical thrombectomy using combined manual aspiration with a stent retriever and with large bore catheters alone without the bridging technique is an effective and safe procedure for endovascular revascularization of large vessel occlusion presenting with acute ischemic stroke.
MEGATEMPLOS EVANGÉLICOS: LINGUAGENS HÍBRIDAS E ESTÉTICAS DE CONSUMO NO ESPAÇO SAGRADO
Authors: ALVES RITA DE CÁSSIA GONÇALO
Published: August 2019

Este artigo apresenta algumas considerações sobre a monumentalização das igrejas evangélicas na forma de megatemplos – constituídas enquanto novas composições de lugares sagrados no mundo urbano, em diálogo com matrizes relacionadas ao território, desenvolvimento local e consumo. Observa-se que os megatemplos evangélicos são resultado de ações combinadas para fins estratégicos, onde essas estruturas diferenciadas se caracterizam como elementos potencializadores de integração do cristianismo evangélico à cidade, ou mesmo se apresentando como elemento de “resposta” aos anseios da vida na metrópole. Neste trabalho procurei considerar essas práticas em seus aspectos mais expressivos, de modo a apreendê-las em sua racionalidade e no contexto da dinâmica urbana examinada. Apresento como objeto de análise o Templo da Glória do Novo Israel, da Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus (IURD), pelo qual as observações de campo apontam um projeto arquitetônico pensado para proporcionar uma experiência de consumo estético agradável aos sentidos fisiológicos e espirituais.
Edmundo de Macedo Soares e Silva: o agente público-privado, o estado do Rio de Janeiro e a companhia siderúrgica nacional
Authors: Honorato Lessa José Luís
Published: August 2019

Este trabalho analisa a atuação do agente Edmundo de Macedo Soares e Silva no projeto que deu origem a Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional e sua instalação do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Articula-se ainda tal projeto ao contexto da indústria fluminense e à interventoria Amaral Peixoto entre 1937 a 1945.
Judicialização desenfreada: as ações do Desastre de Mariana
Authors: Picanço de Oliveira Brandolin Luciana
Published: August 2019

O presente trabalho possui o escopo de analisar o procedimento de judicialização depolíticas públicas, levando como base o acontecimento do maior desastre industrial do Brasilo rompimento da barragem de Fundão, no distrito de Bento Rodrigues, em Mariana/MG.Com o intuito de aprofundar o entendimento sobre o assunto, primeiramente serãoobservados conceitos acerca da judicialização, sua legitimidade, independência ecompetência do Poder Judiciário. Serão pontuadas críticas e defesas sobre a atuação doPoder Judiciário como “ po licy maker ”, para consequentemente adentrar se no estudo doacidente de Mariana. Por fim, serão observadas as conexões entre a falha na política públicade proteção ambiental e a atuação do Poder Judiciário de Minas Gerais, objetivandominimizar os impacto s socioambientais gerados pelo desastre.
Impact of Preoperative Specialty Consults on Hospitalist Comanagement of Hip Fracture Patients
Authors: Bellas Nicholas , Stohler Sherry , Staff Ilene , Majk Karolina , Lewis Courtland , Davis Stephen , Kumar Mandeep
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures typically occur in frail elderly patients. Preoperative specialty consults, in addition to hospitalist comanagement, are often requested for preoperative risk assessment.

OBJECTIVE

Determine if preoperative specialty consults meaningfully influence management and outcomes in hip fracture patients, while being comanaged by hospitalists

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study

SETTING

Tertiary care hospital in Connecticut

PATIENTS

491 patients aged 50 years and older who underwent surgery for an isolated fragility hip fracture, defined as one occurring from a fall of a height of standing or less.

INTERVENTION

Presence or absence of a preoperative specialty consult

MEASUREMENTS

Time to surgery (TTS), length of hospital stay (LOS), and postoperative complications

RESULTS

177 patients had a preoperative specialty consult. Patients with consults were older and had more comorbidities. Most consult recommendations were minor (72.8%); there was a major recommendation only for eight patients (4.5%). Multivariate analysis demonstrates that consults are more likely to be associated with a TTS beyond 24 hours (Odds Ratio [OR] 4.28 [2.79‐6.56]) and 48 hours (OR 2.59 [1.52‐4.43]), an extended LOS (OR 2.67 [1.78‐4.03]), and a higher 30‐day readmission rate (OR 2.11 [1.09‐4.08]). A similar 30‐day mortality rate was noted in both consult and no‐consult groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of preoperative specialty consults did not meaningfully influence management and may have potentially increased morbidity by delaying surgery. Our data suggest that unless a hip fracture patient is unstable and likely to require active management by a consultant, such consults offer limited benefit when weighed against the negative impact of surgical delay.
An On‐Treatment Analysis of the MARQUIS Study: Interventions to Improve Inpatient Medication Reconciliation
Authors: Mixon Amanda S , Kripalani Sunil , Stein Jason , Wetterneck Tosha B , Kaboli Peter , Mueller Stephanie , Burdick Elisabeth , Nolido Nyryan V , Labonville Stephanie , Minahan Jacquelyn A , Orav E John , Goldstein Jenna , Schnipper Jeffrey L
Published: August 2019

It is unclear which medication reconciliation interventions are most effective at reducing inpatient medication discrepancies. Five United States hospitals' interdisciplinary quality improvement (QI) teams were virtually mentored by QI‐trained physicians. Sites implemented one to seven evidence‐based interventions in 791 patients during the 25‐month implementation period. Three interventions were associated with significant decreases in potentially harmful discrepancy rates: (1) defining clinical roles and responsibilities, (2) training, and (3) hiring staff to perform discharge medication reconciliation. Two interventions were associated with significant increases in potentially harmful discrepancy rates: training staff to take medication histories and implementing a new electronic health record (EHR). Hospitals should focus first on hiring and training pharmacy staff to assist with medication reconciliation at discharge and delineating roles and responsibilities of clinical staff. We caution hospitals implementing a large vendor EHR, as medication discrepancies may increase. Finally, the effect of medication history training on discrepancies needs further study.
Vertical Expansion: A Solution for Future Container Terminals
Authors: Zaerpour Nima , Gharehgozli Amir , De Koster René
Published: August 2019

Container terminals play a major role in the growth of international trade. They need to accommodate the increasing number of containers although their space is limited, particularly close to major cities. One approach, often used in practice, is horizontal expansion through expensive land reclamation projects. In contrast, vertical expansion uses the available land more efficiently by storing containers in high-bay warehouses. In this paper, we study a next-generation container terminal consisting of container storage towers. A container tower is a cylindrical structure that consists of multiple levels of storage locations, lifts, and input/output (I/O) points (or depots). The lifts can rotate and can move containers horizontally and vertically to transport containers between the storage locations and the I/O points. We investigate several design questions: (1) What is the optimal configuration of a container tower? (2) How does a container tower compare with a traditional container block of the same storage capacity in terms of throughput capacity? (3) Is a container tower financially feasible compared with an existing container block of the same storage capacity? (4) What are the impacts of varying design parameters on the container tower performance and its financial feasibility? Question 1 is answered by obtaining closed-form expressions for the tower travel time, formulating the problem as a nonlinear optimization model, and deriving closed-form expressions for the tower optimal configuration. Questions 2 and 3 are answered by using closed-form expressions to compare the performance of two systems. Question 4 is answered by a sensitivity analysis for the design parameters of the container tower. The results show that, compared with a traditional container block, the container tower can increase the annual throughput while saving on the required footprint at competitive investment costs. In particular, the container tower can increase the annual throughput up to 120% compared with a container block of the same storage capacity.
Functional properties of Saccharomyces kluyveri Y97-fermented solo black garlic
Authors: SETIYONINGRUM FITRI , PRIADI GUNAWAN , HERLINA NINA , SOLIKHIN AKHMAD , LISANI NURUL
Published: August 2019

Setiyoningrum F, Pribadi G, Afiati F, Herlina N, Solikhin A, Lisani N. 2018. Functional properties of Saccharomyces kluyveri Y97-fermented solo black garlic. Asian J Agric 2: 48-51. Saccharomyces kluyveri Y97-fermented solo black garlic was made by fermentation of fresh solo garlic in medium containing S. kluyveri aging in 70C and relative humidity close to 60%. The fermentation period of fresh solo garlic in the medium was 0, 2, 4 dan 6 days. The black aging period was 0 (fresh garlic), 7, 14 dan 21 days. Antioxidant capacity, flavonoid content and total poliphenol were observed. S. kluyveri Y97-fermented solo black garlic had higher antioxidant capacity, flavonoid content and total polifenol compared to solo black garlic without fermentation. Fermentation of fresh solo garlic by S. kluyveri Y97 before aging process could increase solo black garlic’s functional properties.
Various antioxidant assays of agarwood extracts (Gyrinops versteegii) from West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Authors: PRIHANTINI AMALIA INDAH , RIZQIANI KANTI DEWI
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Prihantini AI, Rizqiani K. 2019. Various antioxidant assays of agarwood extracts (Gyrinops versteegii) from West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Asian J Agric 3: 1-5. However, the species have not been widely explored as a source of natural products in particular antioxidant agents, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. The present study was aimed to evaluate antioxidant activities of agarwood extracts from West Nusa Tenggara using various antioxidant assays. The antioxidant activity of leaf, fruit and fruit bark extracts were investigated based on DPPH radicals scavenging activity, reducing power, and β-carotene bleaching assays. The total phenolic content was also investigated. The result showed that leaf extract revealed the strongest antioxidant activity on all assays performed such as DPPH radicals scavenging activity (IC50 22.13±0.71 μg/mL); reducing power (251.85±0.03 mg QE/g dry extract); and β-carotene bleaching activity (IC50 24.23±2.60 μg/mL). The total phenolic content (TPC) in the leaf was higher (184.90±0.76 mg GAE/g dry extract) than fruit bark and bark extracts. The high content of phenolic compounds in G. versteegii leaves indicated that these compounds might contribute to the antioxidant activities. In conclusion, these findings showed that G. versteegii leaves are potential for development as an antioxidant source.
Antibacterial potential of nudibranch-associated bacteria from Saparua and Nusa Laut Islands, Indonesia
Authors: KRISTIANA RHESI , SIBERO MADA TRIANDALA , FARISA MACELLYNE YOHANNA , AYUNINGRUM DIAH , DIRGANTARA DIO , HANAFI MUHAMMAD , RADJASA OCKY KARNA , SABDONO AGUS , TRIANTO AGUS
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Kristiana R, Sibero MT, Farisa MY, Ayuningrum D, Dirgantara D, Hanafi M, Radjasa OK, Sabdono A, Trianto A. 2019. Antibacterial potential of nudibranch-associated bacteria from Saparua and Nusa Laut Islands, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 1811-1819. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria are the international health issue that triggers the urgency of finding new antibacterial agents. The aim of this study was to obtain the nudibranchs-associated bacteria that have bioactivity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. A total of 13 species of nudibranch were identified based on morphological characterization. Overlay methods were used for the screening of the isolates bioactivity against six pathogenic multidrug-resistant bacteria. The Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) of the crude extract was evaluated against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Micrococcus luteus, and Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases E. coli (ESBL) using MTT method. A total of 145 isolates were obtained which eleven of the isolates showed antibacterial activity against the pathogenic bacteria. The MIC tests showed that the best acivity was isolate SM-S-9-15 and SM-N-3-7. The methanolic extract of isolate SM-S-9-15 active to all of the pathogenic bacteria, while the ethyl acetate extract of the isolate SM-N-3-7 active to the E. coli, B. subtilis, K. pneumonia at the concentration of 500 mg/mL. According to 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence-based identification, all active isolates belong to Virgibacillus marismortui, V. dokdonensis, Bacillus kochii, Vibrio algynoliticus, and Pseudoalteromonas piscicida.
Short Communication: Aphrodisiac plants used by Dayak Ethnic in Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia
Authors: FAUZI FAUZI , WIDODO HARTO
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Fauzi, Widodo H. 2019. Short Communication: Aphrodisiac plants used by Dayak Ethnic in Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 1859-1865. Sexual dysfunction in men might render psychological disorders and household harmony. The prevalence increases with age and other risk factors such as systemic diseases and psychological factors. A community with no exception certain ethnic groups uses plants to fulfill various needs, including to treat sexual disorders in men. This paper aims to explore medicinal plants that are often used for aphrodisiacs by Dayak ethnic in Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The method was carried out through reviewing literature, searching for various references and analyzing data of the exploration of ethnomedicine and community-based medicinal plants in Indonesia held in 2012 and 2015. Of the 9 Dayak ethnic groups surveyed, only four ethnic groups (Bawo, Taboyan, Tomum and Siang) posses an aphrodisiac formula. The plants used by ethnic Dayaks for aphrodisiacs are Eurycoma longifolia Jack., Luvunga sarmentosa (Bl.) Kurz., Rennellia elliptica Korth., Mimosa pudica L., Lepisanthes amoena (Hassk) Leenh., Fordia splendidissima (Miq.) Buijsen., Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch., Ficus deltoidea Jack., Koilodepas bantamense Hassk., Eusideroxylon zwageri Teijsm. & Binn., Gnetum sp., Caryota sp. and Calamus sp.
Outline-based geometric morphometric analysis to identify two Anopheles and three Culex mosquitoes in Thailand
Authors: CHAIPHONGPACHARA TANAWAT
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Chaiphongpachara T. 2019. Outline-based geometric morphometric analysis to identify two Anopheles and three Culex mosquitoes in Thailand. Biodiversitas 20: 1866-1872. Geometric morphometric (GM) techniques have become popular for applications in entomology studies, especially mosquitoes. Outline-based methods (OTLs) are one such form of GM technique used to analyze pseudo-landmarks on contours or boundary outlines. This study investigated the efficacy of an OTL to distinguish two species of Anopheles mosquitoes including An. epiroticus and An. subpictus s.l. and three species of Culex mosquitoes, including Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. visnui and Cx. whitmorei in Thailand and compared outlines, including internal outline 1 (IOL1), internal outline 2 (IOL2) and external outline (EOL) within the mosquito wing to assess the optimal outline for analysis. The results indicated that OTLs were highly effective with certain species and each outline had the potential difference for identification. For size analysis, An. epiroticus had a mean perimeter length of IOL2 and EOL length larger than An. subpictus. Different sizes between species was found in IOL1, which was statistically significant after Bonferroni test (p < 0.05). Culex size analysis of IOL2 and EOL demonstrated a statistical difference for all species while size difference patterns between outlines found that IOL1 differed from other outlines. While shapes in two Anopheles of all cells were different between species, there was statistical significance based on Mahalanobis distances (p < 0.05). Almost all pairwise Mahalanobis distances between Culex species of IOL1, IOL2 and EOL established statistical differences, except for pairs of Cx. visnui and Cx. whitmorei via IOL2 analysis.
Glyphosate resistance of Eleusine indica populations from North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: TAMPUBOLON KOKO , PURBA EDISON , BASYUNI MOHAMMAD , HANAFIAH DIANA SOFIA
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Tampubolon K, Purba E, Basyuni M, Hanafiah DS. 2019. Glyphosate resistance of Eleusine indica populations from North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 1910-1916.  Controlling of Eleusine indica populations in oil palm plantations using a similar mode of action of herbicide may cause resistant weed. Overall E. indica populations from oil palm plantations in North Sumatra, Indonesia have never been reported to be glyphosate-resistant. This research was aimed to determine the survival percentage and to classify the resistance of E. indica to glyphosate from oil palm plantations in 11 districts in North Sumatra Province. The research was conducted in the Weed Research Center Field Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara from October 2016 to August 2017. This research was arranged in a Randomized Block Design with the glyphosate-treatment using a recommended dose of two l ha-1 and three replications. The ESU0 population was collected in the soccer field of Politeknik Negeri Medan (Medan city) was used as a check, and has never been exposed to the herbicide. Parameters were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and the means were compared using DMRT at a probability level of 5%. The results showed that 276 (65.56%) of 421 populations were classified as glyphosate-resistant, 88 populations (20.90%) were classified as glyphosate-resistant developing, and 57 populations (13.54%) were classified as glyphosate-susceptible. The highest range of dry weight of glyphosate-resistant E. indica populations were found in 5 districts including South Labuhanbatu District followed by the Serdang Bedagai, Simalungun, Asahan, and North Labuhanbatu Districts. The observed resistance level and dry weight range in the present study indicated the failure in controlling E. indica due to continued use of glyphosate and the potency of E. indica distribution into other oil palm estates due to its high biomass production capability.
Decomposition of tree litter: Interaction between inherent quality and environment
Authors: RACHMAWATI SYIFA , YULISTYARINI TITUT , HAIRIAH KURNIATUN
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Rachmawati S, Yulistyarini T, Hairiah K. 2019. Decomposition of tree litter: Interaction between inherent quality and environment. Biodiversitas 20: 1946-1952. Litter layers protect forest soils, but may not be appreciated in recreation sites such as the Purwodadi Botanical Gardens (PBG), East Java, Indonesia. We quantified litter decomposition rates in mature stands of three tree species: mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), angsana/narra (Pterocarpus indicus), and bungur/crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia thorelii). To separate inherent litter quality and stand-level environmental factors (such as microclimate, soil), decomposition rates were quantified for each species across all three stands. A possible interaction on decomposition rates is known as ‘home-field advantage’ (HFA). Litter-weight loss from TSBF-standard litter bags was observed at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after litter bags were installed to estimate the half-life time (t50). We also solicited visitor views on the presence of a thick litter layer on garden floor. Decomposition of angsana (t50=48 weeks) was 15% faster at its ‘own home’ than in ‘neighbors home’. No significant HFA effects were found in bungur/crape myrtle litter that decomposed slower in its home environment, while mahogany decomposition was independent of location. Generally, PBG visitors knew the benefits of litter and were not bothered by its presence; litter increased the attractiveness for visitors to enjoy their happy days under the shade of trees in a ‘tropical autumn’.
Phytoremediation potential of some grasses on lead heavy metal in tailing planting media of former tin mining
Authors: KHODIJAH NYAYU SITI , SUWIGNYO RUJITO AGUS , HARUN M UMAR , ROBIARTINI LUCY
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Khodijah NS, Suwignyo RA, Harun MU, Robiartini L. 2019. Phytoremediation potential of some grasses on lead heavy metal in tailing planting media of former tin mining. Biodiversitas 20: 1973-1982. Agricultural production on tin tailings land must consider the safety of products from Pb metal contaminants. The presence of Pb metal can be overcome by using plants as phytoremediation. This study aimed to obtain information on the ability of phytoremediation of Pb by various types of grass and its interaction with the types of ameliorants in tin tailings media. Three species of grass were used, namely Pennisetum purpureum, Saccharum spontaneum, and Hymenachne acutigluma, and two types of ameliorant, namely lime and compost. The study was designed using a factorial treatment design laid out in a completely randomized design with two treatment factors, namely the type of grass and the type of ameliorant. Observations were done on growth, shoot Pb content and root Pb content. The ability of phytoremediation was assessed by using the approach of Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and Translocation Factor (TF) values. The highest phytoremediation ability was found in treatment of H. acutigluma grass treated with lime ameliorant, followed by S. spontaneum treated with lime ameliorous and S. spontaneum treated with compost ameliorant. Based on BCF values, P. purpureum and H. acutigluma were categorized as accumulators, and S. spontaneum was classified as an excluder. Based on TF values, the three types of grass used were classified as phytostabilisation. The high ability of phytoremediation in H. acutigluma was caused by its high BCF values, ​​while the high ability of phytoremediation on S. spontaneum was caused by its low translocation factor value and high Pb absorption efficiency.
The effect of jengkol (Archidendron pauciflorum) fruit peel ethanolic extract to heart histologic of rat induced by streptozotocin
Authors: ABADI SELMA ALAMANDA , ILLIYYIN ZULFA , RACHMADINA JASMINE RAISSA , MALINI DESAK MADE
Published: August 2019

Abadi SA, Illiyyin Z, Rachmadina JR, Malini DM. 2018. The effect of jengkol (Archidendron pauciflorum) fruit peel ethanolic extract to heart histologic of rat induced by streptozotocin. Biofarmasi J Nat Prod Biochem 16: 59-63. Indonesia is ranked 7th out of 10 countries with the highest diabetic patients in the world. Diabetes mellitus is a disease that can cause heart disorders and adults who suffer from DM are four times more likely to develop heart disease. Jengkol fruit peel has been used traditionally as a drug for diabetes mellitus. The aim of this research was to know the effect of fruit peel ethanolic extract of jengkol (Archidendron pauciflorum) (JFPEE) on rat (Rattus norvegicus) heart histological structure and to obtain effective dose from JFPEE. This research used experimental method in laboratory with Completely Random Design (CRD) using 6 treatments and 4 replications. Treatment was given for 14 consecutive days consisting of negative control, positive control, comparison (glibenclamide dose 10 mg/kg BW), P1, P2, and P3 (JFPEE dose 385, 770, and 1.540 mg/kg BW). Diabetic induction was performed with streptozotocin dose 65 mg/kg BW in female wistar rat except for negative control group. The parameters that observed were number of necrosis and cell damage score, including fat degeneration, hydropic degeneration, and inflammatory cell. The obtained data were analyzed by ANOVA-Tukey's test with 95% confidence level using SPSS version 21 for Windows. The result of histological structure showed that number of necrosis and cell damage score in group of rats treated with JFPEE dose 385 mg/kg BW (174.25±6.34; 1.25±0.50) were not significantly different from the negative control rats (172.00±7.62; 1.00±0.00). The effective dose of JFPEE that can repair the damage of heart cell’s rat induced by streptozotocin was 385 mg/kg BW.