bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Maximum Power Point Tracking Solar Charge Controller for 120 Volt Battery System at Pandansimo Hybrid Power Plant
Authors: Megantoro Prisma , Prabowo Irawan Eko , Shomad Muhammad Abdus
Published: March 2020

Pandansimo Hybrid Power Plant (HPW) is located at Pandansimo Beach, Bantul, Yogyakarta. It has a maximum capacity of 57.5 kW, combining solar and wind energy technologies. Currently a part of it (4 kWp solar panel system) is used for ice maker machine with an efficiency merely of 60% in average. To increase efficiency of system and safety of battery charging, a special Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Solar Charge Controller is developed. This system is developed to optimize power transfer from solar panel array to battery, which is shown as solar panel characteristic in a I-V curve. The purpose of this research is to develop the MPPT Solar Charge Controller with PID algorithm for 120 volt battery system and 4 kWp solar panel. The Solar Charge Controller (SCC) design uses microcontroller system that is easy to repair and improve. The SCC component can be found easily in local electronic components stores around Yogyakarta. The SCC design involves several main parameter: PWM switching frequency 50 kHz, mosfet IRFP260 power switching device, 120 Volt battery, rated current charge of 40 ampere, and three state battery charge sequential. The result of this research are the MPPT SCC with average efficiency of more than 90%, real charge current of 30 Ampere, and PV voltage optimum of 165 Volt.
Image Processing for Corrosion Quantification in Concrete Slabs using GPR data
Authors: Zaki A , Jusman Y , Johari M A M , Hussin W M A W
Published: March 2020

This study aims to quantify the corrosion of steel reinforcing bar (rebar) in concrete structures using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and image processing techniques. A method to accelerate corrosion of steel rebars in concrete slab to different level of corrosion is applied. The power supply and the electrolyte are used to induce significant corrosion within a short period of time. The 2 GHz GPR is used to assess the corrosion in the reinforced concrete slab after 28 days of standard moist preservation. GPR method has been found to be useful for quantifying steel corrosion on existing concrete slab. The image processing techniques were used to process the GPR data. The results of the analysis of the GPR data shows that corrosion of the rebars could be detected. The subsequent image processing technique exhibits that corrosion of the rebars could be appropriate quantified.
Teaching Speaking Through Techno Driven Task (Zig Zag Task)
Authors: Rahayu Pipit , Ramadhan Syahrul , Agustina  , Siregar Syamsiah Depalina , Jufrizal  , Rozimela Yenni , Indriyani Vivi , Zaim M. , Atmazaki
Published: March 2020

English lecturers play a vital role in making their students to communicate well in English. They should be able with new and innovative teaching skill and strategis in the classroom to enhance students skill significantly. This research is motivated by the importance of having good English speaking skills, especially for English teachers. The traditional learning methods has been less successful in improving students’ speaking skill. Therefore, one of the solutions offered is to use the Techno Driven Task (Zig Zag Task) in teaching speaking skill for students. This study aims to determine the speaking skills of English students at Pasir Pengaraian University by using computer-aided Techno Driven Task (Zig Zag Task). The research designs is descriptive quantitative research. The participants of this research was the fourth semester students of English Study Program in University of Pasir Pengaraian. The number of samples of this research was 19 students. In collecting the data, the researcher took from students’ presentation when they were using zig zag task. The results showed that the level of students’ speaking skills was at a reasonable to very good level and only a few students had poor skills.
Analyzing Internet Use Of Students in Learning English Through Their Learning Approach at IAIN Bukittinggi
Authors: Roza Veni , Yenti Riza Fitri
Published: March 2020

The research was due to several problems found in the field; Most of students used internet in learning English and doing tasks. However, some of them were not able to explain their task results. They did not comprehend the material of the lesson eventhough they used internet. For some others, internet was worthwhile for them. Based on that, the researchers assumed that the students had varieties way in using internet. This research belongs to quantitative research by survey. The population was the all of English students which study actively in the classroom at IAIN Bukittinggi in academic year 2019/2020. There are three different grades of semester; semester 1, 3 and 5. To choose sample, the researcher used purposive sampling. The purpose of the researcher is to choose sample which use internetmostly. The finding reveals that 70.6% of the students use deep approach while using internet that consists of 25.4% in seeking meaning, 15.9% inrelating ideas, 19.8 % in using evidence and 9.5 % interested in ideas. There are 29.4 % of the students use surface approach, that consist of 3.9% in lacking of purpose, 7.9 % in unrelated memory, 12% in syllabus boundness, and 5.6% in fear failure. In conclusion, the students prefer using deep approach to surface approach.
Designing Mathematics Learning Models Based on Realistic Mathematics Education and Literacy
Authors: Rusdi  , Fauzan Ahmad , Arnawa I Made , Lufri
Published: March 2020

This research was formed the backround of the low mathematics literacy of junior high school students in Bukittinggi. The purpose of this research is to develop valid, practical and effective mathematics learning model based on Realistic Mathematics Education and Literacy to improve students’ mathematical literacy. This type of research was Plomp model design research which consisted of three stages, namely preliminary research phase, prototype or development phase, and assessment phase. However, this reserch is still at designing prototypes in development phase. Based on preliminary research results were obtained, 1) one of the factors that causes the low level of student mathematics literacy is students not trained in working on higher order thinking skill questions; 2) the teachers needed the learning models that could improve students’ mathematical literacy; 3) the students wanted contextual learning; 4) the curriculum used was the 2013 curriculum, content of mathematics in 8th grade junior high school students semester I consist of Numbers, Algebra, Geometry and Measurement; 5) The main concepts in the subject matter system of linear two-variable equations were, general form, solving and application; 6) students have characteristics between 14 and 17 years old, learning styles were evenly distributed on audio, visual and kinesthetic types, most students like traditional food; and all students like the colors. Based on the results of the preliminary research phase, need to be developed learning models based on Realistic Mathematics Education and Literacy. The results of designing prototype in the development phase were the components of the learning model consisting of learning syntax, social system, the principles of reaction, support systems, and instructional effect and nurturant effect.
Understanding Students’ Transition from Arithmetic to Algebraic Thinking in the Pre-Algebraic Lesson
Authors: Apsari R A , Sariyasa S , Putri R I P , Gunawan G , Prayitno S
Published: March 2020

The difficulty in learning algebra is mostly blamed to the discrepancy between arithmetic lesson in elementary school and algebra lesson in middle school. Hence, a bridge is needed to connect those two core subjects thorough a pre-algebraic lesson. This study is aimed to generate an understanding of how the students’ shift from arithmetic to algebraic thinking during pre-algebraic lesson. It is a part of a larger study in design research to establish a learning trajectory in pre-algebraic lesson by using pattern investigation. The data were gathered from written works, video registrations and field notes in 32 fifth grade students’ of an elementary school in Palembang. The data were analyzed qualitatively using constant comparative method. The result showed that the students’ shifting from arithmetic to algebraic thinking is highly impacted by their clarity in seeing geometrical structure of a pattern. Hence, it is recommended for the teachers to conduct a pre-algebraic lessons using pattern investigations visualized in geometrical representation for the elementary school students
Mosaiq and IviewGT Software in Verification of Irradiation Set Up (Study of Conformal Radiotherapy in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients at Dr. Sardjito Hospital Yogyakarta)
Authors: Masrochah Siti , Indrati Rini , Setiawan Agung Nugroho , Listyawan Syahara
Published: March 2020

Verification of the irradiation set up is a process to ensure that the position and volume of the irradiated tumor are the same as planned. It is conducted by comparing the radiographic image information of the Treatment Planning System (TPS) with radiation therapy to be provided on the Electronic Portal Imaging Device (EPID). Existing software s on the EPID modality device in this hospital are Mosaiq and IViewGT. This study was to describe the details of the verification process and the differences between two software s in conformal radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal cancer patients. This study was a quantitative analytic study. Samples were fifty-two portal images. Data was analyzed by statistical software. The results are descriptions of the verification process, and the value of shift set up irradiation on X; Y and Z axis. There is no difference statistically between two software s. Mosaiq software is more complicated in image processing. IViewGT software has an advantage in its better simplicity but shows the same quality.
Statistical Approach of Knowledge Management for Improvement of Hospitalized Management
Authors: Arini M. , Muhammad A.F. , Listiowati E.
Published: March 2020

Elderly quality of life (QoL) is affected by the decline in health status, and vice versa. The purpose of this study was to find out whether there were differences between before and after the provision of Islamic spiritual care services (ISC) to elderly patients. This study was a quasi-experimental research design with pre-test & post-test assessments. A sample of 106 elderly patients at PKU Muhammadiyah Gamping Hospital Yogyakarta with an age range of 60-70 years was consecutively selected by inclusion criteria. The QoL was measured using the validated Indonesian version of OPQOL-Brief questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test because of the abnormality distribution. There was an increase of the means of QoL after the ISC provision by the p-value=0.000. It is concluded from this study that elderly’s QoL had significant differences between before and after the ISCS provision. The results of the study indicate that ISC is potential to be developed in order to improve the QoL of elderly patients.
The Impact of Climate Change on Pampus Argenteus Fish Production in Depok Village, Indonesia
Authors: Sabihaini  , Pratomo Awang Hendrianto , Rustamaji Heru Cahya , Sudaryatie
Published: March 2020

The Depok Village, Indonesia, has a potential of marines and fish resources up to reach 11, 374.1 tons in 2015 to 2017. However, there is a strong evidence that the climate change (i.e. sea temperature, rain fall and humidity) has affected the distribution of fish production and has implications for the marine sector of capture fishery production. This study is to investigate the relationships between the climate changes and fish production in Depok village. Data on the climate change and the annual yield of fish’s production during the period 2016 to 2017 were analysed. The result shows that there was a significant correlation between the climate change and annual fish yield or catch with r = 0.64 and p=0.013. The study also reveals a decreasing production from 4028 kg in 2016 to 3600 kg in 2017 of fish caught in just over one year period. This study contributes recommendations for Government agencies by providing data and information related to temperature and climate changes for fishermen. In brief, government agencies need to develop information systems for monitoring the alarming sea conditions.
The emerging science of electrosynbionics
Authors: Dunn Katherine E
Published: March 2020

Dramatic changes in electricity generation, use and storage are needed to keep pace with increasing demand while reducing carbon dioxide emissions. There is great potential for application of bioengineering in this area. We have the tools to re-engineer biological molecules and systems, and a significant amount of research and development is being carried out on technologies such as biophotovoltaics, biocapacitors, biofuel cells and biobatteries. However, there does not seem to be a satisfactory overarching term to describe this area, and I propose a new word—‘electrosynbionics’. This is to be defined as: the creation of engineered devices that use components derived from or inspired by biology to perform a useful electrical function. Here, the phrase ‘electrical function’ is taken to mean the generation, use and storage of electricity, where the primary charge carriers may be either electrons or ions. ‘Electrosynbionics’ is distinct from ‘bioelectronics’, which normally relates to applications in sensing, computing or electroceuticals. Electrosynbionic devices have the potential to solve challenges in electricity generation, use and storage by exploiting or mimicking some of the desirable attributes of biological systems, including high efficiency, benign operating conditions and intricate molecular structures.
The health burden of fall, winter and spring extreme heat events in Southern California and contribution of Santa Ana Winds
Authors: Schwarz Lara , Malig Brian , Guzman-Morales Janin , Guirguis Kristen , Ilango Sindana D , Sheridan Paige , Gershunov Alexander , Basu Rupa , Benmarhnia Tarik
Published: March 2020

Background: Extreme heat is associated with increased morbidity but most studies examine this relationship in warm seasons. In Southern California, Santa Ana winds (SAWs) are associated with high temperatures during the fall, winter and spring, especially in the coastal region. Objectives: Our aim was to examine the relationship between hospitalizations and extreme heat events in the fall, winter and spring, and explore the potential interaction with SAWs. Methods: Hospitalizations from 1999–2012 were obtained from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development Patient Discharge Data. A time-stratified case crossover design was employed to investigate the association between off-season heat and hospitalizations for various diagnoses. We examined the additive interaction of SAWs and extreme heat events on hospitalizations. Results: Over 1.5 million hospitalizations occurred in the Southern California coastal region during non-summer seasons. The 99th percentile-based thresholds that we used to define extreme heat events varied from a maximum temperature of 22.8 °C to 35.1 °C. In the fall and spring, risk of hospitalization increased for dehydration (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.45 and OR: 1.47 95% CI: 1.25, 1.71, respectively) and acute renal failure (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.58 and OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.63, respectively) during 1-day extreme heat events. We also found an association between 1-day extreme heat events and hospitalization for ischemic stroke, with the highest risk observed in December. The results indicate that SAWs correspond to extreme heat events, particularly in the winter. Finally, we found no additive interaction with SAWs. Discussion: Results suggest that relatively high temperatures in non-summer months are associated with health burdens for several hospitalization outcomes. Heat action plans should consider decreasing the health burden of extreme heat events year-round.
Exploring sources of uncertainty in premature mortality estimates from fine particulate matter: the case of China
Authors: Giani Paolo , Anav Alessandro , De Marco Alessandra , Feng Zhaozhong , Crippa Paola
Published: March 2020

Atmospheric pollution from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is one of the major concerns in China because of its widespread and harmful impacts on human health. In recent years, multiple studies have sought to estimate the premature mortality burden from exposure to PM2.5 to inform policy decisions. However, different modeling choices have led to a wide array of results, with significant discrepancies both in the total mortality burden and in the confidence intervals. Here, we present a new comprehensive assessment of PM2.5-related mortality for China, which includes quantification of the main sources of variability, as well as of age and province-specific premature mortality trends during 2015–2018. Our approach integrates PM2.5 observations from more than 1600 monitoring stations with the output of a high-resolution (8 km) regional simulation, to accurately estimate PM2.5 fields along with their uncertainty, which is generally neglected. We discuss the sensitivity of mortality estimates to the choice of the exposure-response functions (ERFs), by comparing the widely used integrated exposure response functions (IERs) to the recently developed Global Exposure Mortality Models (GEMMs). By propagating the uncertainty in baseline mortalities, PM2.5 and ERFs under a Monte Carlo framework, we show that the 95% confidence intervals of mortality estimates are considerably wider than previously reported. We thus highlight the need for more epidemiological studies to constrain ERFs and we argue that uncertainty related to PM2.5 estimate should be also incorporated in health impact assessment studies. Although the overall mortality burden remains vast in China (∼1.6 million premature deaths, according to GEMMs), our results suggest that 200 000 premature deaths were avoided and 195 billion US dollars were saved in 2018 compared to 2015, bolstering the mounting evidence about the effectiveness of China’s air quality policies.
EM Modelling Considerations for mm-Wave On-Chip Antennas
Authors: Sagouo Minko Flavien , Stander Tinus
Published: March 2020

We investigate the inaccuracy of resonant frequency (f0
) estimation incurred by some common simplifications in electromagnetic (EM) simulation of mm-wave on-chip antennas. Using an 88 GHz patch antenna as a device under test (DUT), it is found that using a 2.5D planar EM solver produced highly inaccurate results. Including the bulk silicon and thin nitride in the model stack effected an improvement of 0.8% in estimating f0
, while replacing individually modelled via arrays with equivalent blocks, and accounting for the etch factor, marginally improved both the estimation of f0
and reflection coefficient |S11|. It is shown that, with the correct modelling choices, the error in f0
can be reduced to below 50 MHz at E-band, which is within the measurement variation of 880 MHz.
Ionic liquid coated zerovalent manganese nanoparticles with stabilized and enhanced peroxidase-like catalytic activity for colorimetric detection of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Rauf Sajid , Ali Nasir , Tayyab Zuhra , Shah MAK Yousaf , Yang Chang Ping , Hu JF , Kong Weiguang , Huang QA , Hayat Akhtar , Muhammad Nawshad
Published: March 2020

Nanomaterials based colorimetric detection is an area of vital importance in the field of sensing applications. The nanoparticles are the main component of colorimetric sensor in replacing the natural enzyme based sensor. In this context, zero valent nanoparticles have revolutionized the field of optical sensing especially due to easily shift of electron, facile and low cost of preparation, and ease of surface modification. In this work, zero valent manganese nanoparticles (ZV-Mn NPs) are prepared through a simple and very quick method and modulated with new type of ionic liquid (IL). As-prepared materials were characterized through FE-SEM, HR-TEM, BET, FTIR, and XRD. Subsequently, the peroxidase like catalytic activity of pure and modified ZV-Mn NPs to catalyze oxidation of N,N′,N,N′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) investigated. Moreover, the absorbance peak is observed at wavelength 652 nm. The enhanced catalytic activity of ZV-Mn NPs was attributed to the fast transfer of electron mechanism in between substrate and H2O2. The coating of IL on ZV-Mn NPs permitted a low limit of detection 0.2 μM with a linear range of 10–280 μM. This work can find wide spread interest in the colorimetric sensing applications. In order to verify the successful demonstration of H2O2 sensor, we have applied it in the dairy milk products with satisfactory results.
Computing isomorphisms between lattices
Authors: Hofmann Tommy , Johnston Henri
Published: March 2020

LetKKbe a number field, letAAbe a finite-dimensional semisimpleKK-algebra, and letΛ\Lambdabe anOK\mathcal {O}_{K}-order inAA. It was shown in previous work that, under certain hypotheses onAA, there exists an algorithm that for a given (left)Λ\Lambda-latticeXXeither computes a free basis ofXXoverΛ\Lambdaor shows thatXXis not free overΛ\Lambda. In the present article, we generalize this by showing that, under weaker hypotheses onAA, there exists an algorithm that for two givenΛ\Lambda-latticesXXandYYeither computes an isomorphismX→YX \rightarrow Yor determines thatXXandYYare not isomorphic. The algorithm is implemented inMagmaforA=Q[G]A=\mathbb {Q}[G],Λ=Z[G]\Lambda =\mathbb {Z}[G], andΛ\Lambda-latticesXXandYYcontained inQ[G]\mathbb {Q}[G], whereGGis a finite group satisfying certain hypotheses. This is used to investigate the Galois module structure of rings of integers and ambiguous ideals of tamely ramified Galois extensions ofQ\mathbb {Q}with Galois group isomorphic toQ8×C2Q_{8} \times C_{2}, the direct product of the quaternion group of order88and the cyclic group of order 22.
Crystallization for Coulomb and Riesz interactions as a consequence of the Cohn-Kumar conjecture
Authors: Petrache Mircea , Serfaty Sylvia
Published: March 2020

The Cohn-Kumar conjecture states that the triangular lattice in dimension 2, the

E
8

E_8

lattice in dimension 8, and the Leech lattice in dimension 24 are universally minimizing in the sense that they minimize the total pair interaction energy of infinite point configurations for all completely monotone functions of the squared distance. This conjecture was recently proved by Cohn-Kumar-Miller-Radchenko-Viazovska in dimensions 8 and 24. We explain in this note how the conjecture implies the minimality of the same lattices for the Coulomb and Riesz renormalized energies as well as jellium and periodic jellium energies, hence settling the question of their minimization in dimensions 8 and 24.
A framework to increase prescription capture from health-system clinics
Authors: Chmielewski Eric , Cesarz Joseph L
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To develop and implement an interprofessional framework to increase the capture of health system–generated prescriptions within health system–owned pharmacies.

Low prescription capture rates within a health system’s internal pharmacies led to an interdisciplinary process improvement effort. A framework was developed to assess the baseline prescription capture rate, select clinics for improvement, understand clinic workflows and key drivers of pharmacy selection, design strategies to increase prescription capture, implement targeted efforts, and measure the effectiveness of the intervention(s). Employing this framework provided revised workflows for nursing and medical assistant staff scripting and for referral of patients to internal pharmacies. These workflows were pilot tested at 3 system clinics. Results indicated that overall prescription capture increased by 2.9 to 4.1 percentage points (range, 10 to 86 prescriptions per month) and specialty prescription capture increased by 11.6 to 26.7 percentage points (range, 4 to 26 prescriptions per month) for each clinic within the first 2 months. A total of 99 new patients were referred to internal pharmacies within the first month.

Conclusion

Development and implementation of a framework to increase prescription capture from health system clinics helped increase capture, enhanced clinic engagement and knowledge about pharmacy services, and supported positive clinic-pharmacy relationships.
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) nest phenology influenced by drought on nonbreeding grounds
Authors: Porro Catie M , Desmond Martha J , Savidge Julie A , Abadi Fitsum , Cruz-McDonnell Kirsten K , Davis Jennifer L , Griebel Randall L , Ekstein Rebecca T , Rodríguez Nancy Hernandez
Published: March 2020

Migratory birds are demonstrating changes in phenology linked to climate change. Understanding these changes requires connecting events that occur over the multiple regions occupied during their annual cycle. The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a species of concern in North America, with pronounced declines in regions of the Great Plains. Using a dataset that spanned 10 breeding sites from South Dakota to northern Mexico in various years during 1989–2017, we observed both advances and delays in nesting along with increasing variation in nest initiation dates. We examined the effects of a large-scale climate system (El Niño Southern Oscillation), drought, and local weather patterns throughout the annual cycle as potential predictors of early and late nesting. Moisture conditions during the winter and spring migratory period had the greatest influence on nest phenology. Years with more intense drought on winter and migratory grounds increased the probability of nests initiating late relative to early. Correspondingly, wet conditions were associated with an increased probability of early nest initiation. Drought likely has cascading ecological effects that negatively influence food abundance for Burrowing Owls, resulting in delays in the ability of individuals to meet energetic demands required for migration. How climate change will impact Burrowing Owl phenology is important considering a projected increase in the magnitude and frequency of drought and declining owl population trends.
Rapid Detection and Characterization of Steroidal Saponins in the Root of Asparagus cochinchinensis by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Electrospray Ionization and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ling Yun , He Xin , Jiang Renliang , Zhang Qi , Yuan Shuqin , Liang Yao , Li Chuan , Zhao Yanlin , Zhang Qing , Liu Keyue
Published: March 2020

The dried root of Asparagus cochinchinensis (RAC) has been used as an important traditional Chinese medicine for a long time in China. Steroidal saponins (SSs) are considered to be the main active ingredients of this herb. However, the isolation and structural determination of SSs from RAC are time-consuming and laborious. For this reason, the development of new methods for the separation and characterization of SSs is highly desirable. In this study, a new high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) method with precursor ions and the corresponding fragment ions was developed for the identification of SSs in RAC. Finally, 30 SSs have been detected and identified, including 17 potential new compounds. This is the first systematic study of SSs in RAC by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS method.
Clinical Characteristics of Refractory Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Mo Pingzheng , Xing Yuanyuan , Xiao Yu , Deng Liping , Zhao Qiu , Wang Hongling , Xiong Yong , Cheng Zhenshun , Gao Shicheng , Liang Ke , Luo Mingqi , Chen Tielong , Song Shihui , Ma Zhiyong , Chen Xiaoping , Zheng Ruiying , Cao Qian , Wang Fan , Zhang Yongxi
Published: March 2020

Background

Since December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe adult respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, occurred in Wuhan, and rapidly spread throughout China. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of patients with refractory COVID-19.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center study, we included 155 consecutive patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from 1 January to 5 February. The cases were divided into general and refractory COVID-19 groups according to the clinical efficacy of treatment after hospitalization, and the differences between groups were compared.

Results

Compared with patients with general COVID-19 (45.2%), those with refractory disease were older, were more likely to be male, and had more underlying comorbid conditions, a lower incidence of fever, higher maximum temperatures among patients with fever, higher incidences of shortness of breath and anorexia, more severe disease assessment at admission, higher neutrophil, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and C-reactive protein levels, lower platelet counts and albumin levels, and higher incidences of bilateral pneumonia and pleural effusion (P < .05). Patients with refractory COVID-19 were more likely to receive oxygen, mechanical ventilation, expectorant, and adjunctive treatment, including corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, and immune enhancers (P < .05). Considering the factors of disease severity at admission, mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit transfer, patients with refractory COVID-19 were also more likely to be male, have manifestations of anorexia on admission, and receive oxygen, expectorant, and adjunctive agents (P < .05).

Conclusion

In nearly 50% of patients with COVID-19 obvious clinical and radiological remission was not achieved within 10 days after hospitalization. Male, anorexia, and no fever at admission was predictive of poor treatment efficacy.
Accelerometer-measured physical activity and functional behaviours among people on dialysis
Authors: Nawab Khizr A , Storey Benjamin C , Staplin Natalie , Walmsley Rosemary , Haynes Richard , Sutherland Sheera , Crosbie Sarah , Pugh Christopher W , Harper Charlie H S , Landray Martin J , Doherty Aiden , Herrington William G
Published: March 2020

Background

The feasibility of wrist-worn accelerometers, and the patterns and determinants of physical activity, among people on dialysis are uncertain.

Methods

People on maintenance dialysis were fitted with a wrist-worn AxivityAX3 accelerometer. Subsets also wore a 14-day electrocardiograph patch (Zio®PatchXT) and wearable cameras. Age-, sex- and season-matched UK Biobank control groups were derived for comparison.

Results

Median (interquartile range) accelerometer wear time for the 101 recruits was 12.5 (10.4–13.5) days, of which 73 participants (mean age 66.5 years) had excellent wear on both dialysis and non-dialysis days. Mean (standard error) overall physical activity levels were 15.5 (0.7) milligravity units (mg), 14.8 (0.7) mg on dialysis days versus 16.2 (0.8) mg on non-dialysis days. This compared with 28.1 (0.5) mg for apparently healthy controls, 23.4 (0.4) mg for controls with prior cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or diabetes mellitus and 22.9 (0.6) mg for heart failure controls. Each day, we estimated that those on dialysis spent an average of about 1 hour (h/day) walking, 0.6 h/day engaging in moderate-intensity activity, 0.7 h/day on light tasks, 13.2 h/day sedentary and 8.6 h/day asleep. Older age and self-reported leg weakness were associated with decreased levels of physical activity, but the presence of prior CVD, arrhythmias and listing for transplantation were not.

Conclusions

Wrist-worn accelerometers are an acceptable and reliable method to measure physical activity in people on dialysis and may also be used to estimate functional behaviours. Among people on dialysis, who are broadly half as active as general population controls, age and leg weakness appear to be more important determinants of low activity levels than CVD.
Bee Visitation on Flowers in Maine, United States, Reveals the Relative Attractiveness of Plants Through Space and Time: Part I
Authors: Dibble Alison C , Drummond Francis A , Stack Lois Berg
Published: March 2020

Bee reservoirs can be effective in agricultural and habitat restoration projects, but the relative attractiveness of plants is not fully understood. To improve plant selection with better knowledge of spatial, temporal, and competition aspects, we tested up to 90 plant subjects from 2012 to 2015 at four sites in Maine. We recognized Apis mellifera L., Bombus ternarius Say, 1837, ‘Most Bombus’ (except B. ternarius), ‘Halictidae’ and ‘Other Bees’ (collectively the so-called ‘bee groups’) on open flowers in three 1-min periods per site and day, with numerous repeated observations per plant taxon. In 14,311 observations, we recorded 17,792 bees in 61 species. Most-visited plants included Asclepias tuberosa, Borago officinalis, Clethra alnifolia cv. Hummingbird (especially by A. mellifera), Melilotus officinalis, Origanum vulgare, Rosa palustris (especially before 1400 hours), Spiraea alba var. latifolia, and taxa in the family Asteraceae. Early-flowering shrubs were visited, especially by ‘Other Bees’. Bee groups each ranked plants uniquely, with some overlap, and differed in most-visited of six plant taxa that we had included in all 4 yr and sites. For ‘All Bees’ among 84 plant taxa, the most-visited plants were M. officinalis (June), A. tuberosa (July), and C. alnifolia (August). Indicator Species Analysis revealed low bee fidelity to host plants for all but a few plant taxa. Apis mellifera differed from native bees in plants it visited intensively, with some overlap (e.g., A. tuberosa), and was associated with increased visitation on seven plant taxa by ‘Most Bombus’ and B. ternarius.
Plant Origin and Other Attributes Impact Bee Forage Patterns in a Common Garden Study in Maine, United States; Part II
Authors: Dibble Alison C , Drummond Francis A , Stack Lois Berg
Published: March 2020

In a common garden study in Maine from 2012 to 2015, we used two bee species (Apis mellifera L. and Bombus ternarius Say (1837)) and three field-recognizable bee categories (‘Most Bombus’, ‘Halictidae’, and ‘Other Bees’) plus an ‘All Bees’ data aggregation to compare 17 native and 68 introduced plant taxa. Data were from three 1-min timed periods per flowering plant taxon on a given day at a site. We observed 17,792 bees and found that their response varied by bee species or group. Using mixed models to analyze our data, we found that native bees had higher visitation rates on native plants, while A. mellifera visited both native and introduced plants. Most groups visited native late-flowering and native mid-late-flowering plants at higher rates. ‘All Bees’ were attracted to native perennials (vs annuals and shrubs) and to tall plants, both native and introduced; A. mellifera was attracted to introduced perennials, to introduced tall plants, and to lower-growing native plants. Asclepias tuberosa L. elicited a strong response from B. ternarius. In only two of six pairs of wild types and cultivars, bees visited wild types more. Plants with long bloom periods and with small, densely arranged white flowers attracted higher bee visitation than did other configurations (e.g., Origanum vulgare L., one of our most attractive taxa). A general linear model showed that linear combinations of flower density, floral resource height, flower corolla depth, and flowering duration explained significant variation in visitation rates for each of the different bee taxa groups.
Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein exacerbates cerebral ischaemia injury by disrupting the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Liao Boya , Geng Leiluo , Zhang Fang , Shu Lingling , Wei Ling , Yeung Patrick K K , Lam Karen S L , Chung Sookja K , Chang Junlei , Vanhoutte Paul M , Xu Aimin , Wang Kai , Hoo Ruby L C
Published: March 2020

Aims

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) is an adipokine implicating in various metabolic diseases. Elevated circulating levels of A-FABP correlate positively with poor prognosis in ischaemic stroke (IS) patients. No information is available concerning the role of A-FABP in the pathogenesis of IS. Experiments were designed to determine whether or not A-FABP mediates blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and if so, to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying this deleterious effects.

Methods and results

Circulating A-FABP and its cerebral expression were increased in mice after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of A-FABP alleviated cerebral ischaemia injury with reduced infarction volume, cerebral oedema, neurological deficits, and neuronal apoptosis; BBB disruption was attenuated and accompanied by reduced degradation of tight junction proteins and induction of matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9). In patients with acute IS, elevated circulating A-FABP levels positively correlated with those of MMP-9 and cerebral infarct volume. Mechanistically, ischaemia-induced elevation of A-FABP selectively in peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages and cerebral resident microglia promoted MMP-9 transactivation by potentiating JNK/c-Jun signalling, enhancing degradation of tight junction proteins and BBB leakage. The detrimental effects of A-FABP were prevented by pharmacological inhibition of MMP-9.

Conclusion

A-FABP is a key mediator of cerebral ischaemia injury promoting MMP-9-mediated BBB disruption. Inhibition of A-FABP is a potential strategy to improve IS outcome.
Age-structured bioeconomic model for strategic interaction: an application to pomfret stock in the Arabian/Persian Gulf
Authors: Ben-Hasan A , Walters C , Christensen V , Munro G , Sumaila U R , Al-Baz A
Published: March 2020

When fish stocks migrate across multiple exclusive economic zones (EEZs), they compel managers to examine management at both national and international levels. A strategic interaction emerges when the fishing activity of one country impacts fishing opportunities available for other countries sharing the stock. Left unaddressed, strategic interaction could lead to overexploitation and suboptimal payoffs. Here, we develop and apply a bioeconomic model to address the competitive fishing for silver pomfret in the Arabian/Persian Gulf—a highly commercial fish stock shared between Kuwait and Iran—and evaluate biological–economic trade-offs under competition, cooperation, and country-independent management using maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and fishing mortality that maintain MSY (Fmsy) policies. When cooperation involves an equal share of the overall Fmsy or a share based on the proportion of the stock available in each EEZ, countries are expected to cooperate given the substantially higher catch, biomass, and relative profits compared to other management regimes. However, other than these two arrangements, countries would favour different regimes. Besides providing policy insights to improve the perilous status of silver pomfret, our approach could be useful in exploring alternative fishing arrangements to sustainably harvest a transboundary fish stock while maximizing average yields.
Convergence analysis of high-order commutator-free quasi-Magnus exponential integrators for nonautonomous linear Schrödinger equations
Authors: Blanes Sergio , Casas Fernando , González Cesáreo , Thalhammer Mechthild
Published: March 2020

This work is devoted to the derivation of a convergence result for high-order commutator-free quasi-Magnus (CFQM) exponential integrators applied to nonautonomous linear Schrödinger equations; a detailed stability and local error analysis is provided for the relevant special case where the Hamilton operator comprises the Laplacian and a regular space-time-dependent potential. In the context of nonautonomous linear ordinary differential equations, CFQM exponential integrators are composed of exponentials involving linear combinations of certain values of the associated time-dependent matrix; this approach extends to nonautonomous linear evolution equations given by unbounded operators. An inherent advantage of CFQM exponential integrators over other time integration methods such as Runge–Kutta methods or Magnus integrators is that structural properties of the underlying operator family are well preserved; this characteristic is confirmed by a theoretical analysis ensuring unconditional stability in the underlying Hilbert space and the full order of convergence under low regularity requirements on the initial state. Due to the fact that convenient tools for products of matrix exponentials such as the Baker–Campbell–Hausdorff formula involve infinite series and thus cannot be applied in connection with unbounded operators, a certain complexity in the investigation of higher-order CFQM exponential integrators for Schrödinger equations is related to an appropriate treatment of compositions of evolution operators; an effective concept for the derivation of a local error expansion relies on suitable linearisations of the evolution equations for the exact and numerical solutions, representations by the variation-of-constants formula and Taylor series expansions of parts of the integrands, where the arising iterated commutators determine the regularity requirements on the problem data.
A 55-Day-Old Female Infant Infected With 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease: Presenting With Pneumonia, Liver Injury, and Heart Damage
Authors: Cui Yuxia , Tian Maolu , Huang Dong , Wang Xike , Huang Yuying , Fan Li , Wang Liang , Chen Yun , Liu Wenpu , Zhang Kai , Wu Yue , Yang Zhenzhong , Tao Jing , Feng Jie , Liu Kaiyu , Ye Xianwei , Wang Rongpin , Zhang Xiangyan , Zha Yan
Published: March 2020

Background

Previous studies on the pneumonia outbreak caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were mainly based on information from adult populations. Limited data are available for children with COVID-19, especially for infected infants.

Methods

We report a 55-day-old case with COVID-19 confirmed in China and describe the identification, diagnosis, clinical course, and treatment of the patient, including the disease progression from day 7 to day 11 of illness.

Results

This case highlights that children with COVID-19 can also present with multiple organ damage and rapid disease changes.

Conclusions

When managing such infant patients with COVID-19, frequent and careful clinical monitoring is essential.
Emergence and genomic characterization of the ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae FC428 clone in Chengdu, China
Authors: Wang Hongren , Wang Youwei , Yong Gang , Li Xueru , Yu Linchong , Ma Shuaijing , Luo Tao
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To verify the contribution of the globally disseminated Neisseria gonorrhoeae FC428 clone to the emergence of ceftriaxone resistance in Chengdu in south-west China during 2018.

Methods

Antimicrobial susceptibility of the N. gonorrhoeae isolates to six antibiotics was determined using the agar dilution method. A real-time PCR assay and WGS were used to identify the FC428 clone. Phylogenomic and molecular antimicrobial resistance analyses were conducted to characterize the transmission and evolution of related strains.

Results

Four out of 112 N. gonorrhoeae isolates were confirmed as the ceftriaxone-resistant FC428 clone. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that they resulted from multiple introductions and subsequent local transmissions. The strains have undergone further evolutions characterized by the accumulation of mutations in resistance-associated genes and/or the acquisition of plasmids encoding penicillin and tetracycline resistance genes.

Conclusions

The N. gonorrhoeae FC428 clone has spread to south-west China. Efforts should be made to enhance gonococcal antimicrobial surveillance to control further dissemination of this successful clone at both local and national levels.
Development and Validation of Multiclass Chiral Pesticide Residues Analysis Method in Tea by QuEChERS Combined Liquid Chromatography Quadruple-Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liu Hongcheng , Lin Tao , Li Qiwan
Published: March 2020

Background

No single pure enantiomeric pesticide residues was investigated and set regulations for tea quality safety and risk assessment.

Objective

Due to lack of chiral pesticide analysis method and data, the Maximum residue limits (MRLs) about the chiral pesticides in tea was unknown.

Method

An analytical method for the determination of chiral pesticide residues by QuEChERS combined chiral liquid chromatography quadruple/linear ion trap mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS-Qtrap) was developed and applied to the analysis of various teas.

Results

The mean recoveries for pesticides enantiomers ranged from 75.9% to 112.4%. Reproducibility represented by relative standard deviation percentage was 10% or less. Good linearity was achieved for all enantiomers with determination coefficients (r2) greater than 0.99. The detection of limit (CCα) and quantification of limit (CCβ) were 0.2 ∼1 µg/kg and 0.5∼5 µg/kg, respectively.

Conclusions

The method was suitable for monitoring the enantiomeric pesticide residues in various teas.

Highlights

Enantioselective multiclass pesticide residues were determined in various teas by LC-MS/MS-Qtrap, additional Qtrap scan functions greatly enhance the performance of screening, confirmation, and identification of chiral pesticides.
Like Parents, Like Offspring? Susceptibility to Bt Toxins, Development on Dual-Gene Bt Cotton, and Parental Effect of Cry1Ac on a Nontarget Lepidopteran Pest
Authors: Rabelo Marcelo M , Matos João Marcus L , Orozco-Restrepo Silvana M , Paula-Moraes Silvana V , Pereira Eliseu José G
Published: March 2020

An important step to devise appropriate pest management strategies for armyworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) crops is to determine the lethal, sublethal, and parental effects of Bt toxins on target and nontarget pest species. Here we documented the susceptibility of black armyworm, Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker), to three Cry toxins and its life-history traits feeding on dual-toxin Bt cotton and an artificial diet containing sublethal concentrations of Cry1Ac. In concentration–response bioassays, black armyworm larvae showed low susceptibility to Cry toxins, with 853 ng/cm2 as the lowest value estimated for the median lethal concentration (LC50). The decreasing rank of toxicity was Cry1F, Cry2Aa, and Cry1Ac. Foliage of dual-toxin Bt cotton varieties (Cry1Ac + Cry1F and Cry1Ab + Cry2Ae) caused higher larval mortality than Cry1Ac-expressing cotton. Black armyworms showed reduced larval weight when growing on the Cry1Ac-treated diet, yet they reached adulthood and produced offspring. Interestingly, these larvae were grown on the control diet and showed reduced weight gain associated with the toxin exposure of the previous generation, indicating a parental effect of the exposure to Cy1Ac. The reduced larval weight was recovered in later instars, and there was no significant change in the population fitness of the parental armyworms or their offspring. To our knowledge, this is the first study documenting the parental effects of Bt toxins in insects. These results advance our understanding of potential responses of nontarget species when exposed to Bt toxins and contribute to design pest management programs for armyworms and other nontarget lepidopteran species exposed to Bt crops.