scholarly journals Measuring Spatial and Temporal PM2.5 Variations in Sacramento, California, Communities Using a Network of Low-Cost Sensors

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (21) ◽  
pp. 4701 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anondo Mukherjee ◽  
Steven G. Brown ◽  
Michael C. McCarthy ◽  
Nathan R. Pavlovic ◽  
Levi G. Stanton ◽  
...  

Low-cost sensors can provide insight on the spatio-temporal variability of air pollution, provided that sufficient efforts are made to ensure data quality. Here, 19 AirBeam particulate matter (PM) sensors were deployed from December 2016 to January 2017 to determine the spatial variability of PM2.5 in Sacramento, California. Prior to, and after, the study, the 19 sensors were deployed and collocated at a regulatory air monitoring site. The sensors demonstrated a high degree of precision during all collocated measurement periods (Pearson R2 = 0.98 − 0.99 across all sensors), with little drift. A sensor-specific correction factor was developed such that each sensor reported a comparable value. Sensors had a moderate degree of correlation with regulatory monitors during the study (R2 = 0.60 − 0.68 at two sites). In a multi-linear regression model, the deviation between sensor and reference measurements of PM2.5 had the highest correlation with dew point and relative humidity. Sensor measurements were used to estimate the PM2.5 spatial variability, finding an average pairwise coefficient of divergence of 0.22 and a range of 0.14 to 0.33, indicating mostly homogeneous distributions. No significant difference in the average sensor PM concentrations between environmental justice (EJ) and non-EJ communities (p value = 0.24) was observed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 145 ◽  
pp. 14842-14852
Author(s):  
POHE Jean ◽  
MIAN Jacques Dutron ◽  
OKOU Staelle Florence Famisso

RESUME Objectif : Cette étude a été menée pour évaluer le niveau de la pourriture brune, de suivre son évolution dans les plantations, au niveau des différentes parties du cacaoyer et de préciser l’emplacement des lésions sur les différentes cabosses infectées dans les cacaoyères dans le Département d’Aboisso Sud-est de la Côte d’Ivoire. Méthodologie et résultats : Cinq plantations ont été choisies avec dans chacune vingt plants mis en observation et sur lesquels trois parties ont été délimitées : le bas, le milieu et les branches. Sur chaque cabosse infectée la lésion est soit, proximale, latérale ou distale. Le dispositif est donc en blocs de Fischer avec un arrangement factoriel, 2 facteurs (localisation des cabosses dans l’arbre et la position des lésions sur les cabosse) avec chacun 3 niveaux soit, 9 traitements avec 5 répétions. L’analyse des taux des affections à Phytophthora donne une différence hautement significative d’une part entre les localisations des cabosses dans l’arbre et d’autre part, entre les positions des lésions sur les cabosses. Aussi, la position des lésions sur les cabosses diffère-t-elle selon la localisation de celles-ci dans l’arbre (p-value < 1%). Conclusion : La pourriture brune sévit de façon endémique dans le département d’Aboisso. Les cabosses sur le tronc, notamment celles qui sont vers le bas, s’avèrent les plus vulnérables. Les lésions distales sont préférentiellement situées sur les cabosses vers le bas du tronc, alors que les proximales sont en grand nombre sur le milieu du tronc et les branches. Les Phytophthora étant des organismes telluriques, l’importance de leurs attaques sur les cabosses et sur les parties de celles-ci proches du sol, source d’inoculum primaire s’avérerait inévitable. Application actuelle et potentielle des résultats : A partir de ces résultats, il convient de recommander d’éviter l’abandon de la protection avec des fongicides appropriés de la cacaoyère de cette localité comme ont tendance à le faire certains planteurs. Aussi, les applications de fongicides, surtout ceux de contact, par atomisation ne doivent-ils pas être dirigées seulement dans les branches mais également sur le tronc et surtout vers le bas des pieds des arbres. Mots clés : pourriture brune, dynamique, cacaoyer, Aboisso, Côte d’Ivoire ABSTRACT Spatio-temporal dynamics of the brown rot of cocoa pots due to phytophthora sp. in the department of Aboisso (Cote d'Ivoire) Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the level of brown rot, monitor its evolution in plantations, at the level of different parts of the cocoa tree and to specify the location of the lesions on the different pods infected in the cocoa farms in the Department. of Aboisso South-east of Ivory Coast. Methodology and results: Five plantations were selected, each of which had twenty plants under observation and on which three parts were delineated: the bottom, the middle and the branches. On each infected pod the lesion is proximal, lateral or distal. The device is therefore in Fischer blocks with a factorial arrangement, 2 factors (location of the pods in the tree and the position of the lesions on the pod) with each 3 levels, i.e. 9 treatments with 5 repetitions. The analysis of the Phytophthora disease rates gives a highly significant difference between the location of the pods in the tree and between the positions of the lesions on the pods. Also, the position of the lesions on the pods differs according to the location of these in the tree (p-value <1%). Conclusion: Brown rot is endemic in the Aboisso department. Pods on the trunk, especially those that are down, are the most vulnerable. The distal lesions are preferentially located on the pods down the trunk, while the proximal ones are in large numbers on the middle of the trunk and branches. Phytophthora being telluric organisms, the importance of their attacks on pods and parts of them that are close to the soil, a source of primary inoculum, would be inevitable. Current and Potential Application of Results: From these results, it is advisable to avoid abandoning the protection with appropriate fungicides of the cocoa farm in this locality, as some planters tend to do. Also, the applications of fungicides, especially those of contact, by atomization should not be directed only in the branches but also on the trunk and especially down the feet of the trees. Keywords: brown rot, dynamics, cocoa, Aboisso, Ivory Coast



Soil Systems ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 62 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Manuel Mirás-Avalos ◽  
María Fandiño ◽  
Benjamín J. Rey ◽  
Jorge Dafonte ◽  
Javier J. Cancela

Soil properties show a high spatio-temporal variability, affecting productivity and crop quality within a given field. In new vineyard plantations, with changes in the initial topographic profile, this variability is exacerbated due to the incorporation of soil from different origins and qualities. The aim of the current study was to characterize the variability of soil properties in a newly established vineyard, and delineating zones for site-specific management of fertilization. For this purpose, the soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) in the first 150 cm was measured with an electromagnetic induction sensor. A soil sampling was performed following a regular grid (35 × 35 m, 149 samples), collecting samples down to 40 cm depth for determining soil chemical properties. Spatial variability was assessed through semivariogram calculation and ordinary kriging. The soil properties that better represent the variability in this newly established vineyard were pH, effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), carbon content, clay and ECa. The ECa was homogeneous all over the vineyard, except for the area closer to the river where a greater human intervention had occurred, with contributions of external soil at a greater depth. Soil properties showed a great spatial variability. Interpolated maps allowed for detecting areas with a lack of nutrients in which a differential fertilization could be performed in search of a sustainable and balanced production. The information provided by the maps of pH, ECEC and carbon and potassium contents allow for performing a differential management of the vineyard in terms of fertilization. In addition, the results obtained suggest that the vineyard should be divided into two sectors for a differential irrigation management. The ECa was not significantly correlated to most of the soil properties determined in the current study; however, it allowed for a low-cost mapping of the vineyard soil and established large areas of management within the vineyard.



2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 630-636
Author(s):  
Bhargavi Kamineni ◽  
Anusha Tanniru ◽  
Venkateshwarlu Vardhelli ◽  
Deepak Sharma ◽  
Dinesh Pawale ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Early diagnosis and appropriate management of neonatal jaundice is crucial in avoiding severe hyperbilirubinemia and brain injury. A low-cost, minimally invasive, point-of-care (PoC) tool for total bilirubin (TB) estimation which can be useful across all ranges of bilirubin values and all settings is the need of the hour. Objective To assess the accuracy of Bilistick system, a PoC device, for measurement of TB in comparison with estimation by spectrophotometry. Design/methods In this cross-sectional clinical study, in infants who required TB estimation, blood samples in 25-µl sample transfer pipettes were collected at the same time from venous blood obtained for laboratory bilirubin estimation. The accuracy of Bilistick in estimating TB within ±2 mg/dl of bilirubin estimation by spectrophotometry was the primary outcome. Results Among the enrolled infants, 198 infants were eligible for study analysis with the mean gestation of 36 ± 2.3 weeks and the mean birth weight of 2368 ± 623 g. The median age at enrollment was 68.5 h (interquartile range: 48–92). Bilistick was accurate only in 54.5% infants in measuring TB within ±2 mg/dl difference of TB measured by spectrophotometry. There was a moderate degree of correlation between the two methods (r = 0.457; 95% CI: 0.339–0.561, p value &lt; 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis showed a mean difference of 0.5 mg/dl (SD ± 4.4) with limits of agreement between −8.2 and +9.1 mg/dl. Conclusion Bilistick as a PoC device is not accurate to estimate TB within the clinically acceptable difference (±2 mg/dl) of TB estimation by spectrophotometry and needs further improvement to make it more accurate.



Author(s):  
Mauricio Leonardi da Silva Dias ◽  
Danilo Jun Kadosaki ◽  
Igor Santos de Souza ◽  
Joacy Pedro Franco David ◽  
Ivete Furtado Ribeiro Caldas ◽  
...  

Abstract: Introduction: The Red Reflex Test (RRT) consists of visualizing the reflection that light causes in the retina when it passes through the pupil. It is a screening test for pathologies that can lead to blindness, which still have great social and economic impact on families and the government. Teaching through simulators allows students and health professionals to acquire and improve their clinical skills. Objective: The aim of the study is to develop a low-cost dummy, 3D printed and based on the Arduino platform, for the training of the red reflex technique (RRT) in newborns and evaluate its educational effectiveness. Method: A RRT dummy was presented to 7 expert judges: 6 pediatricians and 1 ophthalmologist to evaluate its applicability in medical learning. For this purpose, they used a 14-item Likert scale of 5 points. Subsequently, 40 individuals participated in a course: 33 medical students, 5 pediatric residents, a nurse and a general physician. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: control (CG) and experimental (EG) group. Each group consisted of 20 participants. The EG went through 4 stages: 1) theoretical background; 2) handling of the simulator; 3) simulated clinical practice and; 4) evaluation in real-life patients. Whereas the CG went through the following teaching methodological processes: 1) theoretical background; 2) direct training in real-life patients and; 4) practical evaluation in a real-life patient. After each respective group intervention, both groups were assessed on their learning in 40 newborns at Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará Foundation in Belém, state of Pará, Brazil. Results: At the judges’ evaluation regarding the simulator positive items (design, similarity, interest, relevance, content, memorization, didactics, previous reminiscence, comprehension and application), 49.2% answered ‘strongly agree’ and 44.4%, ‘agree’. Regarding the negative questions (difficulty in understanding, information overload, abstraction, difficulty in handling and clarity of operation), 40.0% answered ‘strongly disagree’, and 57.1%, ‘disagree’. The judges were 94.9% favorable to the use of the simulator in medical education. However, comparing the two groups of students, regarding the time of exam, the results showed no statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.29). Conclusions: The dummy showed its applicability for the learning of RRT, with the advantage of being able to perform the exam without having to disturb a real-life patient.



2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Dini Kesuma

Synthesis of the 4-chlorobenzoylthiourea compound was carried out by acylating thiourea with 4-chlorobenzoyl chloride. The 4-chlorobenzoylthiourea compound  will increase the lipophilic and the electronic properties other than the lead compounds of benzoylthiourea in order to, by expectation, raise the central nervous system depressant as well. The lipophilic would affect the ability of the compounds in penetrating biological membranes, which is highly dependent on the solubility of the drug within lipid/water. Log P is the most common method used in determining the parameter value. This experiment was to mix two dissolvents (octanol and water) which are immissible. The both levels of the compounds were carefully observed by a spectrophotometer UV-Vis. From the test, the result of log P value of the 4-chlorobenzoylthiourea compound was 2.32, while the theoretical log P value of the compounds, by using the π Hansch-Fujita method is 1.62 and the f Rekker-Mannhold method is 2.225. Consequently, the result of the test shows that there is a significant difference between the progress experiment and both theoretical log P methods. Moreover, in the test of the central nervous system depressant through the potentiation test to thiopental using mice indicates that the 4-chlorobenzoylthiourea compound have potentiation effects to thiopental compared to the lead compounds of benzoylthiourea.



Author(s):  
Eliyas Sulaiman Mohandas ◽  
Nik Mastura Nik Ismail Azlan ◽  
Salwa Othman ◽  
Muhammad Aizat Azhari

This study aims to investigate whether the use of six selected short stories throughout the duration of a 14-week course could enhance students’ reading comprehension achievement at the end of the semester. Out of the six short stories read, three were chosen as in-class assignments known as ‘Personal Reading Logs’ (hereafter, PRLs). One group of semester two Diploma students taking a reading skills course was selected through a convenience sampling method. A pre-test was conducted by having the students answer a past semester reading quiz of which the results would then be compared to their post-test (final reading exam) results. A paired samples t-test revealed no significant difference in the reading scores of the pre-test and the post-test, t (17) = -.265, p > .05. Since the p-value was bigger than 0.05, this indicated that the mean reading score of the post-test (M = 50.556) was not significantly higher than the mean reading score of the pre-test (M = 49.722). Therefore, the null hypothesis which stated that there was no difference in the mean score of the pre-test and post-test was retained. Overall, the result refuted the findings of other studies promoting the effectiveness of using short stories to enhance L2 reading comprehension achievement.



Author(s):  
Hilman Syarif

Introduction: Student Centered Learning (SCL) is an effective method to develop student's soft skills and hard skills which are very important to support their successful carrier later. This research was conducted to identify the differences of developed soft skills between students who learn with PBL method and lecturing method. Methods: Descriptive comparative method was used in this study. The samples consisted of 15 students who learned with PBL method and 15 students who learned with lecturing method. The sample for this research was selected by random sampling method. Results: The result showed that the average of student's soft skills score in PBL method was 122.63, while student's soft skills score in lecturing method was 116.27. Discussion & Conclusion: There was significant difference of student's soft skills in PBL method and lecturing method (p value = 0.038; α = 0.05). This study recommends nursing program management, faculty of medicine at the University of Syiah Kuala keeps PBL method running and develops other methods which facilitate hard skills and soft skills are development. Keywords: nursing students, soft skill, PBL



2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 114
Author(s):  
Wahdaniah Wahdaniah ◽  
Sri Tumpuk

Abstract: Routine blood examination is the earliest blood test or screening test to determine the diagnosis of an abnormality. Blood easily froze if it is outside the body and can be prevented by the addition of anticoagulants, one of which Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate (EDTA). Currently available vacuum tubes containing EDTA anticoagulants in the form of K2EDTA and K3EDTA. K3EDTA is usually a salt that has better stability than other EDTA salts because it shows a pH approaching a blood pH of about 6.4. The purpose of this research is to know the difference of erythrocyte index results include MCH, MCV and MCHC using K3EDTA anticoagulant with K2EDTA. This research is a cross sectional design. This study used venous blood samples mixed with K2EDTA anticoagulant and venous blood mixed with K3EDTA anticoagulants, each of 30 samples. Data were collected and analyzed using paired different test. Based on data analysis that has been done on MCH examination, p value <0,05 then there is a significant difference between samples with K3EDTA anticoagulant with K2EDTA to erythrocyte index value. Then on the examination of MCV and MCHC obtained p value <0.05 then there is no significant difference between samples with K3EDTA anticoagulant with K2EDTA to erythrocyte index value.Abstrak: Pemeriksaan darah rutin merupakan pemeriksaan darah yang paling awal atau screening test untuk mengetahui diagnosis suatu kelainan. Darah mudah membeku jika berada diluar tubuh dan bisa dicegah dengan penambahan antikoagulan, salah satunya Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate (EDTA). Dewasa ini telah tersedia tabung vakum yang sudah berisi antikoagulan EDTA dalam bentuk  K2EDTA dan  K3EDTA. K3EDTA  biasanya berupa garam yang mempunyai stabilitas yang lebih baik dari garam EDTA yang lain karena menunjukkan pH yang mendekati pH darah yaitu sekitar 6,4. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui perbedaan hasil indeks eritrosit meliputi MCH, MCV dan MCHC menggunakan antikoagulan K3EDTA dengan K2EDTA. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian dengan desain cross sectional. Penelitian ini menggunakan sampel darah vena yang dicampur dengan antikoagulan K2EDTA dan darah vena yang dicampur dengan antikoagulan K3EDTA, masing-masing sebanyak 30 sampel. Data dikumpulkan dan dianalisis menggunakan uji beda berpasangan. Berdasarkan analisis data yang telah dilakukan pada pemeriksaan MCH didapatkan nilai p < 0,05 maka ada perbedaan yang signifikan antara sampel dengan antikoagulan K3EDTA dengan K2EDTA terhadap nilai indeks eritrosit. Kemudian pada pemeriksaan MCV dan MCHC didapatkan nilai p < 0,05 maka tidak ada perbedaan yang signifikan antara sampel dengan antikoagulan K3EDTA dengan K2EDTA terhadap nilai indeks eritrosit.



2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Aquirina Caesari Putri ◽  
Rozalina Loebis

Background: Pediatric cataracts are major causes of children’s blindness. Surgery has proven to be beneficial in terms of visual function prognosis. Contrast sensitivity evaluation after surgery is as important as visual acuity considering that natural world consists of various objects in low-to-medium contrasts. The purpose of this study is to analyze the difference of contrast sensitivity outcomes based on ages at surgery. Method: Retrospective data of children with pediatric developmental cataract from July 2013 to November 2015 were collected. All children who underwent cataract surgery at 60-months-old or less were randomized into two groups, ≤24 months and >24-to-60 months. Contrast sensitivity was then examined with preferential-looking method using Hiding Heidi low-contrast test face chart. The main outcome measures were contrast sensitivity of both groups. Age-at-evaluation, cataract onset, duration of follow-up, duration of deprivation and visual acuity were also noted. Result: Of 14 children (23 eyes), 11 eyes (47,8%) were in ≤24 months group, 12eyes (52,2%) were in >24-to-60 months group. All eyes underwent cataract extraction and similar type of intraocular lens implantation. Mean age-at-surgery was 28,2 months±16,8 (SD). Mean contrast sensitivity for each group was 47,50 %±42,29 and 18,33%±27,38, respectively, with p-value 0,031. Further analysis of Spearman’s correlation test demonstrated significant negative correlation (rs = -0,559; p = 0,006) between the two groups. Conclusion: There was statistically significant difference in contrast sensitivity between those who underwent surgery at ≤24 months and >24-to-60 months. Children who underwent surgery at older ages tend to have better contrast sensitivity afterwards.



2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tri Nurhudi Sasono

Abstract : Indicator of the health welfare through Sustanable Development Goals (SDGs) is to reduce the incidence of HIV-AIDS, decrease the rate of the epidemic and maintain the quality of life of people living with HIV-AIDS (PLWHA). Trend cases of HIV-AIDS is the most recent spread among people, especially housewives. In Malang until 2015 found 278 Housewife of 409 cases of AIDS. The prevalence of HIV-AIDS in Malang Regency is ranked second after Surabaya city in East Java. For the importance of public participation and citizen care AIDS Cahaya Care Turen take responsibility for the condition. Determination Rule Goverment number 2 2015 year on the Participation of the community response to HIV-AIDS in Malang as a legal rule. Concerned Citizens activities AIDS (WPA). WPA Cahaya Care Turen is increases HIV risk and quality of life PLWHA. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of Citizens AIDS Cahaya Care Quality of Care Turen against people living with HIV in Puskesmas Turen Malang. The study design using a quasi-experimental, with purposive sampling using a sampling technique. Total number of research subjects 23. Based on test results obtained with the Wilcoxon p value <0.005, which means that there is a significant difference before and after PLWHA joining participated in the WPA Cahaya Care Turen. The conclusion of this study is WPA activities involving people living with HIV and at risk groups can optimize compliance with antiretroviral drugs that have an impact on improving the quality of life of PLHIV. Suggestions in this research is done WPA Program activities are structured and ongoing cross-sector in order to improve the quality of life and empower PLWHA.Keywords : WPA Cahaya Care Turen, Quality of life, PLWHA Abstrak : Salah satu indikator kesejahteraan kesehatan melalui Sustanable Development Goals (SDGs) adalah menekan angka kejadian HIV-AIDS, menurunkan laju epidemik dan mempertahankan kualitas hidup Orang dengan HIV-AIDS (ODHA). Trend kasus HIV-AIDS terkini terbanyak adalah menjangkit dikalangan masyarakat khususnya pada ibu rumah tangga. Kabupaten Malang sampai dengan tahun 2015 ditemukan 278 Ibu Rumah Tangga dari 409 kasus AIDS. Prevalensi HIV-AIDS di Kabupaten Malang ini merupakan peringkat kedua di Jawa Timur setelah Kota Surabaya. Untuk itu pentingnya peran serta masyarakat dan warga peduli AIDS Cahaya Care Turen ikut bertanggung jawab terhadap kondisi tersebut. Penetapan Peraturan Bupati Malang no.2 th.2015 tentang Peran serta masyarakat penanggulangan HIV-AIDS di Kabupaten Malang diharapkan dapat mengurangi risiko penularan HIV dan meningkatkan kualitas hidup ODHA. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui Peran Warga Peduli AIDS Cahaya Care Turen terhadap Kualitas ODHA Di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Turen Kabupaten Malang. Desain penelitian menggunakan quasi eksperimen, dengan teknik sampling menggunakan purposive sampling. Jumlah subyek penelitian sejumlah 23. Berdasarkan hasil uji dengan Wilcoxon didapatkan nilai p value < 0.005 yang berarti bahwa terdapat perbedaan bermakna sebelum dan sesudah ODHA bergabung mengikuti kegiatan WPA Cahaya Care Turen. Kesimpulan dalam penelitian ini adalah kegiatan WPA dengan melibatkan ODHA dan kelompok beresiko dapat mengoptimalkan kepatuhan obat ART sehingga berdampak terhadap peningkatan kualitas hidup ODHA. Saran dalam penelitian ini adalah dilakukannya Program kegiatan WPA yang terstruktur dan berkesinambungan lintas sektor guna meningkatkan kualitas hidup dan memberdayakan ODHA.     Kata kunci : WPA Cahaya Care Turen, kualitas hidup, ODHA



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