The Effect of Weather Pattern on the Second Wave of Coronavirus: A cross study between cold and tropical climates of France, Italy, Colombia, and Brazil

This study aims to explore and understand the common belief that COVID infection rate is highly dependent on either the outside temperature and/or the humidity. Thirty-six regions/states from two humid-tropical countries, namely Brazil and Colombia and two countries with temperate climate, France and Italy, are studied over the period of October to December. Daily outside temperature, relative humidity and hospitalization/cases are analyzed using Spearman’s correlation. The eighteen cold regions of France and Italy has seen an average drop in temperature from 10°C to 6°C and 17°C to 7°C, respectively, and France recorded an addition of 2.3 million cases, while Italy recorded an addition of 1.8 million cases. Outside temperature did not fluctuate much in tropical countries, but Brazil and Colombia added 4.17 million and 1.1 million cases, respectively. Köppen–Geiger classification showed the differences in weather pattern between the four countries, and the analysis showed that there is very weak correlation between either outside weather and/or relative humidity alone to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Penerapan Intervensi Mendengarkan Murottal Al-Quran Terhadap Penurunan Tekanan Darah Pada Lansia

Elderly is someone who enters teh age of 60 years or more and experiences physical and physiological changes. Health problems that are commonly experienced by the elderly are hypertension. Hypertension is a health problem characterized by an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of more than 140/90 mmHg. Non-pharmacological action that is useful in reducing blood pressure is listening to murottal Al-Quran therapy. The purpose of the action is to reduce blood pressure in the elderly with hypertension. This research used the case study method of gerontic nursing care with the therapeutic technique of listening to Al-Quran murottal. The application of Al-Quran murottal listening intervention which was carried our for 7 visits was proven to redue blood pressure in the elderly. The first clien’t initial blood pressure was 170/100 mmHg to 120/90 mmHg (the average drop in systolic pressure is 45-50 mmHg and diastolic is 10 mmHg), while the second clien’t initial blood pressure was 175/100 mmHg to 120/100 mmHg(the average drop in systolic pressure is 45-50 mmHg and diastolic is 10 mmHg). this result can be used as a consideration for nurses to provide Al-Quran murottal therapy as an alternative nursing action for the elderly with hypertension.Keywords : Hypertension, Elderly, Al-Quran Murottal listening therapy AbstrakLansia merupakan seseorang yang memasuki usia 60 tahun atau lebih dan mengalami perubahan fisik maupun fisiologis, salah satu masalah kesehatan yang biasa dialami lansia adalah hipertensi. Hipertensi merupakan masalah kesehatan dengan ditandainya kenaikan tekanan darah sistolik dan diastoliknya lebih dari 140/90 mmHg. Tindakan non-farmakologi yang bermafaat dalam penurunan tekanan darah yaitu terapi mendengarkan murottal Al-Quran. Tujuan dilakukan tindakan yaitu untuk menurunkan tekanan darah pada lansia hipertensi. Karya Tulis Ilmiah ini disusun dengan menggunakan metode studi kasus asuhan keperawatan gerontik dengan teknik terapi mendengarkan murottal Al-Quran. Penerapan terapi mendengarkan murottal Al-Quran yang dilakukan selama 7 kali kunjungan terbukti dapat menurunkan tekanan darah pada lansia. Lansia klien 1 dengan tekanan darah awal 170/100 mmHg menjadi 120/90 mmHg (rata-rata penurunan tekanan sistolik 45-50 mmHg dan diastoliknya 10 mmHg), klien lansia 2 dengan tekanan darah awal 175/100 mmHg menjadi 120/100 mmHg mmHg (rata-rata penurunan tekanan sistolik 45-50 mmHg dan diastoliknya 10 mmHg). Perawat diharapkan dapat memberikan terapi Murottal Al-Quran secara maksimal sebagai salah satu alternatif tindakan keperawatan bagi lansia dengan hipertensi.Kata kunci : Hipertensi; Lansia, Terapi Murottal Al-Quran

Evaluating OADM network simulation and an overview based metropolitan application

Using optical add–drop multiplexer/remover multiplexer (OADM), it is possible to add or remove wavelengths and change or route them through the various nodes and networks. At this moment, key problems in add–drop multiplexer (ADM) are the bandwidth, modulation format, and reuse wavelength. In this article, the Optisystem software simulation is used as a platform to design, test, and verify the method applied to the current work; the OADM is proposed based on the metro network to get distribution between nodes over a transmission link; OADM analysis was presented with four channels (193.1, 193.2, 193.3, and 193.4 THz) at total bandwidth of 1.6 Tb/s, none-return-to-zero (NRZ), and return to zero coding types. Experiment one shows that the average output power is −17.997 dBm, the average drop power is −17.997 dBm, and the average add power is −18.338 dBm, the average gain is −0.0429 dB, the average noise figure is 0 dB, the average power input signal is 10.679 dBm, the average of power output signal is 10.633 dBm, and the average output optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) is 0 dB, However, the second experiment shows that the average output power is −24.238 dBm, the average drop power is −24.288 dBm, and the average add power is −24.753 dBm, the average gain is −0.0417 dB, the average noise figure is 0 dB, average power input signal is 7.691 dBm, average of power output signal is 7.677 dBm, and the average output OSNR 0 dB. The system supports four input channels, four add channels, four output channels, and four drop channels. The results are acceptable after three spans of Solitons fiber with 600 km length, 200 km for each span. Nonetheless, it is believed that it is well justified to adopt these schemes in the current optical network with a low cost for overall expenditure.

Do Research Joint Ventures Serve a Collusive Function?

Every year thousands of firms are engaged in research joint ventures (RJV), where all knowledge gained through R&D is shared among members. Most of the empirical literature assumes members are non-cooperative in the product market. But many RJV members are rivals leaving open the possibility that firms may form RJVs to facilitate product market collusion. We examine this by exploiting variation in RJV formation generated by a policy change that affects the collusive benefits but not the research synergies associated with a RJV. We use data on RJVs formed between 1986 and 2001 together with firm-level information from Compustat to estimate a RJV participation equation. After correcting for the endogeneity of R&D and controlling for RJV characteristics and firm attributes, we find the decision to join is impacted by the policy change. We also find the magnitude is significant: the policy change resulted in an average drop in the probability of joining a RJV of $41\%$ among computer and semiconductor manufacturers, $34\%$ among telecommunications firms, and $33\%$ among petroleum refining firms. Our results are consistent with research joint ventures serving a collusive function.

495 Audit on Blood Ordering Requests in Mastectomies: The Need for a Routine Group and Hold

Aim A group and hold (G&H) forms part of the pretransfusion compatibility testing and is commonly requested in anticipation of a possible blood transfusion. Requests made in the context of elective procedures with a low transfusion probability, such as a mastectomy, are associated with added financial burden and increases workload in a healthcare system. This audit aims to analyse the cost-benefit associated with the routine request for a preoperative G&H in patients undergoing mastectomies. Method A total of 100 patients undergoing mastectomies from the period of September 2019 to October 2020 were included in the audit. Data regarding blood order requests, units of blood transfused, perioperative haemoglobin and the type of mastectomy (right, left or bilateral) were collected. Results All patients had a routine G&H as part of their preoperative assessment. The average age in this cohort was 60.3. Right-sided mastectomy was the commonest procedure in this cohort (N = 52). The average preoperative haemoglobin was 13.0g/dL. 2/100 patients received post-operative blood transfusions. The transfusion probability in this cohort was 2%. Only 15% of the cohort had a post-operative haemoglobin level checked. The average drop in haemoglobin in this cohort was 2.3g/dL. Conclusions This audit demonstrates the low prevalence of blood transfusions in patients undergoing mastectomies, consistent with current literature. The projected cost savings associated with selective requests for G&H are significant. However, the implementation of a safe and targeted blood ordering approach in patients with high bleeding risks will require a validated stratification system.

Jumpstarting Health With a 15-Day Whole-Food Plant-Based Program

The 15-day Jumpstart was developed as an evidence-based, affordable, standardized, replicable, and scalable program, designed to demonstrate quickly to patients that changing what they eat can improve their health. The program was designed using the principles of the self-determination theory of motivation and personality. Patients were instructed to eat an Esselstyn-compliant, whole-food plant-based diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Of the 389 participants in the program from September 2018 to February 2020, average weight loss was 5.8 pounds (7.3 for those whose body mass index was >30), average systolic blood pressure drop was 6.8 points (16.8 points for those with systolic blood pressure >140), average drop in cholesterol was 26 points (44 points for those with a cholesterol >200), average drop in low-density lipoprotein was 19 points (33 points for those with a low-density lipoprotein >100), and average drop in fasting blood sugar was 5.1 points (28.4 points for those starting in the diabetic range); P value was <.005 for fasting blood sugar and <.001 for all other comparisons. A 15-day program that helps patients adopt an Esselstyn-style whole-food plant-based diet, through education, individualized medical feedback, social support, and facilitated small group work, rapidly improves health.

The Effect of Reciprocal Teaching Styles on the Ability to Hit Drop Shot in Badminton Games for SMA Negeri 1 Tahuna Students

In teaching, every teacher must master the methods and teaching materials that will be taught to their students. The ability to dribble will be better if students carry out the exercises regularly and are taught to use the correct teaching style and this style is adjusted to the objectives and time available. Operationally the objectives of this study are: The influence of reciprocal teaching style on the ability to hit the drop shot in badminton games for students of SMA Negeri 1 Tahuna. The data presented in this study are the results of measuring the ability to drop shoot in badminton before and after being given treatment in the form of reciprocal teaching styles for the experimental group and pre-test and post-test data for the control group that were not given treatment. The average drop shoot ability of the experimental group is greater than the average drop shoot ability of the control group. This means that the increase in drop shoot ability is really the result of the treatment in the form of a reciprocal teaching style given for eight weeks.

Laying hen mortality in different indoor housing systems: a meta-analysis of data from commercial farms in 16 countries

Societal concern with the welfare of egg laying hens housed in conventional cages is fostering a transition towards cage-free systems in many countries. However, although cage-free facilities enable hens to move freely and express natural behaviours, concerns have also been raised over the possibility that cage-free flocks experience higher mortality, potentially compromising some aspects of their welfare. To investigate this possibility, we conducted a large meta-analysis of laying hen mortality in conventional cages, furnished cages and cage-free aviaries using data from 6040 commercial flocks and 176 million hens from 16 countries. We show that except for conventional cages, mortality gradually drops as experience with each system builds up: since 2000, each year of experience with cage-free aviaries was associated with a 0.35–0.65% average drop in cumulative mortality, with no differences in mortality between caged and cage-free systems in more recent years. As management knowledge evolves and genetics are optimized, new producers transitioning to cage-free housing may experience even faster rates of decline. Our results speak against the notion that mortality is inherently higher in cage-free production and illustrate the importance of considering the degree of maturity of production systems in any investigations of farm animal health, behaviour and welfare.

Telemedicine is an effective way to manage cardiovascular disease in rural Kenya and to achieve universal healthcare

Background Africa faces a growing burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Innovative health tech companies are on the rise in Africa, but to be truly effective they need to cover the patient journey and to involve key stakeholders in the health ecosystem. Purpose To prove that Digital Health could enable rural folk to consult a doctor conveniently, to control NCDs and to access affordable, quality drugs, all part of Universal Healthcare. Methods This was a longitudinal, interventional, comparative study based at a community hospital in Murang'a County. The centre lacks doctors but the local paramedics and nurses carried out initial assessments. Doctors and specialists in Kiambu County were consulted online using the Daktari Africa telemedicine platform, which has regulatory approval and received various awards. Blood pressure and sugar levels were recorded on individual patient profiles. Results 121 consultations were made between January and October 2019: 81 were online (the “Cases”), and 40 were interviewed there who had been seen in the usual way by the local staff (the “Controls”). Of the 81 case consultations, 72 were unique patients, seven were seen twice online, and two were seen three times. Of the Cases 60 (83.3%) were female and 12 (16.6%) were male. The average age was 63 years. 44 (61.1%) were hypertensive and 8 (11.1%) were diabetic. Among the Controls, 27 (67.5%) were female and 13 (32.5%)male. Average age was 54 years. 15 (37.5%) were hypertensive and 10 (25%) diabetic. Between the Cases and the Controls, the p-values of the differences in gender and age were 0.125 and 0.054 respectively, meaning that they were essentially homogeneous. For hypertension, among the Cases the average initial BP was 145/85 mmHg, the average final BP (in a subsequent check) was 143/89 mmHg. The average drop in BP in the Case group was 15.17/8.83 mmHg. In the Control group the average initial BP was 150/91 mmHg, the average final was 147/92 mmHg. The average drop in BP was 3.4/-0.4 mmHg. The difference in drop in BP between the two groups of patients was significant for the systolic BP (p-value = 0.048), but not for the diastolic (p-value = 0.534). While all diabetic Cases were recommended to have HbA1c tests, only 2 (2.5%) managed to. None (0%) of the Controls had HbA1c. (The local laboratories are limited.) The consulting doctors held two live, educative webinars on diabetes for the local paramedics using the same telemedicine platform. And a partnership was entered into with a Kenyan drug manufacturer to ensure access to quality but affordable medication. Conclusions Telemedicine is acceptable in rural African populations. Daktari Africa was effective in improving systolic blood pressure control, and was able to organize educative sessions for the local staff. Quality, affordable medication was made available to patients. These are steps towards universal healthcare. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Pfizer Global Medical Grants

Changes in air quality and human mobility in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic

The first goal of this study is to quantify the magnitude and spatial variability of air quality changes in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. We focus on two pollutants that are federally regulated, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). NO2 and PM2.5 are both primary and secondary pollutants, meaning that they can be emitted either directly into the atmosphere or indirectly from chemical reactions of emitted precursors. NO2 is emitted during fuel combustion by all motor vehicles and airplanes. PM2.5 is emitted by airplanes and, among motor vehicles, mostly by diesel vehicles, such as commercial heavy-duty diesel trucks. Both PM2.5 and NO2 are also emitted by fossil-fuel power plants, although PM2.5 almost exclusively by coal power plants. Observed concentrations at all available ground monitoring sites (240 and 480 for NO2 and PM2.5, respectively) were compared between April 2020, the month during which the majority of US states had introduced some measure of social distancing (e.g., business and school closures, shelter-in-place, quarantine), and April of the prior 5 years, 2015–2019, as the baseline. Large, statistically significant decreases in NO2 concentrations were found at more than 65% of the monitoring sites, with an average drop of 2 parts per billion (ppb) when compared to the mean of the previous 5 years. The same patterns are confirmed by satellite-derived NO2 column totals from NASA OMI, which showed an average drop in 2020 by 13% over the entire country when compared to the mean of the previous 5 years. PM2.5 concentrations from the ground monitoring sites, however, were not significantly lower in 2020 than those in the past 5 years and were more likely to be higher than lower in April 2020 when compared with those in the previous 5 years. After correcting for the decreasing multi-annual concentration trends, the net effect of COVID-19 at the ground stations in April 2020 was a reduction in NO2 concentrations by − 1.3ppb and a slight increase in PM2.5 concentrations by + 0.28 μg/m3. The second goal of this study is to explain the different responses of these two pollutants, i.e., NO2 was significantly reduced but PM2.5 was nearly unaffected, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hypothesis put forward is that the shelter-in-place measures affected people’s driving patterns most dramatically, thus passenger vehicle NO2 emissions were reduced. Commercial vehicles (generally diesel) and electricity demand for all purposes remained relatively unchanged, thus PM2.5 concentrations did not drop significantly. To establish a correlation between the observed NO2 changes and the extent to which people were actually sheltering in place, thus driving less, we used a mobility index, which was produced and made public by Descartes Labs. This mobility index aggregates cell phone usage at the county level to capture changes in human movement over time. We found a strong correlation between the observed decreases in NO2 concentrations and decreases in human mobility, with over 4 ppb decreases in the monthly average where mobility was reduced to near 0 and around 1 ppb decrease where mobility was reduced to 20% of normal or less. By contrast, no discernible pattern was detected between mobility and PM2.5 concentrations changes, suggesting that decreases in personal-vehicle traffic alone may not be effective at reducing PM2.5 pollution.