bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Student Satisfaction on the Consultation Program
Authors: Montebon Richie L. , Bachanicha Rafael M.
Published: June 2022

Understanding student satisfaction with the student services of the department can be useful for higher education institutions in identifying their strengths, and, as well as areas that could be improved. This study determined the customer satisfaction of the consultation program on the College of Hotel and Restaurant Management of University of Cebu-Lapu Lapu and Mandaue, Cebu City, Philippines. This study utilized the descriptive method and weighted mean for summarizing data and used a researcher-made questionnaire. Respondents who had been referred to the program were randomly selected from all year levels. Findings revealed that the overall result on the customer satisfaction was satisfactory. It shows that the consultation program is effective in guiding students who have academic and personal problems. This study also revealed that the faculty as a counselor display willingness in accommodating the students and helpful in giving them advice. It is evident that the program contributed to the existence of the student in leading the right way and is solving problems. With this, the program should be continued so that the students will have a proper venue they can discuss and express their problems and concerns.
Web-Based Strategic Performance Management System for State Universities and Colleges (SUCS)
Authors: Raro Edralin R.
Published: June 2022

Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) aims to facilitate improvement on how management determines the performance of employees. The system is designed to develop a centralized tool to create, supervise, and monitor the performance of employees and heads of offices who are both teaching and non-teaching staff through the completion of their Office Performance Commitment Review (OPCRs) and Individual Performance Commitment and Review (IPCRs). The system used the Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology of developing the project. It is a development lifecycle designed to give faster development and higher-quality results than those achieved with the traditional lifecycle. The prototype development process consists of a series of design and builds steps in which the users have the opportunity to fine-tune the requirements and review the resulting software implementation. In addition to the tested software, construction stage deliverables include documentation and instructions necessary to operate the new application, routines, and procedures needed to put the system into operation. The web-based SPMS is user-friendly which means the suggested forms for organizational and individual commitments and performance are similar and easy to complete. The office, division, and individual major final outputs and success indicators are aligned to cascade organizational goals to individual employees and harmonize organizational and staff performance ratings.
Predictors of Internship Performance among Graduating Teacher Education of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology
Authors: Samonte Kenneth , De Guzman Pastora
Published: June 2022

Internship in the world of teaching is not only the learning tools but also a good chance for students to understand the workplace culture within the school environment. It has been progressively growing regarding its integration into the academic curriculum of higher education institutions and as a prerequisite for graduation locally and internationally. This study aimed to identify the predictors which may contribute to internship performance among graduating teacher education. The researchers used the descriptive research method with the use of questionnaires as the main tools in gathering data. Weighted mean and standard deviation was used in the study. A total of 100 respondents were involved in this study using simple random sampling. Pearson Product Moment (PPM) was used to determine the relationship between the variables. Results showed that internship performance in terms of lesson planning, teaching method, classroom management, communication skills and teachers' personality were assessed outstanding by the respondents. And internship performance in terms of teachers' personality shows significant relationship on the organizational environment. From the findings, it was recommended by the researchers that internship coordinators should conduct regular visitations to ensure that punctuality and attendance are being witnessed and practiced. And it is also recommend that the College of Education should coordinate with the schools and other stakeholders to designate specific individual to manage and supervise the interns.
PROJECT CLMM (Contextualized Learner Material in Mathematics) an Input on Pupils Academic Performance
Authors: Hizon Isabelita
Published: June 2022

Mathematics subjects are always regarded as one of the most difficult courses to teach and learn. The proponent, in collaboration with the Learning Resource Management Division, comes up with an idea of contextualizing the learning resource material in Mathematics. This descriptive-quantitative study focused on the implementation of Project CLMM and its input on pupils’ academic performance of Grade 6 pupils in Puting Lupa ES, Hornalan ES, Majada Out ES, Paciano ES, JRMS, and Calamba ES. Data collected were the results of the pretest and posttest and first grading grade in mathematics and the feedback of CLMM.The result showed that there was a significant difference existed between the pretest and posttest of the pupils’ respondents by 34.62%. Increased on the number of high performing pupils while decreased in the number of low performing pupils were evident. Some of the items on the CLMM need to modify like engage yourself. The results implied that CLMM was properly implemented and help improve the academic performance of pupils in mathematics.
Beginners’ Learning Experiences in Qualitative Research: Inputs for Curriculum Enhancement of Senior High School in Practical Research
Authors: Friales Wilter
Published: June 2022

‘Beginner Researchers’ refer to the Senior High School Students learning Qualitative Research for the first time. Qualitative Research is one of the Applied Track subjects offered for the SHS and is deemed relatively new for the students. This study aimed to describe the experiences of beginner researchers on learning Qualitative Research. Specifically, on the questions: How they find learning Qualitative Research for the first time; their learning strategies; teachers mentoring styles as experienced by them; Learners’ collaboration and leadership; their challenges and the implications to the teaching and learning process. This study utilized Descriptive Qualitative Research as a research design. There were two sets of focused group discussions conducted one group with eight participants and the other group with six participants during the actual interview. 'Beginner researchers’ view Qualitative Research as a rigorous process that requires good communication and social skill; a difficult subject; provides new knowledge and experiences; and interesting subject. Repetitive teaching and the prompt feedback mechanisms on students’ output were teacher’s mentoring strategies while learning together as co-learners; Learners’ collaboration; and delegation of tasks were the identified concepts on learners learning strategies. The challenges of the beginner research were on the group dynamics and the methodology’s technicality. The results implied reviewing the curriculum on Practical Research Subject and contextualized the process based on the actual needs of the students based on how it has been delivered for the past years of the Senior High School implementation;
Project SMILE with a HEART: Cultivating Action Researches in the Schools Division Office of Deped Camarines Sur, Philippines
Authors: Casyao – Doroin Josephine
Published: June 2022

Project SMILE with a HEART in Research desires to improve and develop a positive attitude in making and implementing research in SDO Camarines Sur. SMILE, which stands for Share, Mentor, Initiate, Learn, and Excel, were strategies done by the Division Research and Development CI team, with a positive outlook and insights that a researcher should possess HEART- Hardworking, Enthusiastic, Authentic, Resourceful, and Transformational. This study aims to determine the impact of the project in the Action Research (AR) competencies and initiatives of personnel. A descriptive-quantitative method was employed in discussing the responses. Quantitative data were derived from the researcher-made questionnaire. Total enumeration of 18 CI Teams of Class III served as respondents. Analyzed data revealed that before the implementation of the project, the competency level of researchers on the AR process is moderately competent, with strengths and challenges encountered in the AR process. The AR project is fairly difficult. The activities and strategies implemented, such as training, mentoring and coaching, visual management, mistake proofing, and simplified process, were extremely accepted and demonstrated that it was very effective, with 100% approval of researches submitted. Thus, the project implemented improves the research competencies of personnel, and it develops a positive attitude towards research undertakings. This was funded under the Basic Education Research Fund (BERF) through the Division/Region Research Committee and PPRD Region V.
The Implementation of Kindergarten Program in Multicultural Schools in Agusan Provinces, Philippines
Authors: Tranquilan Teresita
Published: June 2022

This study evaluated the implementation of the Kindergarten Education Program in Multicultural schools in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. It looked into the context, considering the activities given to learners and the extent of implementation of the program. Qualitative and quantitative data gathering were employed. The respondents were six school heads, 12 kindergarten teachers, five parents, and 12 pupils coming from different ethnic groups. Data were analyzed using mean for quantitative and thematic analysis for qualitative. The finding showed that the implementation of the Kindergarten Program in terms of context was only fair since multicultural concepts were not explicitly stated in the Department of Education curriculum guide, which could have served as a mandate for teachers to implement concepts of multiculturalism. The extent of implementation of policies and standards stipulated by the Department of Education was highly implemented. From these findings, policies and programs were recommended to improve the quality of instruction in the Kindergarten Education Program in multicultural schools in the two Agusan provinces. It is concluded that the curriculum guide and extent of implementation as required by the Department of Education were highly implemented by the school heads and teachers; what was lacking was the explicit mandate of the Department of Education to teach the concepts, theories, and processes in the teaching of multiculturalism.
Demographic Differences in the Challenges and Adaptations of Filipino Senior High School Teachers
Authors: Asi Roel , Macarandang Mercedes
Published: June 2022

The study focused on determining the challenges met by the teachers concerning as they migrated to Senior High School and their adaptations to meet the identified challenges. The descriptive survey method was a questionnaire.  Respondents of the study were select fifty private and fifty public senior high school teachers in Lipa City.  The data gathered were analyzed using frequency counts, weighted mean, standard deviation, ranking, t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA).  The study found out that senior high school teachers met challenges in preparing paper works, assessing students' performance, understanding the new curriculum, asserting their authority among students, coping with misbehaving students, diagnostic assessment, dealing with unfriendly and ill-mannered colleagues, and meeting high expectations from sources. Discussions with colleagues and keeping abreast of new technologies are their ways of adaptation. The respondents from public and private schools differed significantly in their mechanisms.
Impact of Digitized Instructional Materials in Teaching Phonology in the New Normal
Authors: Fernandez Vicente
Published: June 2022

Audio-visual learning materials can be considered effective tools in enriching the classroom experience for students by giving them the complete experience of observing the situations and processes in a speech class.  The study attempts to determine the utilization of digitized instructional materials on students’ speaking skills. Specifically, it aims to assess the level of mastery of the students’ speaking skill in terms of vowel and consonant sounds and speaking patterns, analyze the problems encountered by the respondents during the utilization of Digitized Instructional Material in speech class, and prepare digitized instructional material in order to improve the speaking skill of the students. The descriptive research method was used to gather the needed data for the study.  The results of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents displayed a good performance in the production of vowel and consonant sounds. The production of rhythm and intonation patterns were classified in the mastery level. It showed that the DIM had a great impact on the speech production of the respondent as they were classified in the mastery level. As recommended, the Digitized Instructional Material in speech class is highly recommended to be used by the learners as production of correct sounds in English classes sometimes is not anymore observed.
Learning Difficulties and Coping Mechanisms of Education Students in the Shift to Flexible Learning Modality amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Olila Rowel
Published: June 2022

Coping is a mental process that hopes to reduce or diminish stress. It may work on a conscious or unconscious level is determined by personality traits, personal characteristics, and resilience. Levels of adaptation are unique and can never be the same for two people. As educational institutions struggle to continue despite the ensuing COVID-19 Pandemic, online resources, learning management systems, synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning modalities, blended and flexible learning, and a thousand different online applications and platforms were sought to facilitate the delivery of quality education still. The sudden shift to the new normal in education brought difficulties to students, teachers, administrators, and all education stakeholders. This quantitative research investigated the learning difficulties and coping mechanisms of 166 Education students of Aurora State College of Technology in the shift to flexible learning modality. The researcher used the questionnaire to identify the learning difficulties and the coping mechanisms of the respondents. The study utilized frequency count, percentage, and weighted mean. It is interesting to note that with the sudden shift to flexible learning modality, the respondents experience moderate difficulty as to Content (WM=3.0), performance tasks (WM=2.8), and summative tests (WM=2.9). Furthermore, concerning the experienced learning difficulties, respondents do cope-up with a medium amount (WM=3.3). That the most valuable coping strategies amidst the ensuing Pandemic are the following:  developing new learning styles and habits, utilization of technology that can aid learning, and committing oneself to discipline, commitment, and purpose.
Prognostic Significance of the New Prostatic Carcinoma Grade Grouping System vis-à-vis Biochemical Recurrence: Experience from a Tertiary Care Centre in Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Patil Renuka , Rao Anuradha Calicut Kini , Cariappa Ksheera , Korthurkar Prajakta Rajiva
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the second leading malignancy in males worldwide with a similar preponderance seen in India. Universally, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a widely utilised resourceful screening and prognostic marker; however, few patients still present this in advanced stage. Hence, it is crucial to recognise the risk groups with utility of different prognostic parameters like Gleason grade grouping apart from PSA level. Studies have validated the Grade Group (GG) is a prognostic marker for Biochemical Recurrence (BR) as well as disease- specific death of patients. Aim: To assess the usefulness of the new prostatic GG system as compared to the earlier Gleasons scoring system in prognostication with the post-therapy PSA levels being utilised as evidence of BR. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted on cases received over a duration of three years from January 2017 to December 2019 in the Department of Pathology Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore. All the prostatic carcinoma slides were reviewed and reported by histopathologists according to modified grade grouping system and College of American Pathologists protocol. All parameters were analysed in SPSS software version 23. Results: A total of 72 cases (23 prostatectomy and 49 biopsy samples) were included. Majority of prostatectomy cases presented in T3b TNM stage and showed perineural invasion. Significant relationship was found between old Gleason’s Scoring (GS) system and new grade grouping with p-value of <0.05. Regression analysis reveals new GG is 15 times better than old GS reporting. Conclusion: The new grade grouping of prostatic adenocarcinoma is better than GS system in prognostication and compares well with TNM staging and perineural invasion.
A Comprehensive Review of the Hybrid Solar Dryers
Authors: Aduewa T. O. , Fatounde S. A. , Aderotoye A. M.
Published: June 2022

In numerous under developed and developing countries, agrarian biological products are dried in open sun and this system of drying diminishes the exceptional quality, widespread acceptance and standard of the dried products because of hindrance from external contaminations, excessive ultra violet radiation and uneven drying rates. Decreasing petroleum derivative saves and expanding impacts of evolution global climate change environmental change because of ozone harming substance discharges have prompted a phenomenal worldwide interest in sustainable wellsprings of energy in food processing.  A main competitor among these arising innovations is the change of sunlight to electric power as a substitute and steadiness for sun oriented drying framework. This process can be accomplished directly with sun powered cells (utilizing the photovoltaic impact) or indirectly by concentrating incident solar radiation to generate high-quality heat, which then supports heat production in conventional solar dryers. Various types of solar dryers have been designed and developed in different regions of the world, offering exclusive technical performances. In the hybrid solar dryers, the drying process is successful even under ominous atmospheric conditions. In this assessment paper, we reviewed unique forms of hybrid oriented solar dryers with respect to unique layout adjustments to be able to increase their effectiveness and thermal stability.
Influence of Some Solvents on the Extraction of Major Phenolic Compounds and their Antioxidant Activities in Egyptian Garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: Elhafez Zeinab A. Abd
Published: June 2022

Garlic Allium sativum L. belongs to the family Alliaceae. Garlic has many nutritional and medicinal uses. There are several solvents for extraction of bio actives i.e. Acetone, Ethanol...etc. The present study is aimed to compare the four solvents (acetone, ethanol, hexane and methanol) to extract the phenolics from local garlic varieties (Sids 40 and Sids 50) and its effect on antioxidants. The results showed the distinction of methanol over the rest of the other used solvents. It was found that they gave the highest content of total phenols estimated at 402.64 and 383.90 \(\mu g/g\) for both varieties, Sids 40 and Sids 50 respectively. The methanol as extraction solvent has more potential to recover a higher amount of Gallic acid, Syringic acid derivatives, (+)-Catechin, p-Coumaric acid, p-Hydroxy-benzoic acid and Epicatechin content from garlic powder for both varieties. In general, garlic variety (Sids 40) was distinguished by its content of phenols compared to garlic variety (Sids 50). The highest radical scavenging activity was observed for the extract from methanol garlic extraction, i.e. 4.81 and 4.71 \(\mu g/mL\) for DPPH and 0.52 and 0.51 \(\mu g/mL\) for ABTS+ (Sids 40 and Sids 50 respectively).
Determinants of E-Government Implementation in Indonesia
Authors: Novitasari Eka , Dewi Fajar Gustiawaty , Oktavia Reni
Published: June 2022

Aims: This study aimed to determine the effect of Regional Original Income, general allocation funds, capital expenditures, audit opinions, and the level of public education on the implementation of e-Government in local governments in Indonesia.

Study Design: This study uses secondary data.

Place and Duration of Study: Local Government Financial Reports (LKPD) and audit opinions. This information can be found at the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK). The level of community education attainment uses the new Average Years of Schooling (RLS) method from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) representative of each province from 2018 to 2020.

Methodology: The sample used is 347 local governments. The purposive sampling method and multiple regression analysis were used in this study and used the SPSS 25 analysis tool. Before running the regression test, the data was first tested using the classical assumption test.

Results: The independent variables in this study consisted of Regional Original Income (PAD), General Allocation Funds (DAU), Capital Expenditures, Audit Opinions, and Community Education Levels. At the same time, the dependent variable is the implementation of e-Government seen from the SPBE index value. This study carried out hypothesis testing with the Coefficient of Determination Test (R2) and the t-Statistical Test. The Coefficient of Determination Test (R2) measured how far the model's ability to explain the variance of the dependent variable was. The value of the coefficient of determination is zero or one. A small R2 value means the ability of the independent variables to provide almost all the information needed to predict the dependent variable variance [1]. At the same time, the t-test statistic shows how far the influence of one explanatory/independent variable individually in explaining the variation of the dependent variable results in a decision to reject or accept H0. This research was processed using IBM SPSS version 25 software.

Conclusion: In this study, the variables "Regional Original Income," "General Allocation Funds," "Opinion Audits," and "Community Education Levels" have a positive effect on the implementation of e-Government. On the other hand, the capital expenditure variable does not affect the implementation of e-Government.
Estimation of Meteorological Drought in Bhavanisagar Block using Weather Cock Software as a Tool
Authors: Rajavel M. , Guhan V. , Vakeswaran V. , Bhuvaneswari K. , Gowtham R. , Priyanka S.
Published: June 2022

Drought happen aimlessly and there is no periodicity in its event and can't be anticipated ahead of time. In semiarid stations, the event of precipitation is occasional and is known something else for its changeability regarding reality. Meteorological drought is characterized as the time of drawn-out dry weather pattern because of underneath ordinary precipitation. Drought is an extensive stretch of incredibly low precipitation that essentially affects crop result and individuals' prosperity. Recent study has made substantial progress in understanding drought in Tamil Nadu, as well as the implications of climate change, but more research is needed because regional climatic responses remain unknown. The Meteorological Drought Indicator was also a useful and appropriate index for drought monitoring in the research area since it provided drought analysis on a variety of timeframes. This study might help us better understand the features of drought.
Appraising Components of Genetic Variation and Association among Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Breeding Lines for Yield and Its Component Traits
Authors: Kumar Bupesh
Published: June 2022

The present study was undertaken to estimate components of genetic variation and to ascertain association among rice breeding lines for yield and its component traits. Sixty eight rice breeding lines along with four checks were evaluated in Augmented Block Design during kharif 2021. Analysis of variance indicated presence of sufficient genetic variation among the lines, while estimates of components of variation revealed maximum contribution of genotypic variance to the phenotypic variance indicating its exploitation through selection and hybridization. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for 1000 grain weight, plant height, days to 50 per cent flowering and grain yield per plant indicating that these traits can be improved through selection. Simultaneously, estimates of association revealed that grain yield was found to have significant and positive association with 1000 grain weight and grain length indicating that these traits are suitable for indirect selection whereas, it exhibited significant negative association with days to 50 per cent flowering and panicle length.
Evaluation of the dosimetric and radiobiological parameters in four radiotherapy regimens for synchronous bilateral breast cancer
Authors: Kang Sang‐Won , Kang Seonghee , Lee Boram , Song Changhoon , Eom Keun‐Yong , Jang Bum‐Sup , Kim In Ah , Kim Jae‐Sung , Cho Woong , Shin Dong‐Suk , Kim Jin‐Young , Chung Jin‐Beom
Published: June 2022

This study is to investigate the optimal treatment option for synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) by comparing dosimetric and radiobiological parameters of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans using single and dual isocenters.

Twenty patients with SBBC without lymph node involvement were selected retrospectively. Four treatment plans were generated for each patient using the Eclipse treatment planning system (Varian Medical System, Palo Alto, CA, USA) following two delivery techniques with two isocenter conditions—IMRT using a single isocenter (IMRT_Iso1), VMAT using a single isocenter (VMAT_Iso1), IMRT using dual isocenters (IMRT_Iso2), and VMAT using dual isocenters (VMAT_Iso2). A dose of 42.56 Gy in 16 fractions was prescribed for the planning target volume (PTV). All plans were calculated using the Acuros XB algorithm and a photon optimizer for a 6‐MV beam of a Vital Beam linear accelerator. PTV‐related dosimetric parameters were analyzed. Further, the homogeneity index, conformity index, and conformation number were computed to evaluate plan quality. Dosimetric parameters were also measured for the organs at risk (OARs). In addition, the equivalent uniform dose corresponding to an equivalent dose related to a reference of 2 Gy per fraction, the tumor control probability, and the normal tissue complication probability were calculated based on the dose–volume histogram to investigate the radiobiological impact on PTV and OARs.

IMRT_Iso1 exhibited similar target coverage and a certain degree of dosimetric improvement in OAR sparing compared to the other techniques. It also exhibited some radiobiological improvement, albeit insignificant. Although IMRT_Iso1 significantly increased monitor unit compared to VMAT_Iso1, which is the best option in terms of delivery efficiency, there was only a 22% increase in delivery time. Therefore, in conclusion, IMRT_Iso1, the complete treatment of which can be completed using a single setup, is the most effective method for treating SBBC.
Adaptive neural tracking control for non‐affine switched systems with multiple time delays and actuator faults
Authors: Wu Yang , Zhang Guoshan , Wu Li‐Bing
Published: June 2022

In this article, an adaptive output feedback neural tracking control algorithm is studied for non‐affine switched systems with multiple time delays and actuator faults. First, an adaptive neural state observer, which only needs to update a parameter online, is presented to estimate the unmeasurable state, and Lipschitz condition is used to deal with delay fault so as to avoid complex delay assumption. Then, by using online estimation information and backstepping technique, a switched fault‐tolerant control mechanism is established for non‐affine switched systems, the designed controller of each subsystems can ensure that non‐affine switched systems output signal can track reference signal under switch signals with average dwell time and all closed‐loop signals are bounded in the presence of multiple time delays, actuator faults, and external disturbances. Finally, simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Adaptive event‐triggered asynchronous fault‐tolerant control for stochastic systems with multiple‐types of failures
Authors: Zhu Shuai , Li Jian‐Ning , Wang Ai‐Min
Published: June 2022

This article studies a kind of asynchronous fault‐tolerant control problem for stochastic systems (Markov jump systems, MJSs) with multiple‐types of actuator failures. Both the loss of effectiveness and stuck fault of actuator are taken into consideration in a unified actuator failures model. The asynchronization phenomenon between the controller and the original system is described by a hidden Markov model. By coupling the unknown stuck fault of actuator and the external disturbances together, the stuck fault and disturbance can be estimated simultaneously. After this, a fault‐tolerant controller based on the estimated values is designed further to automatically compensate for the faults while preserving the uniformly ultimate boundedness of the solutions. Moreover, a mode‐dependent adaptive event‐triggered mechanism is introduced to limit the number of packets sent on the network. Finally, a numerical example is employed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design scheme.
Defects Passivation Strategy for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cao Yunxuan , Gao Fangliang , Xiang Ling , Li Hanfang , Li Dongyang , Liu Qing , Liu Hongliang , Zou Can , Li Shuti
Published: June 2022

Large area, high efficiency, and long‐term device stability are integral performance requirements for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the high defect states density formed during the process of device preparation plays a cardinal effect in the charge recombination and ion migration process. The existence of defect states will not only seriously impair the stability but also hinder the efficiency enhancement of PSCs. A large number of studies aiming to solve this problem show that the defects can be reduced to enhance the photovoltaic performance and stability of derived PSCs by tailoring the terminal groups on the perovskite surface and modifying the surface chemical environment. Herein, a systematic and comprehensive review on the development of interfaces passivation (including the anode buffer layer, electron transport layer, the perovskite grains, and hole transport layer) for PSCs is summarized. Based on the defect passivation engineering, various feasible strategies are proposed to break the bottleneck of the commercialization process PSCs.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of Stable and Metastable Phases in Sputtered CuInS2
Authors: Larsen Jes K. , Sopiha Kostiantyn V. , Persson Clas , Platzer‐Björkman Charlotte , Edoff Marika
Published: June 2022

The chalcopyrite Cu(In,Ga)S2 has gained renewed interest in recent years due to the potential application in tandem solar cells. In this contribution, a combined theoretical and experimental approach is applied to investigate stable and metastable phases forming in CuInS2 (CIS) thin films. Ab initio calculations are performed to obtain formation energies, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, and Raman spectra of CIS polytypes and related compounds. Multiple CIS structures with zinc‐blende and wurtzite‐derived lattices are identified and their XRD/Raman patterns are shown to contain overlapping features, which could lead to misidentification. Thin films with compositions from Cu‐rich to Cu‐poor are synthesized via a two‐step approach based on sputtering from binary targets followed by high‐temperature sulfurization. It is discovered that several CIS polymorphs are formed when growing the material with this approach. In the Cu‐poor material, wurtzite CIS is observed for the first time in sputtered thin films along with chalcopyrite CIS and CuAu‐ordered CIS. Once the wurtzite CIS phase has formed, it is difficult to convert into the stable chalcopyrite polymorph. CuIn5S8 and NaInS2 accommodating In‐excess are found alongside the CIS polymorphs. It is argued that the metastable polymorphs are stabilized by off‐stoichiometry of the precursors, hence tight composition control is required.
Spontaneous xenogeneicGvHDin Wilms' tumorPatient‐Derivedxenograft models and potential solutions
Authors: Monzavi Seyed Mostafa , Muhammadnejad Ahad , Behfar Maryam , Khorsand Amir Arsalan , Muhammadnejad Samad , Kajbafzadeh Abdol‐Mohammad
Published: June 2022

Severely immunocompromised NOD.Cg‐PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Sug(NOG) mice are among the ideal animal recipients for generation of human cancer models. Transplantation of human solid tumors having abundant tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) can induce xenogeneic graft‐versus‐host disease (xGvHD) following engraftment and expansion of the TILs inside the animal body. Wilms' tumor (WT) has not been recognized as a lymphocyte‐predominant tumor. However, 3 consecutive generations of NOG mice bearing WT patient‐derived xenografts (PDX) xenotransplanted from a single donor showed different degrees of inflammatory symptoms after transplantation before any therapeutic intervention. In the initial generation, dermatitis, auto‐amputation of digits, weight loss, lymphadenopathy, hepatitis, and interstitial pneumonitis were observed. Despite antibiotic treatment, no response was noticed, and thus the animals were prematurely euthanized (day 47 posttransplantation). Laboratory and histopathologic evaluations revealed lymphoid infiltrates positively immunostained with anti‐human CD3 and CD8 antibodies in the xenografts and primary tumor, whereas no microbial infection or lymphoproliferative disorder was found. Mice of the next generation that lived longer (91 days) developed sclerotic skin changes and more severe pneumonitis. Cutaneous symptoms were milder in the last generation. The xenografts of the last 2 generations also contained TILs, and lacked lymphoproliferative transformation. The systemic immunoinflammatory syndrome in the absence of microbial infection and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder was suggestive of xGvHD. While there are few reports of xGvHD in severely immunodeficient mice xenotransplanted from lymphodominant tumor xenografts, this report for the first time documented serial xGvHD in consecutive passages of WT PDX‐bearing models and discussed potential solutions to prevent such an undesired complication.
Comparison of the effectiveness of pericardiocentesis and surgical pericardiotomy in the prognosis of patients with blunt traumatic cardiac tamponade: a multicenter study using the Japan Trauma Data Bank
Authors: Omoto Kenichiro , Tanaka Chie , Fukuda Reo , Tagami Takashi , Unemoto Kyoko
Published: June 2022

Aim

To compare the prognostic impact of pericardiocentesis (PCC) and surgical pericardiotomy (SP) in blunt traumatic pericardial tamponade.

Methods

Among 361,706 trauma patients registered in the Japan Trauma Data Bank from January 2004 to December 2018, we included those with blunt traumatic cardiac tamponade who underwent PCC and/or SP. We excluded patients with penetrating trauma, age younger than 15 years, Injury Severity Score (ISS) equal to 75, blood pressure 0 mmHg at the time of admission, head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score 5 or more, and those with missing data for outcomes. To examine the effect of SP, patients were divided into a PCC group and an SP‐only group. Missing values of age, sex, systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse rate, time from emergency call to hospital arrival, head AIS, chest AIS, abdomen/pelvis AIS, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and ISS were estimated using multiple imputation. In‐hospital mortality was analyzed using multivariable analysis, and we undertook a survival analysis.

Results

We analyzed 305 patients, 150 (49.2%) in the PCC group and 155 (50.8%) in the SP‐only group. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 40.7% in the PCC group and 76.8% in the SP‐only group. Multivariable analysis after multiple imputation showed an odds ratio of SP for in‐hospital mortality 5.34 (95% confidence interval, 2.80–10.18; P < 0.01) compared with PCC. Using the Kaplan–Meier method, SP showed a significant risk of mortality (hazard ratio 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.58–2.95; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In patients with blunt traumatic cardiac tamponade, SP was associated with poor prognosis.
Monoterpenoid Quinoline Alkaloids from Stems and Leaves of Melodinus tenuicaudatus
Authors: Wu Feng , Chen Yi , Yin Jie‐Lin , Zhu Cun‐Hui , Zhang Yan , Liu Ji‐Kai , He Juan
Published: June 2022

Two previously undescribed monoterpenoid quinoline alkaloids, namely melotenucadines A and B, together with four known analogs, were characterized from the stems and leaves of Melodinus tenuicaudatus. The structures of the new compounds were established by extensive MS and NMR spectroscopic methods, while the absolute configuration was conducted by ECD calculations. Melotenucadine B was found to show certain cytotoxicity to MCF‐7 cell (IC50=27.3 μM).
New Cytochalasin Derivatives from Deep‐Sea Cold Seep‐Derived Endozoic Fungus Curvularia verruculosa CS‐129
Authors: Hu Xue‐Yi , Li Xiao‐Ming , Yang Sui‐Qun , Wang Bin‐Gui , Meng Ling‐Hong
Published: June 2022

Two new antimicrobial cytochalasin derivatives, 6β,7β‐epoxydeoxaphomin C (1) and 12‐hydroxydeoxaphomin C (2), a new natural occurring product 24‐nor‐cytochalasin B (3), together with two related known analogs (4–5) were isolated and identified from an endozoic fungus Curvularia verruculosa CS‐129, isolated from the deep‐sea squat lobster Shinkaia crosnieri which was collected in cold seep region of south China sea. The structures of new compounds were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis and ECD calculation. The spectroscopic data of 24‐nor‐cytochalasin B (3) were reported for the first time. All compounds were tested for their antibacterial activities against human and aquatic pathogenic bacteria.
Surgical excision of complex lipoma from the foot: A case report
Authors: Uddin Akram , Flanagan George , Reilly Ian
Published: June 2022

Malignant soft tissue tumors of the foot and ankle are rare but diagnostic imaging and/or interventional biopsy are vital to establish the nature and grading of a suspicious tumor prior to definitive surgical intervention. The purpose of the study is to provide an account on how a symptomatic mass of the plantar aspect of the foot warranted a referral to a sarcoma center, highlighting the importance of having access to diagnostic imaging and a pathway to refer suspected cases to specialist centers. A single patient with a symptomatic soft tissue tumor of the plantar foot was referred from our service to the regional sarcoma center who considered to be benign, and therefore, open surgical resection was performed by our team. Histopathological analysis identified the excised mass as a lipoma. At 2 years, postoperatively there was no recurrence, and the patient presented with an asymptomatic foot. United Kingdom (UK) guidelines suggest that all soft tissue masses of suspicious nature, greater than 50 mm, deep seated irrespective of size, or fast growing lesions should be referred to a sarcoma unit prior to surgical management. European guidance identifies a threshold of 15 mm for a mass in the foot. Patients presenting with red flag symptoms irrespective of size of mass should be referred to a sarcoma center. Advanced imaging and multidisciplinary input to enable appropriate surgical planning is recommended for suspicious soft tissue tumors that present to the foot and ankle surgeon.
Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen with a Label‐Free Immunosensor Using Gold Nanoparticle‐Decorated Poly(pyrrole‐co‐3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)
Authors: Dokur Ebrar , Uruc Selen , Gorduk Ozge , Sahin Yucel
Published: June 2022

In this study, an electrochemical immunosensor was developed using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), and pyrrole (Py) to detect carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) sensitively. Firstly, the electrocopolymerization of PPy and EDOT was carried out on a pencil graphite electrode (PGE) by the chronoamperometry method (p(Py‐co‐EDOT)/PGE). Then, gold nanoparticles were electrochemically deposited on the prepared p(Py‐co‐EDOT)/PGEs by the chronoamperometry method. The characterizations of the developed label‐free immunosensor (AuNPs/p(Py‐co‐EDOT)/PGE) were carried out using CV, EIS, XPS, SEM, EDX, and FTIR methods. Antibody concentration, antibody immobilization time, and immunocomplex time were optimized using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). After optimal conditions are determined, the DPV peak current of the immunosensor decreases linearly with increasing CEA concentration of 0.001–100 ng mL−1. The detection limit was calculated as 0.741 pg mL−1 from the calibration graph (S/N=3). The developed sensor showed excellent anti‐interference ability against ascorbic acid, bovine serum albumin, dopamine, and glucose. The applicability of the developed sensor to real samples was investigated, and good recovery values were obtained. As a result, the AuNPs/p(Py‐EDOT)/PGE provides low‐cost, selective, and rapid detection of CEA. Our findings suggest the present immunosensor is a good candidate for application in clinical screening.
The roles of ubiquitination‐mediated intrinsic apoptotic signalling in cancer therapy
Authors: Che Tiantian , Lin Zhenghong
Published: June 2022

Ubiquitination, a highly versatile process of protein homeostasis, participates in the degradation of the vast majority of cellular proteins. In addition to proteolytic function, ubiquitination can also conduce to modulate cellular processes independent of proteolysis, such as signal transduction, protein trafficking, DNA repair and so on. Apoptosis modulates cell quantity via orderly removing damaged cells effectively and plays a fundamental role in the function of multicellular organisms as well homeostasis, while abnormal regulation of apoptosis can lead to various diseases, especially cancer. Since various tumour cells intrinsically elude apoptotic elimination, emerging strategies targeting induction of apoptosis have become great potential and often necessary cancer therapeutic approaches. Numerous researches have shown that ubiquitination can facilitate or inhibit apoptosis by utilising its proteolytic or non‐proteolytic functions aiming at controlling the levels of key proteins. In this review, we focused on intrinsic apoptosis and summarised how diverse types of ubiquitination regulate intrinsic apoptosis through E3 ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes. Given the mechanisms of ubiquitin‐mediated regulation of intrinsic apoptosis and their physiological relevance, we hope that it will supply more therapeutic strategies for cancer.
Machine learning optimized multiparameter radar plots for B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia minimal residual disease analysis
Authors: Shopsowitz Kevin E. , Liu Lorraine , Setiadi Audi , Al‐Bakri Maryam , Vercauteren Suzanne
Published: June 2022

Background

Flow cytometry is widely used for B‐ALL minimal residual disease (MRD) analysis given its speed, availability, and sensitivity; however, distinguishing B‐lymphoblasts from regenerative B‐cells is not always straightforward. Radar plots, which project multiple markers onto a single plot, have been applied to other MRD analyses. Here we aimed to develop optimized radar plots for B‐ALL MRD analysis.

Methods

We compiled Children's Oncology Group (COG) flow data from 20 MRD‐positive and 9 MRD‐negative B‐ALL cases (enriched for hematogones) to create labeled training and test data sets with equal numbers of B‐lymphoblasts, hematogones, and mature B‐cells. We used an automated approach to create hundreds of radar plots and ranked them based on the ability of support vector machine (SVM) models to separate blasts from normal B‐cells in the training data set. Top‐performing radar plots were compared with PCA, t‐SNE, and UMAP plots, evaluated with the test data set, and integrated into clinical workflows.

Results

SVM area under the ROC curve (AUC) for COG tube 1/2 radar plots improved from 0.949/0.921 to 0.989/0.968 after optimization. Performance was superior to PCA plots and comparable to UMAP, but with better generalizability to new data. When integrated into an MRD workflow, optimized radar plots distinguished B‐lymphoblasts from other CD19‐positive populations. MRD quantified by radar plots and serial gating were strongly correlated.

Discussion

Radar plots were successfully optimized to discriminate between diverse B‐lymphoblast populations and non‐malignant CD19‐positive populations in B‐ALL MRD analysis. Our novel radar plot optimization strategy could be adapted to other MRD panels and clinical scenarios.
Toward an improved understanding of causation in the ecological sciences
Authors: Addicott Ethan T , Fenichel Eli P , Bradford Mark A , Pinsky Malin L , Wood Stephen A
Published: June 2022

Society increasingly demands accurate predictions of complex ecosystem processes under novel conditions to address environmental challenges. However, obtaining the process‐level knowledge required to do so does not necessarily align with the burgeoning use in ecology of correlative model selection criteria, such as Akaike information criterion. These criteria select models based on their ability to reproduce outcomes, not on their ability to accurately represent causal effects. Causal understanding does not require matching outcomes, but rather involves identifying model forms and parameter values that accurately describe processes. We contend that researchers can arrive at incorrect conclusions about cause‐and‐effect relationships by relying on information criteria. We illustrate via a specific example that inference extending beyond prediction into causality can be seriously misled by information‐theoretic evidence. Finally, we identify a solution space to bridge the gap between the correlative inference provided by model selection criteria and a process‐based understanding of ecological systems.
A conforming sliding mesh technique for an embedded‐hybridized discontinuous Galerkin discretization for fluid‐rigid body interaction
Authors: Horváth Tamás L. , Rhebergen Sander
Published: June 2022

In previous work, we introduced a space‐time embedded‐hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin method for the solution of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations on time‐dependent domains of which the motion of the domain is prescribed. This discretization is exactly mass conserving, locally momentum conserving, and energy‐stable. In this article, we extend this discretization to fluid‐rigid body interaction problems in which the motion of the fluid domain is not known a priori. To account for large rotational motion of the rigid body, we present a novel conforming space‐time sliding mesh technique. For this we introduce a local edge swapping algorithm such that the global mesh of a space‐time slab is one of only four different configurations. These configurations can be pre‐computed thereby reducing any costs associated with changing mesh connectivity. Furthermore, edge swapping occurs only within the space‐time slab between the discrete time‐levels; there is no edge swapping on spatial meshes and so there is no need to project the solution from one spatial mesh to another. We demonstrate the performance of the discretization on various numerical examples.