bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of refractive errors among school-going children in a multistate study in India
Authors: Joseph Elizabeth , CK Meena , Kumar Rahul , Sebastian Mary , Suttle Catherine M , Congdon Nathan , Sethu Sheeladevi , Murthy Gudlavalleti VS
Published: December 2022

Aim

Much existing data on childhood refractive error prevalence in India were gathered in local studies, many now dated. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, severity and determinants of refractive errors among school-going children participating in a multistate vision screening programme across India.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, vision screening was conducted in children aged 5–18 years at schools in five states using a pocket vision screener. Refractive error was measured using retinoscopy, and subjective refraction and was defined both by spherical equivalent (SE) and spherical ametropia, as myopia ≤−0.5 diopters (D), hyperopia ≥+1.0 D and/or astigmatism as >0.5 D. Data from the eye with less refractive error were used to determine prevalence.

Results

Among 2 240 804 children (50.9% boys, mean age 11.5 years, SD ±3.3), the prevalence of SE myopia was 1.57% (95% CI 1.54% to 1.60%) at 5–9 years, 3.13% (95% CI 3.09% to 3.16%) at 10–14 years and 4.8% (95% CI 4.73% to 4.86%) at 15–18 years. Hyperopia prevalence was 0.59% (95% CI 0.57% to 0.61%), 0.54% (95% CI 0.53% to 0.56%) and 0.39% (95% CI 0.37% to 0.41%), respectively. When defined by spherical ametropia, these values for myopia were 0.84%, 2.50% and 4.24%, and those for hyperopia were 2.11%, 2.41% and 2.07%, respectively.

Myopia was associated with older age, female gender, private school attendance, urban location and state. The latter appeared to be driven by higher literacy rates.

Conclusions

Refractive error, especially myopia, is common in India. Differences in prevalence between states appear to be driven by literacy rates, suggesting that the burden of myopia may rise as literacy increases.
Patient and physician perspectives on treatment burden in end-stage kidney disease: a nominal group technique study
Authors: Thomas Sarah T , Sav Adem , Thomas Rae , Cardona Magnolia , Michaleff Zoe , Titus Thomas T , Dobler Claudia C
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The treatment workload associated with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is high. The treatment burdens experienced by patients with ESKD are not well understood. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the most important areas of treatment burden for discussion in a clinical encounter from the perspectives of patients with ESKD and nephrologists. We sought to explore possible solutions to these high priority treatment burden challenges.

Design

Nominal group technique (NGT) sessions.

Setting and participants

Three in-person NGT sessions were conducted with 19 patients with dialysis-dependent ESKD from one tertiary treatment centre (mean age 64 years; range 47–82). All patients were either retired or on a disability pension; 74% perceived moderate or severe treatment burden; and 90% spent more than 11 hours on treatment-related activities per week (range 11–30). One online NGT session was conducted with six nephrologists from two Australian states.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was a ranked list of treatment burden priorities. The secondary outcome was potential solutions to these treatment burden challenges.

Results

Every patient group rankedhealth system issuesas the most important treatment burden priority. This encompassed lack of continuity and coordination of care, dissatisfaction with frequent healthcare encounters and challenges around healthcare access.Psychosocial burdenson patients and families were perceived to be the most important area of treatment burden by physicians, and were ranked the second highest priority by patients.

Conclusions

Discussing treatment burden in a clinical encounter may lead to a better understanding of patients’ capacity to cope with their treatment workload. This could facilitate tailored care, improve health outcomes, treatment sustainability and patients’ overall quality of life.
Examining the existing knowledge base for enablers of family recovery in mental health: a protocol for a scoping review of national and international literature
Authors: Cuskelly Kerry , Norton Michael John , Delaney Gina
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Recovery-oriented services in mental health are becoming an accepted approach across much of the globe. While the development of recovery-oriented approaches has focused mainly on people accessing mental health services, families of those accessing services also need to be included under the discussions of mental health recovery within mental health service provision. It is important that service providers understand what support families require in order to facilitate their recovery journeys. To that end, this review will seek to ascertain what evidence exists on the enablers of family recovery from national and international literature.

Method and analysis

This proposed scoping review aims to investigate the family recovery enablers within a mental health context. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis compliant scoping review is proposed, based on Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Search terms are stated and a variety of databases (CINAHL, JSTOR, Ovid SP, PsycINFO, PubMed, RCNi, Science Direct, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library) and repositories (Google, Google Scholar and ResearchGate) will be consulted to examine papers based on a predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. The search range is from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2022.

Ethics and dissemination

As this paper presents a protocol for a scoping review of the literature into family enablers in mental health, no ethical approval is required. The preprint protocol was added to OSF Registries on 29 October 2021 where it is freely available. The registry will be updated once this paper has been published. The resulting scoping review will be distributed through peer-reviewed publication in a high impact journal.
Applying a knowledge translation framework for triaging low back pain and radicular pain at an emergency department: an iterative process within an uncontrolled before-and-after design
Authors: Peters Sanne , Jacobs Karel , Van Wambeke Peter , Rummens Sofie , Schelfaut Sebastiaan , Moke Lieven , Dejaegher Joost , Spriet Ann , Van den Broeck Anne-lies , Vliers Johan , Depreitere Bart
Published: December 2022

Background

Diagnostic imaging for low back pain (LBP) without any indication of a serious underlying cause does not improve patient outcomes. However, there is still overuse of imaging, especially at emergency departments (EDs). Although evidence-based guidelines for LBP and radicular pain management exist, a protocol for use at the ED in the Belgian University Hospitals Leuven was not available, resulting in high practice variation. The present paper aims to describe the process from protocol development to the iterative implementation approach and explore how it has influenced practice.

Methods

In accordance with a modified ‘knowledge-to-action’ framework, five steps took place within the iterative bottom-up implementation process: (1) identification of the situation that requires the implementation of evidence based recommendations, (2) context analysis, (3) development of an implementation plan, (4) evaluation and (5) sustainability of the implemented practice recommendations. Two potential barriers were identified: the high turnover of attending specialists at the ED and patients’ and general practicioners’ expectations that might overrule the protocol. These were tackled by educational sessions for staff, patient brochures, an information campaign and symposium for general practitioners.

Results

The rate of imaging of the lumbar spine decreased from over 25% of patients to 15.0%–16.4% for CT scans and 19.0%–21.8% for X-rays after implementation, but started to fluctuate again after 3 years. After introducing a compulsory e-learning before rotation and catchy posters in the ED staff rooms, rates decreased to 14.0%–14.6% for CT scan use and 12.7–13.5% for X-ray use.

Conclusions

Implementation of a new protocol in a tertiary hospital ED with high turn over of rotating trainees is a challenge and requires ongoing efforts to ensure sustainability. Rates of imaging represent an indirect though useful indicator. We have demonstrated that it is possible to implement a protocol that includes demedicalisation in an ED environment and to observe changes in indicator results.
How do we measure organisational wellness? Development of a comprehensive patient-centred and employee-centred visual analytical solution
Authors: Watkins Scott Christopher , Hammerschmidt Christine , Gray Geoffrey M , Green Angela , Varughese Anna , Ahumada Luis
Published: December 2022

Background

Dashboards are visual information systems frequently employed by healthcare organisations to track key quality improvement and patient safety performance metrics. The typical healthcare dashboard focuses on specific metrics, disease processes or units within a larger healthcare organisation. Here, we describe the development of a visual analytical solution (keystone dashboard) for monitoring an entire healthcare organisation.

Methods

The improvement team reviewed and assessed various data sources across the organisation and selected a group of patient and employee related metrics that afforded a broad overview of the organisation’s well-being. Metrics spanned the organisation and included data from patient safety, quality improvement, human resources, risk management and medical staff affairs. Each metric was assigned a numeric weight that correlated with its impact. A visual model incorporating the various data fields was then constructed.

Results

The keystone dashboard incorporates a data heatmap and density visualisation to emphasis areas of higher density and/or weighted values. The heatmap is used to indicate the weight/magnitude of each metric within a data range in two dimensions: location and time. The visualisation ‘heats up’ depending on the combination of counts events and their assigned impact for the reporting month. Most data sources update in near real time.

The keystone dashboard serves as a comprehensive and collaborative integration of data from patient safety, quality improvement, human resources, risk management and medical staff affairs. This visual analytical solution incorporates and analyses metrics into a single view with the intent of providing valuable insight into the health of an entire organisation. This dashboard is unique as it provides a broad overview of a healthcare organisation by incorporating key metrics that span the organisation.
COVID-19 vaccine boosters for young adults: a risk benefit assessment and ethical analysis of mandate policies at universities
Authors: Bardosh Kevin , Krug Allison , Jamrozik Euzebiusz , Lemmens Trudo , Keshavjee Salmaan , Prasad Vinay , Makary Marty A , Baral Stefan , Høeg Tracy Beth
Published: December 2022

In 2022, students at North American universities with third-dose COVID-19 vaccine mandates risk disenrolment if unvaccinated. To assess the appropriateness of booster mandates in this age group, we combine empirical risk-benefit assessment and ethical analysis. To prevent one COVID-19 hospitalisation over a 6-month period, we estimate that 31 207–42 836 young adults aged 18–29 years must receive a third mRNA vaccine. Booster mandates in young adults are expected to cause a net harm: per COVID-19 hospitalisation prevented, we anticipate at least 18.5 serious adverse events from mRNA vaccines, including 1.5–4.6 booster-associated myopericarditis cases in males (typically requiring hospitalisation). We also anticipate 1430–4626 cases of grade ≥3 reactogenicity interfering with daily activities (although typically not requiring hospitalisation). University booster mandates are unethical because they: (1) are not based on an updated (Omicron era) stratified risk-benefit assessment for this age group; (2) may result in a net harm to healthy young adults; (3) are not proportionate: expected harms are not outweighed by public health benefits given modest and transient effectiveness of vaccines against transmission; (4) violate the reciprocity principle because serious vaccine-related harms are not reliably compensated due to gaps in vaccine injury schemes; and (5) may result in wider social harms. We consider counterarguments including efforts to increase safety on campus but find these are fraught with limitations and little scientific support. Finally, we discuss the policy relevance of our analysis for primary series COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
Characterising the axial phenotype of psoriatic arthritis: a study comparing axial psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis with psoriasis from the REGISPONSER registry
Authors: Michelena Xabier , López-Medina Clementina , Erra Alba , Juanola Xavier , Font-Ugalde Pilar , Collantes Eduardo , Marzo-Ortega Helena
Published: December 2022

Aims

To explore the clinical and radiographical characteristics of axial psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to compare it with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with psoriasis.

Methods

Cross-sectional study from the national multicentre registry REGISPONSER where participants fulfilled the European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group spondyloarthritis criteria at entry. Clinical, laboratory and radiographical characteristics between patients classified as axial PsA and AS with psoriasis by their rheumatologist are compared according to HLA-B27 status.

Results

Of 2367 patients on REGISPONSER, n=405 had PsA, of whom 27% (n=109) had axial involvement as per the treating rheumatologist. 30% (n=26/86) of axial PsA were HLA-B27 positive. In the AS group, 9% (127/1422) had a history of psoriasis and were more frequently male, with longer diagnostic delay and more anterior uveitis than those with axial PsA who had more peripheral involvement and nail disease. Patients with HLA-B27-negative axial PsA reported less inflammatory pain and structural damage compared with AS with psoriasis. By contrast, HLA-B27-positive axial PsA shared clinical characteristics similar to AS and psoriasis although with a lower BASRI score. In the multivariable analysis, patients with AS and psoriasis were independently associated with HLA-B27 positivity (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.42 to 7.85) and lumbar structural damage scored by BASRI (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.19).

Conclusion

The more prevalent axial PsA phenotype is predominantly HLA-B27 negative and presents different clinical and radiological manifestations when compared with AS with psoriasis. There is great heterogeneity in what rheumatologists consider axial PsA from a clinical and imaging perspective, highlighting the need for research into possible genetic drivers and a consensus definition.
The construction and application of event logic graph for pedestrian flow evacuation in typical scenarios
Authors: Yang Lili , Gao Hang , Jia Hongfei , Luo Qingyu
Published: December 2022

An event logic graph is a kind of knowledge mapping technology for knowledge inference and simulation analysis, which takes events as the core and portrays the hierarchical system and logical evolution pattern between events. In order to apply it to further improve the accuracy of related studies, such as pedestrian flow evacuation, simulation model optimization and risk prediction. In this paper, we use social network resources, media resources and journal database resources to build our corpus and adopt the explicit event relationship extraction method based on syntactic dependency and the implicit event relationship extraction method based on BERT+Bi-LSTM+Attention+Softmax for the characteristics of explicit event relationship and implicit event relationship, respectively. This paper constructs a pedestrian flow evacuation matter mapping for three typical scenarios and discusses its application path. It is found that once a sound knowledge base of logical reasoning and event logic graph is established, both research on optimization of pedestrian flow evacuation simulation models and research on identification and assessment of pedestrian flow evacuation safety risks will receive excellent support.
Optical bistability in layered InSe crystal
Authors: Salmanov V. M. , Huseynov A. G. , Rzayev R. M. , Rzayev U. R. , Mammadov R. M. , Aliyeva A. M.
Published: December 2022

In this study, we experimentally study the dependence of the intensity of laser radiation incident on and transmitted through a layered InSe crystal. A picosecond YAG:Nd3+ laser with a parametric light generator was used as a light source, making it possible to generate light pulses with a duration of [Formula: see text]30 ps, tunable in frequency within the range of 0.75–1.5 μm. Optical bistability in the region of exciton resonance was detected in an InSe crystal at room-temperature under the picosecond YAG:Nd laser. It is shown that the decrease in absorption in the exciton resonance region is associated with the process of exciton–exciton interaction, shielding of excitons, and the Mott transition.
IMPACT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AWARENESS PROGRAMS ON COVID-19 DYNAMICS: A FRACTIONAL MODELING APPROACH
Authors: ZAFAR ZAIN UL ABADIN , YUSUF ABDULLAHI , MUSA SALIHU S. , QURESHI SANIA , ALSHOMRANI ALI S. , BALEANU DUMITRU
Published: December 2022

Public health awareness programs have been a crucial strategy in mitigating the spread of emerging and re-emerging infectious disease outbreaks of public health significance such as COVID-19. This study adopts an Susceptible–Exposed–Infected–Recovered (SEIR) based model to assess the impact of public health awareness programs in mitigating the extent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed model, which incorporates public health awareness programs, uses ABC fractional operator approach to study and analyze the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2. It is possible to completely understand the dynamics of the model’s features because of the memory effect and hereditary qualities that exist in the fractional version. The fixed point theorem has been used to prove the presence of a unique solution, as well as the stability analysis of the model. The nonlinear least-squares method is used to estimate the parameters of the model based on the daily cumulative cases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria from March 29 to June 12, 2020. Through the use of simulations, the model’s best-suited parameters and the optimal ABC fractional-order parameter [Formula: see text] may be determined and optimized. The suggested model is proved to understand the virus’s dynamical behavior better than the integer-order version. In addition, numerous numerical simulations are run using an efficient numerical approach to provide further insight into the model’s features.
Synthesis of 4-methylthiophenyl silicon phthalocyanines axially substituted with carboxylic acids for MOF materials
Authors: Sobrino-Bastán Víctor , Martín-Gomis Luis , Sastre-Santos Ángela
Published: December 2022

Two new peripherally substituted with 4 and 8 electron-donating 4-methylthiophenyl silicon phthalocyanines, [Formula: see text] 1 and [Formula: see text] 2, axially substituted with carboxylic acids have been synthesized using microwave irradiation in a very good yield. The new compounds have been characterized by 1H-NMR, UV-vis, fluorescence, differential pulse voltammograms, and HR-MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. An study of the stability of the axial chlorinated SiPcs in the function of the number of thiophenyl substituents indicates than [Formula: see text] 10 degradates faster, to its corresponding unreactive dihydrosilicon phthalocyanine derivative [Formula: see text] 11, than [Formula: see text]. The new SiPcs are excellent candidates as photoactive linkers for the construction of MOF materials.
Investigation into the Eu2+ ions occupations and the coordination environments in components modulated Sr3MgSi2O8
Authors: Zhang Meng , Song Ting , Li Bo , Zhu Hancheng , Dai Pengpeng , Zhang Xinyang
Published: December 2022

In this work, first-principles calculations of Sr3MgSi2O8 with Eu[Formula: see text], Ca[Formula: see text] and Ba[Formula: see text] dopants have been performed. These results reveal that the Eu[Formula: see text] ions prefer to substitute the Sr[Formula: see text] in 8f site. In addition, Ca[Formula: see text] and Ba[Formula: see text] have been introduced into the crystal structure to generate complex cation environments in Sr3MgSi2O8. Through the analysis of the crystal structure and electronic band structure, it can be found that the lattice size, band gap value along with the density of states of Sr3MgSi2O8 could be changed and the coordination environments around the Eu[Formula: see text] could be modulated through the Ca[Formula: see text] or Ba[Formula: see text] substituting for Sr[Formula: see text]. The Ca[Formula: see text] doping would induce decreased crystal structure and band gap value between the VB and CB. Meanwhile, the Ba[Formula: see text] doping would induce enlarged crystal structure and band gap value between the VB and CB. Especially, the bond length range of Eu[Formula: see text] and O[Formula: see text] could be expanded through the doping of Ca[Formula: see text] or Ba[Formula: see text]. In summary, it can be concluded that the doped Ca[Formula: see text] and Ba[Formula: see text] in Sr3MgSi2O8 could successfully modulate the coordination environment around the Eu[Formula: see text] and thus lead to multiple light emissions of Eu[Formula: see text].
Dependence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) inactivation ability on the crystallinity level of transparent Cu2O thin films
Authors: Wu Hsiang-Jung , Douura Takashi , Kumagai Kyoko , Nagai Hiroki , Kawakami Hiroshi , Nakayama Emi E. , Shioda Tatsuo , Sato Mitsunobu
Published: December 2022

The inactivation ability of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) was examined using two types of transparent Cu2O thin films with different crystallinities on a Na-free glass substrate. The low-crystallinity Cu2O thin film, which was fabricated by irradiating 254 nm ultraviolet (UV)-light with an intensity of 6.72 mW cm[Formula: see text] onto a spin-coated precursor film involving Cu[Formula: see text] complexes at room temperature, exhibited an outstanding COVID-19 inactivation ability to reduce 99.999% of the virus after 1 h of incubation. The X-ray diffraction results of the UV-irradiated thin film indicated a cubic Cu2O lattice with a small crystallite size of 2 ± 1 nm. Conversely, the high-crystallinity Cu2O thin film with a crystallite size of 16 ± 3 nm, obtained by heating a spin-coated precursor film containing another Cu[Formula: see text] complex, showed a negligibly low inactivation activity at the same level as the Na-free glass substrate. The eluted concentrations of Cu ions from both Cu2O thin films were analyzed after immersion in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) for 0.25–2 h. The eluted Cu–ion concentration of 1.16 ppm was observed for the UV-irradiated thin film by DMEM immersion after 1 h, but that of 0.04 ppm was observed for the heat-treated thin film. This indicated that an important factor of virus inactivation on Cu2O thin films is highly related to the elution of Cu ions that occurred from the surface in the medium.
Stable self-polarization in lead-free Bi(Fe0.93Mn0.05Ti0.02)O3 thick films
Authors: Fan Mengjia , Bu Xinyu , Wang Wenxuan , Sun Wei , Lin Xiujuan , Huang Shifeng , Yang Changhong
Published: December 2022

The BiFeO3-based film is one of the most promising candidates for lead-free piezoelectric film devices. In this work, the 1 [Formula: see text]m-thick Bi([Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text])O3 (BFMT) films are grown on the ITO/glass substrate using a sol-gel method combined with spin-coating and layer-by-layer annealing technique. These films display a large saturated polarization of 95 [Formula: see text]C/cm2, and a remanent polarization of 70 [Formula: see text]C/cm2. Especially, the films are self-poled caused by an internal bias field, giving rise to asymmetric polarization-electric field ([Formula: see text]) loops with a positive shift along the [Formula: see text]-axis. A stable self-polarization state is maintained during the applied electric field increasing to 1500 kV/cm and then decreasing back. The weak dependence of [Formula: see text] loops on frequency (1–50 kHz) and temperature (25–125[Formula: see text]C) indicate that the internal bias field can be stable within a certain frequency and temperature range. These results demonstrate that the self-polarized BFMT thick films can be integrated into devices without any poling process, with promising applications in micro-electro-mechanical systems.
Chapter 13. Biozonation of the Jurassic–lowermost Cretaceous of the North Sea region
Authors: Copestake Philip , Partington Mark A.
Published: December 2022

An updated, integrated biozonation scheme for the Jurassic (Hettangian)–lowermost Cretaceous (Upper Berriasian) of the North Sea Basin incorporates 49 palynology biozones plus subzones (based on dinocysts, spores and pollen) and 27 microfaunal zones plus subzones (based on foraminifera, radiolaria and ostracods) to provide the essential chronostratigraphic calibration of the defined sequences. The biozonation scheme is tied to standard ammonite zonal chronostratigraphy wherever possible. Parts of the biozonation scheme are also applicable to onshore UK (boreholes and outcrops), onshore Denmark (boreholes) and offshore Netherlands.
Fourteen-Year Patency of an Anterior Tibial Artery-Saphenous Vein Fistula in an Ambulatory Patient
Authors: Pulathan Zerrin , Altun Gökalp
Published: December 2022

Background. Ankle arteriovenous fistulas are the rarest vascular access type among lower extremity fistulas for hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease. Here, we present a case of a tibial-saphenous fistula that remained open for a long time despite a recurrent anastomotic aneurysm. Case Presentation. A 43-year-old female patient who had been undergoing hemodialysis via a right femoral tunnel catheter for six months was referred for recurrent catheter infection and a 4 cm pulsatile mass in the anterior aspect of the ankle. While she had been undergoing hemodialysis through a right tibial-saphenous fistula for fourteen years, hemodialysis continued after the fistula’s closure due to total occlusion of the great saphenous vein through the tunneled catheter. After balloon angioplasty to the right subclavian vein, we performed right upper extremity basilic vein transposition. Later, after starting adequate dialysis from the basilic vein fistula and removing the femoral catheter, we performed a resection of the anastomotic aneurysm in the right ankle and repaired the anterior tibial artery. Because this is the only ambulatory patient and the one with the longest patency of ankle arteriovenous fistulas in the literature and the only case in which the anterior tibial artery was used, the case is presented and discussed in light of the literature. Conclusion. Despite many complications and low patency rates reported in the literature, ankle vessels should be considered for autogenous vascular access in selected patients.
EEG Emotion Recognition Based on Temporal and Spatial Features of Sensitive signals
Authors: Qu Zhihao , Zheng Xiujuan
Published: December 2022

Currently, there are some problems in the electrocorticogram (EEG) emotion recognition research, such as single feature, redundant signal, which make it impossible to achieve high-precision recognition accuracy when used a few channel signals. To solve the abovementioned problems, the authors proposed a method for emotion recognition based on long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network and convolutional neural network (CNN) combined with neurophysiological knowledge. First, the authors selected emotion-sensitive signals based on the physiological function of EEG regions and the active scenario of the band signals, and then merged temporal and spatial features extracted from sensitive signals by LSTM and CNN. Finally, merged features were classified to recognize emotion. The method was experimented on the DEAP dataset, the average accuracy in the valence and arousal dimensions were 92.87% and 93.23%, respectively. Compared with similar studies, it not only improved the recognition accuracy, but also greatly reduced the calculation channel, which proved the superiority of the method.
Natural Gas Price Forecasting by a New Hybrid Model Combining Quadratic Decomposition Technology and LSTM Model
Authors: Zhan Linjie , Tang Zhenpeng
Published: December 2022

Research on the price prediction of natural gas is of great significance to market participants of all kinds. In order to predict natural gas prices more reliably, this paper introduces a quadratic decomposition technology based on the combination of variational modal decomposition (VMD) and ensemble empirical modal decomposition (EEMD), which decomposes the residual term (Res) after VMD by EEMD; then, a new hybrid model called VMD-EEMD-Res.-LSTM is constructed in combination with the long short-term memory (LSTM) prediction model. The contribution of this new hybrid model is that, unlike existing application research that combines existing decomposition technology with the LSTM model, it does not ignore the important information contained in the residual after the VMD. In order to verify the predictive performance of the proposed new model, this paper uses the data of the spot price of natural gas in the United States to conduct a multistep-ahead empirical comparative analysis. The results show that the new hybrid model constructed in this paper has significant predictive advantages.
Estimation of Neutral Mutation Rates and Quantification of Somatic Variant Selection Using cancereffectsizeR
Authors: Mandell Jeffrey D. , Cannataro Vincent L. , Townsend Jeffrey P.
Published: December 2022

Somatic nucleotide mutations can contribute to cancer cell survival, proliferation, and pathogenesis. Although research has focused on identifying which mutations are “drivers” versus “passengers," quantifying the proliferative effects of specific variants within clinically relevant contexts could reveal novel aspects of cancer biology. To enable researchers to estimate these cancer effects, we developed cancereffectsizeR, an R package that organizes somatic variant data, facilitates mutational signature analysis, calculates site-specific mutation rates, and tests models of selection. Built-in models support effect estimation from single nucleotides to genes. Users can also estimate epistatic effects between paired sets of variants, or design and test custom models. The utility of cancer effect was validated by showing in a pan-cancer dataset that somatic variants classified as likely pathogenic or pathogenic in ClinVar exhibit substantially higher effects than most other variants. Indeed, cancer effect was a better predictor of pathogenic status than variant prevalence or functional impact scores. In addition, the application of this approach toward pairwise epistasis in lung adenocarcinoma showed that driver mutations in BRAF, EGFR, or KRAS typically reduce selection for alterations in the other two genes. Companion reference data packages support analyses using the hg19 or hg38 human genome builds, and a reference data builder enables use with any species or custom genome build with available genomic and transcriptomic data. A reference manual, tutorial, and public source code repository are available at https://townsend-lab-yale.github.io/cancereffectsizeR. Comprehensive estimation of cancer effects of somatic mutations can provide insights into oncogenic trajectories, with implications for cancer prognosis and treatment.

Significance:

An R package provides streamlined, customizable estimation of underlying nucleotide mutation rates and of the oncogenic and epistatic effects of mutations in cancer cohorts.
Novel Paired Normal Prostate and Prostate Cancer Model Cell Systems Derived from African American Patients
Authors: Jung Mira , Kowalczyk Keith , Hankins Ryan , Bandi Gaurav , Kallakury Bhaskar , Carrasquilla Michael A. , Banerjee Partha P. , Grindrod Scott , Dritschilo Anatoly
Published: December 2022

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed solid malignancy in men. African American (AA) men are at greater risk for developing prostate cancer, and experience higher mortality rates, as compared with Caucasian American men. However, mechanistic studies to understand this health disparity have been limited by the lack of relevant in vitro and in vivo models. There is an urgent need for preclinical cellular models to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying prostate cancer in AA men. We collected clinical specimens from radical prostatectomies of AA patients and established 10 paired tumor-derived and normal epithelial cell cultures from the same donors, which were further cultivated to extend the growth under “conditional reprogramming.” Clinical and cellular annotations characterized these model cells as intermediate risk and predominantly diploid. Immunocytochemical analyses demonstrated variable expression levels of luminal (CK8) and basal (CK5, p63) markers in both normal and tumor cells. However, expression levels of TOPK, c-MYC, and N-MYC were markedly increased only in tumor cells. To determine cell utility for drug testing, we examined viability of cells following exposure to the antiandrogen (bicalutamide) and two PARP inhibitors (olaparib and niraparib) and observed decreased viability of tumor-derived cells as compared with viability of normal prostate-derived cells.

Significance:

Cells derived from prostatectomies of AA patients conferred a bimodal cellular phenotype, recapitulating clinical prostate cellular complexity in this model cell system. Comparisons of viability responses of tumor derived to normal epithelial cells offer the potential for screening therapeutic drugs. Therefore, these paired prostate epithelial cell cultures provide an in vitro model system suitable for studies of molecular mechanisms in health disparities.
The Splicing Factor PTBP1 RepressesTP63 γIsoform Production in Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Taylor William , Deschamps Stéphane , Reboutier David , Paillard Luc , Méreau Agnès , Audic Yann
Published: December 2022

The TP63 gene encodes the p63 transcription factor. It is frequently amplified or overexpressed in squamous cell carcinomas. Owing to alternative splicing, p63 has multiple isoforms called α, β, γ, and δ. The regulatory functions of p63 are isoform specific. The α isoform inhibits the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and controls apoptosis, while the γ isoform promotes EMT. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas data, we observed that a higher proportion of the TP63γ isoform is a detrimental factor for the survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and is accompanied by the downregulation of desmosomal genes. By a correlation-based approach, we investigated the regulation of the production of the TP63γ isoform. According to our analysis of GTEx data, the expression of the RNA-binding protein PTBP1 (polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1) is negatively correlated with the abundance of TP63γ in several tissues. Accordingly, we demonstrated that PTBP1 depletion in HNSCC cell lines, keratinocyte or Xenopus embryos leads to an increase in TP63γ isoform abundance. By RNA immunoprecipitation and in vitro interaction assays, we showed that PTBP1 directly binds to TP63 pre-mRNA in close proximity to the TP63γ-specific exon. Intronic regions around the TP63γ-specific exon were sufficient to elicit a PTBP1-dependent regulation of alternative splicing in a splice reporter minigene assay.

Together, these results identify TP63γ as an unfavorable prognostic marker in HNSCC, and identify PTBP1 as the first direct splicing regulator of TP63γ production and a potential route toward TP63 isoform control.

Significance:

Quantifying TP63γ isoforms in patients’ tumors could allow for the early detection of patients with HNSCC with an early loss in desmosomal gene expression and poor prognostic. The identification of PTBP1 as a transacting factor controlling TP63γ production may allow to control TP63γ expression.
A Rare Case of Adolescent Girl with Beard-PCOS with a Difference: “HAIR-AN Syndrome”
Authors: Kubsad Payal S. , Hebbal Nagarajappa Vani , Soodhana Mohan Dhanya
Published: December 2022

“Hyperandrogenism” is one of the commonest reasons for consultation in the adolescent age group. The most common reason being polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) caused due to the changing lifestyle and adopting to a more sedentary type of living. PCOS is an endocrine disorder becoming increasingly common in adolescent, with an incidence of 6–18% in the female population. HAIR-AN syndrome being a specific subtype of PCOS consists of hyperandrogenism (HA), insulin resistance (IR) and acanthosis nigricans (AN) with adipose tissue dysfunction as the initial pathophysiological stimulant. We report a 16-year-old developmentally normal adolescent girl with excessive facial hair growth, an irregular menstrual cycle, and hyperpigmentation who attained menarche at the age of 12. On clinical examination, she had features suggestive of HA and IR. Biochemical investigations showed highly elevated serum insulin with elevated testosterone and normal blood glucose.A multidisciplinary approach with lifestyle modifications combined with hormonal medications like oral contraceptive pills with metformin and spironolactone were required to control the disease and prevent the systemic manifestation and decrease the degree of virilization. As HAIR-AN syndrome is a disorder characterized by high IR, pediatricians, adolescent specialists, and obstetricians should be familiar with this condition in order to assess and manage it efficiently.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Filipino BSIT in Food Technology Students toward Food Hygiene and Sanitation
Authors: Adling Nikka Mae J. , Malinao Rudolph John L.
Published: December 2022

This study mainly aims to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Filipino college students on food hygiene and sanitation in the context of flexible blended learning during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty college students major in Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) in Food Technology are purposively selected as the main respondents of the study. This mixed-method study reveals that the students have excellent knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards cleaning and sanitization procedures, the use of appropriate clothing, and the proper storage of foods during their laboratory activities. The very positive findings of the study indicate that the students have a high level of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding general sanitary measures.
Heart of Education: The Relationship of Corporate Social Responsibility on the Organizational Commitment of Senior High School Teachers in Caloocan City, Philippines
Authors: Lumbang Abram Andrew A. , Martin Edwin
Published: December 2022

The research ventures into the connection between Senior High School (SHS) teachers’ organizational commitment (OC) in relation to their experiences on the dimension of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) done by their respective educational institutions. The study made use of the 5 CSR dimensions as basis of the experience of the SHS teachers, namely Human Rights and Labor, Environment, Economics, Product Responsibility, and Society. These were related side by side using the 3 Facets of OC which are Affective, Continuance, and Normative. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses have been used to confirm a relationship between the SHS teachers’ OC and the level of experience on the dimensions of CSR. General findings of the study show that problems of scheduling, effectivity and assessment hinders the level of OC that SHS teachers have towards the CSR activities of their educational institution. To address the issue, the research provided a set of suggestions to optimize the CSR in improving the OC of teachers through proper forms of pre-evaluation procedures, post assessment procedures and a set of effective mix of internal and external CSR program recommendations.
Management Equity: Parish Administration and Pastoral Leadership
Authors: Anduyan Dennis B. , Celis Rev. Fr. Arnel D.
Published: December 2022

The thin line between management from leadership inside an organization is something that many people in positions of power constantly face and experience. Leaders usually take on administrative obligations and carry out a number of administrative duties. On the other hand, leadership and administration are two unique, but complimentary, systems of activity. This study aimed to determine the level of Parish administration and Pastoral leadership of the clergy in the Diocese of Tagum. Findings of the study will serve as basis for the diocesan organizational development interventions program. The study utilized descriptive-correlational design as well as comparative design. The study was conducted among the ten parishes under the Diocese of Tagum for CY 2014. There were 593 respondents of the study comprising the clergy, parishioners, parish workers and apostolate. It employed a research instrument based on the framework of McKinsey’s 7S. The study employed frequency and percentage, pearson-r correlation and one-way analysis of variance to treat the data. Parish administration is very satisfactory. The vision and mission is also very satisfactory. The level of pastoral leadership is very satisfactory. There is interaction effectively with people, balancing positive regard for self with positive regard for others and working harmoniously with peers, superiors, and subordinates in the workplace, which is very satisfactory. It is concluded that there is a significant relationship between parish administration and pastoral leadership. Also, there is a significant difference on pastoral leadership across clergymen. Parish administration has a significant effect on pastoral leadership. This means that improving parish administration improves the pastoral leadership.
Development of Interactive Organic Chemistry E-Module Using Macromedia Flash Improves Concept Mastery
Authors: Manurung Hisar Marulitua , Simaremare Juni Agus
Published: December 2022

This study was examining to produce e-modules as teaching materials in interactive organic chemistry courses using macromedia flash through the development process and determine the effect of interactive organic chemistry e-modules using macromedia flash on student concept mastery. This research method is development research known as Research and Development (R & D) Borg and Gall model with the following research stages, 1) Preliminary Study, 2) Planning, 3) Initial product development, 4) Small-scale field test, 5 ) Revision of small-scale field test results, 6) Main field test, 7) Revision of main field test results, 8) Operational field test, 9) Final product revision, and 10) Product implementation. The research instrument was a questionnaire with 33 statements and a multiple choice written test with 20 questions. The instrument was used to measure the category of interactive organic chemistry e-module interpretation using macromedia flash through the development stages using a questionnaire based on language, material and media aspects and to measure students' conceptual mastery using a multiple-choice written test. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the interactive organic chemistry e-module using macromedia flash through the development stages was in the very good category with a score of 3.6. The hypothesis test of this research was obtained that the value of sig (2-tailed) was 0.000 < 0.05, this means that there is an effect of implementing an interactive organic chemistry e-module using macromedia flash as a result of development on concept mastery. The amount of increase that occurs in the mastery of students' concepts is 66.74%.
School and Industrial Kitchen Sanitation and Hygiene Practices among HRM Graduates
Authors: Candilas Kurt S. , Danuco Verla Nena T.
Published: December 2022

Kitchen practices such as sanitation and hygiene are crucial precautionary methods in preventing untoward accidents due to carelessness in the kitchen. This study aimed to determine the Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) graduates’ kitchen sanitation and hygiene practices in school to their practices in the industry. There were sixty-seven HRM graduates of the College in Cagayan de Oro City employed in the different hotels, restaurants, and chains who participated as the participants of the study. A snowball sampling technique was used. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to generate the findings. Generally, results show that school kitchen practices have a minimal implication on HRM graduates’ real-life practices in the industry. Among the kitchen practices, only storage is significantly having an impact on HRM graduates’ practices in both school and industry. Thus, the findings of the study call for the need to intensify school kitchen teaching practices in actualizing real concepts and practices of the kitchen industry.
Scientific Attitude Inventory of Junior High School Students During Pandemic
Authors: Capiral Christine Ivy S.
Published: December 2022

The study sought to analyze the scientific attitude inventory of junior high school students during pandemic. The scientific attitudes are the most important outcomes of science teaching. It is the combination of many qualities and virtues that is reflected in a person's behavior and actions. The aim of the present study is to check scientific attitude inventory among junior high school students. This study covers 350 students from the different grade levels. Subjects were selected using a stratified random sampling method. Scientific Attitude Scale (SAS) of Bajwa and Mahajan (2012) was administered to collect the data. The statistical treatments that were used in this study are Independent T-test and One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine the significant difference assessment of respondents about scientific attitude inventory when grouped according to their profile characteristics. On the other hand, the data statistical treatments that were used to determine the significant relationship of scientific attitude and academic performance is Spearman’s Rho Correlation Coefficient. The findings of the study revealed that there is no significant difference between scientific attitude and profile characteristics of the respondents. It also revealed that there is no significant relationship between scientific attitude and academic performance of the respondents.  It may therefore be concluded that the scientific attitude of students during pandemic have less in comparison to the normal.
Multi-level Car Parking as a Viable Solution to Traffic Issues in Davao City
Authors: Co Zosimo , Polinar Mark Anthony N. , Payao Ronald B.
Published: December 2022

The development of the economy must be strategically reflected in the transportation infrastructure. Traffic issues will arise as the econ-omy expands, which will impede that expansion. Even if the govern-ment does its part to solve the issue, citizens still have problems. The study investigated how Davao City residents perceived current traf-fic-related issues and their detrimental effects. The study used a quan-titative approach with a descriptive research methodology. The study selected 75 residents of Davao City who have encountered traffic is-sues using purposive sampling. Frequency distribution and percent-ages were used to assess the data that had been gathered. The results indicated that unlawful parking of vehicles and high volumes of vehicles on the road were ranked first and second on the list of existing prob-lems; in the same way, delay and time wastage were the respondents’ dominant adverse effects. Thus, the study concludes that multi-level car parking must be added as a strategic solution to the ongoing prob-lem. Moreover, the researchers suggest a multi-level car parking plan considering all vital parts that help potential and existin