bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ISPSC Initiative on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Measures
Authors: Sanidad Remely , Tomas Perlita , Sanidad Victor , Estranero Adela , Somera Gemma , Sawey Renato , Canosa Michelle
Published: November 2022

Climate change is one of the most complex issues facing us today. It is a global problem that was felt on a local scale and will continue to affect future generations. In such context, this study was conducted to identify the college initiatives in adapting and mitigating climate change. A descriptive method was used to solicit the needed data and information from the students, faculty, staff, and administrators of the six campuses of the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC). Based on the results, most of the respondents are female, aged 17-19 years old, have BS courses, with parents who are mostly farmers and housekeepers, with 4-6 family members, and whose parents’ monthlyincome ranges from 3,000.00-12,000.00. The majority of the personnel are female, aged 50-54 years old, M.A. graduate, and Associate/Assistant Professors, with 26-30 years in government service. Immediate impact seen in the environment is the most serious problem in adapting and mitigating climate change. Reduce, reuse, and recycle of waste are some of the effective means to combat climate change. It is then recommended that information dissemination on climate change be made regularly to possibly inculcate to students and the community the hazards that it brings or that may happen if adaptation and mitigation measures are not practiced. Last, ISPSC personnel as rolemodels and change agents should implement different programs related to ecological balance and re-greening programs.
21st Century Loom Weaving in Ilocos Sur: A Cultural Heritage
Authors: Quitevis Corazon , Estrañero Adela
Published: November 2022

This study determined the socio-demographic profile of loom weavers, the equipment, tools materials, processes, patterns, designs, and terms in loom weaving. It also analyzed the chain of supply and the effect of loom weaving to tourism and socio-economic status of the community. It was conducted using the quantitative and qualitative descriptive research design. A self-structured questionnaire and ethnographic processes was utilized to obtain relative data.Majority of the loom weavers are: females, senior citizens, elementary graduates, purely weavers as to their field role, with experience of 26 years and above, having estimated monthly income of 5,000, who organized themselves into associations and most of their products are marketed to customers through the micro entrepreneur-weavers. They utilize almost the same type of loom, loom accessories, tools, materials and processes. The weaving patterns they are producing are: Plain, Twill, and Overshot. Out of these patterns, varieties of designs are created. The loom weaving supply chain reflects the interconnections and movement of raw materials into finished products up to its market outlets. The effect of loom weaving to tourism and socio-economic status is described as Much Beneficial and Moderately Beneficial respectively. A collaborative intervention program is recommended to be initiated by concerned agencies to control the occurrence of dearth of loom weavers in the future, to improve marketing system, and to level up the benefit of loom weaving to tourism and socio-economic status of the people.
Fitting the Square Peg in a Round Hole: Teaching Experiencesof Out-Of-Field Physical Education Teachers in the Senior High School
Authors: Ligawad Rodolfo Jr.
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to explore the teaching experiences of out-of-field Physical Education teachers in in the Senior High School. With this, this study aims to determine the preparations undertaken by the participants before teaching Physical Education in the Senior High School ; the challenges and coping strategies they encountered while teaching subjects that are not their field of specialization ; and the learning experiences in teaching Physical Education.The participants were 8 non-Physical Education major teachers teaching Physical Education in the Senior High School in Tagudin District. The data were gathered using face–to–face interview, phone calls, and chat messages. The study found that the preparations made by the participants before teaching Physical Education were: reviewed the curriculum guide in Health Optimizing Physical Education; attendance to seminar in P.E.; and technical preparations in teaching. The challenges encountered by the participants were limited support for Physical Education and lack of pedagogical skills in teaching Physical Education. While, their coping mechanisms were: expanding professional network and work ethics attribute, and making instruction stimulating for learners. In addition, the insights of participants from teaching were: importance of a teacher placement in Physical Education; becoming flexible as a responsibility; and expanding one’s limits in teaching Physical Education. Lastly, the Thematic Model on Teaching Experiences of Out-of-Field Physical Education Teachers can serve as basis for school administrators in crafting action or development plan to address the problems posed by out-of-field teaching.
Strategies in Teaching 21st Century Literature: Results from a Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Lorenzo Ariston
Published: November 2022

The concept strategy has been relevant in literature. Teachers use instructional strategies to motivate students to focus their attention, organize material for understanding and memorizing, monitor and analyze progress. Furthermore, instructional strategies provide a path to learning success. With several researches on the field of education, this systematic review analyzed thirty-nine (39) research articles to determine the fundamental strategies used by teachers in the teaching of literature. The review also determined the technological tools and revealed the gaps from the different research articles. Results showed that teachers use a variety of instructional strategies categorized as direct, indirect, interactive, independent, and experiential. Likewise, teachers around the world used technological tools in the teaching of literature such as multimedia and web tools, flipped classroom, and more. As revealed, the strategies and technological tools yielded a positive impact on student learning. It demonstrated significant advantages especially on the enhancement of students’ learning of 21st century literature. Challenges of implementing the technological tools were likewise identified and presented several implications.
Development, Validation, and Effectiveness of Module for the Course “Teaching Social Studies in the Intermediate Grades”
Authors: Sanchez Geremy
Published: November 2022

Various studies manifest the critical issues on the adequacy of developed instructional materials in Basic Education and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) due to resource issues and teachers` attitudes towards instructional material development. This research and development study endeavored to develop a valid, effective, and framework-braced course module for the course Teaching Social Studies in the Intermediate Grades. The study involved six (6) experts as validators and forty-five (45) students as respondents for testing its effectiveness at Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Cervantes Campus, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.The developed framework of the course module encapsulates important documents, including, among others, CMO No. 74, s. 2017, Curriculum Guide for Araling Panlipunan, and Republic Act 10533. The developed course module is excellent in terms of the standards of a practical course module. Likewise, the output remarkably improved the students' performance despite the teachers' minimal intervention due to the COVID – 19 Pandemic. It means that well-developed course modules effectively deliver instruction regardless of learning modalities.The paper considers the necessity to consider a framework in developing learning resources to ensure their quality and effectiveness. Furthermore, the output of the study may be used by college instructors to teach the course.
The Study of Biodive and Cow Fertilizer Composition on Bean Growth and Production (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)
Authors: Santosa Sartono Joko , Maulida Elly Istiana , Nuraini Sinta
Published: November 2022

In agricultural cultivation technology, there are very influential limiting factors on plant growth and yield, one of which is the presence of fertilization. This research aims to study the composition of Bio fertilizer and Cow manure fertilizer application bean’s growth and yield. This research was conducted from February 25th, 2022 to May 22th, 2022 at Seed Garden of Food Crops and Horticulture Tawangmangu (TPH) Tawangmangu, Karangpandan District, Karanganyar Regency with an altitude place of 1100 meters above sea level and Latosol soil. This research method uses a single factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisting of 6 kinds of experiments and each was repeated 4 times in order to obtain 24 kinds trial. The variables used are length of plant, number of leaves, length of root, fresh weight of biomass, dry weight of biomass, the number and weight of pods. The results of this research showed that the composition of biofertilizer and cow fertilizer application has no effect on bean’s growth and yield.
Reflexões sobre a aplicação dos princípios e regras no processo de argumentação das decisões do Tribunal Superior Eleitoral
Authors: Nóbrega Ana
Published: November 2022

Examina, a partir dos pressupostos da Teoria dos Direitos Fundamentais e da Teoria da Argumentação Jurídica, o papel das regras e princípios existentes no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro, notadamente no que se refere ao processo de argumentação de decisões do Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE) envolvendo direitos fundamentais. O problema de pesquisa diz com a forma pela qual se exteriorizam as possibilidades e os limites da racionalidade em julgados que tratam de tais postulados nessa Justiça Especializada. O caminho percorrido nessa explanação tem como ponto de partida a análise de duas consultas formuladas junto ao TSE que envolveram a aplicação de princípios sob a ótica dos pressupostos teóricos selecionados. Avalia-se, de forma sintética, a "Teoria da Argumentação Jurídica" e a "Teoria dos Direitos Fundamentais", de Robert Alexy, bem como o pensamento de Ronald Dworkin em "O Império do Direito" e "Uma questão de Princípio". Trata-se de pesquisa de caráter bibliográfico e qualitativo. Pelos acórdãos examinados, conclui-se que, na solução de conflitos relacionados, a aplicação de princípios jurídicos fundamentais, o TSE utiliza elementos calcados na teoria de Alexy e Dworkin, a exemplo do sopesamento, ponderação, precedência condicionada, entre outros. Esses elementos têm o intuito de dar aos questionamentos propostos uma solução racional, cuja sustentação se projeta ora na prevalência dos princípios da dignidade da pessoa humana e na igualdade de gênero, ora no princípio da imutabilidade do nome.
Cotas, candidaturas laranjas, melhor divisão de recursos financeiros e a inafastabilidade da realidade
Authors: Agra Walber , Santos Maria
Published: November 2022

Analisa os efeitos da política pública de cotas no Brasil e como ela contribui para a igualdade de gênero. Defende-se que a questão central não são modificações institucionais, mas mudanças na infraestrutura social, protegendo efetivamente os hipossuficientes sociais e evitando privilégios que não apresentam fundamentação lógica.
"My Sculpture, My Life": An iconographic study of the contemporary Ghanaian sculptor, Isaac Opoku-Mensah
Authors: Azaglo Alex Kwasi , Adom Dickson , Adu-Agyem Joe , Opoku-Mensah Kofi
Published: November 2022

There is little information on Contemporary Ghanaian artists in the form of literary presentations and documentation. Isaac Opoku-Mensah is one great personality whose contribution to the development of Ghanaian sculpture and the field of bust sculpture deserves to be recognized, celebrated, and studied. This is a biographic study that focuses on his profile and contributions to academia as well as his sculptural art technique. It looks at some of his creative works, the techniques he used, and his influence on his students and the next generation of sculptural artists. The qualitative research design was used to conduct an iconographic analysis of three specific sculptural pieces as part of an empirical artistic study. Research instruments such as in-depth interviews, observation, and photography were utilised to gather the required data for the study.  The paper also appreciates Isaac Opoku-Mensah's sculptural pieces through Erwin Panofsky's iconographic analysis, which has three levels: pre-iconographical description, iconographical analysis, and iconological interpretation. The findings among others indicated that there were detailed interpretations of the busts of three murdered Judges, a cocoa farmer, and academic graduands which aimed at comprehending the images’ visual elements and performing a formal analysis of its physical manifestation, followed by an iconographic analysis in which the images were linked to a known story or recognizable character, and finally, an iconological analysis in which the meaning of the artefacts was determined in relation to its social, cultural, and historical contexts.
Blended pedagogies: The challenges of Visual Arts education
Authors: Quarshie Benjamin , Amponsah Akwasi , Boakye-Ansah Doris
Published: November 2022

This paper exposes, through qualitative inquiry, the effects of blended learning on training and acquisition of hard and soft skills among Visual Arts students at Mampong Technical College of Education. Two weeks of unobtrusive observation of blended learning lessons were done. Three focus group interviews involving 15 level 300 Visual Arts students to assess the level of impact blended learning exerts on their training and skill acquisition. Findings reveal that the WhatsApp platform was the most used for the online component of the blended learning whereas traditional face-to-to lessons were coupled with OERs and YouTube videos. Students’ enthusiasm for personal learning through exploration using OERs has increased and able to produce end of semester group Visual Art project works despite the challenges due to the blended and learner-centred pedagogies implemented deployed by their tutors.  There is a need for further studies to investigate the pedagogic competencies of the MTCE student-teachers in their teaching practices to ascertain their level of skills acquired through the blended learning since their success would impact the national agenda of raising critical and creative thinkers through the standard-based curriculum.
Reducing cost and ensuring environmental sustainability: Palm kernel expeller as an alternative sculpture material for casting in Ghana
Authors: Amissah Emmanuel , Adom Dickson , Adu-Agyem Joe
Published: November 2022

The materials for sculpture in Ghana have always been clay, wood, cement, resin, and silicon. These materials have their limitations. Also, some students do not have the financial strength to purchase them because they are expensive. This situation slows down the pace in the teaching and learning of practical activities in the Sculpture discipline in most Ghanaian educational institutions. Owing to this, the researchers explored the possibility of experimenting with local materials in the home regions of students which could have otherwise been a nuisance in the environment as alternative sculptural materials. The researchers adopted the Double Helix of Praxis Exegesis Model, which is an arts-based method undergird in the eco-innovation theory to investigate the possibility of using palm kernel which is abundant in the Anloga Sobolo community, Kumasi, Ghana as an alternative material for modeling, casting, and carving. The palm kernel expellers were prepared by collecting the kernel, cracking, firing, milling, and cooking to extract the oil, and then the expeller. The palm kernel expellers were mixed with selected binders to produce aesthetically pleasing modeled, cast, and carved works. Findings revealed that palm kernel expeller is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative material for sculpture. The study contends that teachers and students in the sculpture discipline in the various Senior High and tertiary educational institutions in Ghana should constantly explore waste local materials as alternative materials for practical activities in sculpture to reduce cost and to serve as a tool for ensuring environmental sustainability.
Proteomics and Genomics as Identification Procedures in Human Anthropology
Authors: Ariaei Armin , Bahreini Seyyed Mohammad , Rustamzadeh Auob
Published: November 2022

Context: Since most scientists tend to investigate live biological samples, there is inadequate data on efficient molecular techniques for the anthropological sciences. In this short review, multiple methods were mentioned and compared to provide a brief insight into the application of genomics and proteomics on the post-mortal specimen. Evidence Acquisition: Through the use of proper keywords, the PubMed and Elsevier databases were selected for acquiring relevant articles. Results: During cell death, DNA and proteins degenerate, hence, it is difficult to perform molecular assessments efficiently. Fortunately, with the aid of novel techniques, including uracil-N-glycosylase (UNG) and N-phenacylthiazolium bromide (PTB), we could partly recover the damaged DNA, and by applying PTB-DTT and Qiagen kit, we could analyze the remaining DNA with high efficiency. Nevertheless, there are countless gene sites for molecular studies, and the hypervariable region I (HVRI) of the D-loop in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome microsatellites (Y-STRs) are two potential sites for anthropological studies. Finally, we could utilize proteomics in the remaining mineralization samples of a corpse to study protein variation and different phenotypes in human beings. Conclusions: Genomics and proteomics are two domains of molecular studies in which we can gather useful information about the events which occur in a cell over time. These domains give us data about the Archeological and Anthropological sciences.
Cuestionarios auto-reportados para la evaluación de la funcionalidad en pacientes de consultorio externo: herramientas disponibles para la población argentina
Authors: Pierobon Andrés
Published: November 2022

No disponible
¿Qué factores se asocian a las lesiones medulares traumáticas?
Authors: Redolfi María Belén , Moviglia Jorge Luis , Gonzalez Carey Ramiro
Published: November 2022

Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y demográficas de los sujetos con lesión medular espinal (LME) que se rehabilitaron en el Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Psicofísica del Sur (I.Na.Re.P.S.) e identificar si las mismas se encuentran asociadas a las lesiones traumáticas.Materiales y método: Estudio observacional, analítico, transversal, retrospectivo que incluyó sujetos con LME que ingresaron al I.Na.Re.P.S. entre enero de 2015 y agosto de 2018. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística múltiple para identificar características asociadas al motivo de LME (traumática versus no traumática). Como medida de asociación se reportaron los Odds Ratios (ORs) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC 95%). Se consideró significativo un valor de p<0,05.Resultados: De 85 sujetos analizados, 53 (62,3%) presentaron lesiones traumáticas. Del total, 69 (81,2%) fueron hombres con una mediana de edad de 36 (RIQ 22,5 - 54) años. Las variables edad, equipamiento al alta, cantidad de complicaciones, tiempo de tratamiento y tipo de lesión resultaron estadísticamente significativas en el análisis univariado. En el análisis multivariado, la edad <36 años [OR 5,9 (IC 95% 1,6 - 22,3); p<0,001)], tiempo de tratamiento >4 meses [OR 4,8 (IC 95% 1,3 - 17,2); p=0,015)] y lesión completa [OR 18,0 (IC 95% 3,5 - 93,9); p=0,015)] resultaron características independientes relacionadas con lesión medular traumática.Conclusiones: La LME afectó principalmente a hombres jóvenes, producto de lesiones traumáticas, causadas por accidentes de tránsito. La edad, el tiempo de tratamiento y la lesión de tipo completa fueron características independientes relacionadas con lesión medular traumática.
Estudos em Direito Ambiental - Territorialidade, racionalidade e decolonialidade
Authors: Simões Nunes Matheus
Published: November 2022

O mundo hodierno tem trazido desafios socioambientais que fragilizam o equilíbrio, o bem-estar e a manutenção da vida. Apesar de vários avanços e conquistas sobre os conflitos de interesses sociais e à melhor gestão dos recursos naturais, é veemente a necessidade do fortalecimento da aplicabilidade e exequibilidade dos diversos instrumentos jurídicos que normatizam condutas e ações que envolvem o meio ambiente como território para uso e/ou exploração. Dessa maneira, essa obra reúne estudos que discutem o planejamento, gestão e/ou ações que precisam serem subsidiados pelo Direito Ambiental para que se atinja as metas e objetivos almejados para o desenvolvimento sustentável das sociedades.
Racionalidade colonial, transição energética e a conservação da biodiversidade no semiárido
Authors: Gonçalves Lunardi Diana , Rodrigues de Sousa Júlio César
Published: November 2022

Nos últimos anos houve um crescimento exponencial da energia solar fotovoltaica no Brasil, incentivado pelo interesse do setor financeiro rentista no desenvolvimento de grandes projetos de energias renováveis. O pensamento assentado na racionalidade colonial é observado na expansão energética brasileira, com a priorização do lucro e na acumulação de capital, em detrimento do meio ambiente. A busca por investimentos criou uma competição entre Estados e a flexibilização das exigências ambientais transformou o licenciamento ambiental em uma mera formalidade, dada a facilidade de obtenção. Verificou-se ainda a inexistência de políticas públicas no país para o aproveitamento de áreas degradadas ou em processo de desertificação para a geração de energia limpa. Por fim, percebe-se que o bioma semiárido é o mais afetado com a transição energética brasileira, já que concentra grande parte dos novos projetos, com grandes impactos ambientais para a sua fauna e flora.
Las extensiones del cuerpo
Authors: Pérez Sánchez Joaquín , Farreny Morancho Jaume , Ferré Pueyo Gemma , Toldrà Domingo Josep Maria
Published: November 2022

If we think of the human body as the origin and end of architecture (origin as the starting point of the needs that we have to cover in our relationship with the environment, and end as the receiver of the environmental and functional conditions that we create in response to these needs) , we cannot ignore the need to project from our bodies (project from the fact of living). That is why we proposed to the students of introduction to architectural projects an exercise initially planned in two phases: a first work of recognition, learning and drawing of the body, to then ask them to build an intermediary artifact between their body -any part of it- and the environment in which they live, based on a function, invented or not, and if possible not exempt from playful aspects, where the designer himself would be the user. The question to answer was: how do we complete our body in response to a new need?

Si pensamos en el cuerpo humano como origen y final de la arquitectura (origen como punto de partida de necesidades que hemos de cubrir en nuestra relación con el entorno, y final como receptor de las condiciones ambientales y funcionales que creamos en respuesta a dichas necesidades), no podemos dejar de lado la exigencia de proyectar desde nuestros cuerpos (proyectar desde el hecho de habitar). Es por ello que propusimos a los estudiantes de introducción a proyectos arquitectónicos un ejercicio inicialmente planteado en dos fases: un primer trabajo de reconocimiento, aprendizaje y dibujo del cuerpo, para luego pedirles que construyesen un artefacto intermediario entre su cuerpo –cualquier  parte del mismo– y el entorno en que habitan a partir de una función, inventada o no, y a ser posible no exenta de aspectos lúdicos, donde el propio proyectista sería el usuario. La  pregunta a responder era: ¿cómo completamos nuestro cuerpo ante una nueva necesidad?
Four new species of Hecabolus Curtis, 1834 (Braconidae, Doryctinae) from south and southwestern Brazil, with notes on the morphological variation and geographic distribution of H. mexicanus Zaldívar-Riverón & Belokobylskij, 2009
Authors: Castañeda-Osorio Rubén , Belokobylskij Sergey A. , Zaldívar-Riverón Alejandro
Published: November 2022

Four new species of the braconid wasp genus Hecabolus Curtis, 1834 (Doryctinae Foerster, 1863) are described for the Neotropical region in south and southwestern Brazil: H. acutus sp. nov., H. chrisaxeli sp. nov., H. gavinbroadi sp. nov., and H. transversalis sp. nov. We also report the morphological variation of females and males of H. mexicanus Zaldívar-Riverón & Belokobylskij, 2009, originally described based on a single female, and provide its first precise geographical distribution records. An updated key to the 13 described species of Hecabolus is provided.
Outcomes of thin versus thick-wire snares for cold snare polypectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Giri Suprabhat , Jearth Vaneet , Darak Harish , Sundaram Sridhar
Published: November 2022

Background/Aims: Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) is commonly used for the resection of colorectal polyps ≤10 mm. Data regarding the influence of snare type on CSP effectiveness are conflicting. Hence, this meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcomes and safety of thin- and thick-wire snares for CSP.Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature published between 2000 and 2021 was performed of various databases for comparative studies evaluating the outcomes of thin- versus thick-wire snares for CSP.Results: Five studies with data on 1,425 polyps were included in the analysis. The thick-wire snare was comparable to the thin-wire snare with respect to complete histological resection (risk ratio [RR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97–1.09), overall bleeding (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.40–2.40), polyp retrieval (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.97–1.04), and involvement of submucosa in the resection specimen (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.72–2.28). There was no publication bias and a small study effect, and the relative effects remained the same in the sensitivity analysis.Conclusions: CSP using a thin-wire snare has no additional benefit over thick-wire snares in small colorectal polyps. Factors other than snare design may play a role in improving CSP outcomes.
Precise Sterntube and Strut Bearing Alignment without Boring
Authors: Wilson J. Murray
Published: November 2022

Accurate sterntube and strut bearing alignment is essential for reliable propulsion. Installation by traditional boring is slow, not always accurate and difficult to correct if misaligned. An alternative method using epoxy resin that eliminates in-situ boring has been in use for over 12 years and used on hundreds of bearings. Most were under 250 mm (10 in) bore, the largest 560 mm (22 in), but the method has no practical limits and is now being incorporated into several new large ship designs.
BRAF/MEK Dual Inhibitors Therapy in Progressive and Anaplastic Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Kata Karolina , Rodriguez-Quintero Juan C. , Arevalo Octavio D. , Zhang Jackie J. , Bhattacharjee Meenakshi Bidwai , Ware Cornelius , Dono Antonio , Riascos-Castaneda Roy , Tandon Nitin , Blanco Angel , Esquenazi Yoshua , Ballester Leomar Y. , Amsbaugh Mark , Day Arthur L. , Zhu Jay-Jiguang
Published: November 2022

Recurrent and anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (r&aPXA) is a rare primary brain tumor that is challenging to treat. Two-thirds of PXA tumors harbor a BRAF gene mutation. BRAF inhibitors have been shown to improve tumor control. However, resistance to BRAF inhibition develops in most cases. Concurrent therapy with MEK inhibitors may improve tumor control and patient survival. In this study, we identified 5 patients diagnosed with BRAF-mutated PXA who received BRAF and MEK inhibitors over a 10-year interval at our institution. Patient records were evaluated, including treatments, adverse effects (AEs), outcomes, pathology, next-generation sequencing, and MRI. The median age was 22 years (range, 14–66 years), 60% male, and 60% anaplastic PXA. Median overall survival was 72 months (range, 19–112 months); 1 patient died of tumor-related hemorrhage while off therapy, and the other 4 experienced long-term disease control (21, 72, 98, and 112 months, respectively). Dual BRAF/MEK inhibitors were well tolerated, with only grade 1–2 AEs, including rash, neutropenia, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea. No grade 3–5 AEs were detected. A literature review was also performed of patients diagnosed with BRAF-mutated PXA and treated with BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors through August 2021, with a total of 32 cases identified. The median age was 29 years (range, 8–57 years) and the median PFS and OS were 8.5 months (range, 2–35 months) and 35 months (range, 10–80 months), respectively. The most common AEs were grade 1–2 fatigue and skin rash. Results of this case series and literature review indicate that dual-drug therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors for r&aPXA with BRAF V600E mutation may delay tumor progression without unexpected AEs.
Association Between Cancer Center Accreditation and Compliance With Price Disclosure of Common Oncologic Surgical Procedures
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Cerullo Marcelo , Esposito Andrew , Golla Vishnukamal
Published: November 2022

Background: Cancer center accreditation status is predicated on several factors that measure high-value healthcare. However, price transparency, which is critical in healthcare decisions, is not a quality measure included for accreditation. We reported the rates of price disclosure of surgical procedures for 5 cancers (breast, lung, cutaneous melanoma, colon, and prostate) among hospitals ranked by the American College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer (ACS-CoC). Methods: We identified nonfederal, adult, and noncritical access ACS-CoC accredited hospitals and used the commercial Turquoise Health database to perform a cross-sectional analysis of hospital price disclosures for 5 common oncologic procedures (mastectomy, lobectomy, wide local excision for cutaneous melanoma, partial colectomy, prostatectomy). Publicly available financial reporting data were used to compile facility-specific features, including bed size, teaching status, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid wage index, and patient revenues. Modified Poisson regression evaluated the association between price disclosure and ACS-CoC accreditation after adjusting for hospital financial performance. Results: Of 1,075 total ACS-CoC accredited hospitals, 544 (50.6%) did not disclose prices for any of the surgical procedures and only 313 (29.1%) hospitals reported prices for all 5 procedures. Of the 5 oncologic procedures, prostatectomy and lobectomy had the lowest price disclosure rates. Disclosing and nondisclosing hospitals significantly differed in ACS-CoC accreditation, ownership type, and teaching status. Hospitals that disclosed prices were more likely to receive Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments, have lower average charge to cost ratios (4.53 vs 5.15; P<.001), and have lower net hospital margins (−2.03 vs 0.44; P=.005). After adjustment, a 1-point increase in markup was associated with a 4.8% (95% CI, 2.2%–7.4%; P<.001) higher likelihood of nondisclosure. Conclusions: More than half of the hospitals did not disclose prices for any of the 5 most common oncologic procedures despite ACS-CoC accreditation. It remains difficult to obtain price transparency for common oncologic procedures even at centers of excellence, signaling a discordance between quality measures visible to patients.
Incident Cancer Detection During Multiple Waves of COVID-19: The Tsunami After the Earthquake
Authors: Fu Rui , Sutradhar Rinku , Li Qing , Hanna Timothy P. , Chan Kelvin K.W. , Irish Jonathan C. , Coburn Natalie , Hallet Julie , Dare Anna , Singh Simron , Parmar Ambica , Earle Craig C. , Lapointe-Shaw Lauren , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Finelli Antonio , Louie Alexander V. , Look Hong Nicole J. , Witterick Ian J. , Mahar Alyson , Gomez David , McIsaac Daniel I. , Enepekides Danny , Urbach David R. , Eskander Antoine
Published: November 2022

No population-based study exists to demonstrate the full-spectrum impact of COVID-19 on hindering incident cancer detection in a large cancer system. Building upon our previous publication in JNCCN, we conducted an updated analysis using 12 months of new data accrued in the pandemic era (extending the study period from September 26, 2020, to October 2, 2021) to demonstrate how multiple COVID-19 waves affected the weekly cancer incidence volume in Ontario, Canada, and if we have fully cleared the backlog at the end of each wave.
Age, adrenal steroids, and cognitive functioning in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Takeshita Rafaela S.C. , Edler Melissa K. , Meindl Richard S. , Sherwood Chet C. , Hopkins William D. , Raghanti Mary Ann
Published: November 2022

Background

Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate is the most abundant circulating androgen in humans and other catarrhines. It is involved in several biological functions, such as testosterone production, glucocorticoid antagonist actions, neurogenesis and neuroplasticty. Although the role of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) in cognition remains elusive, the DHEAS/cortisol ratio has been positively associated with a slower cognitive age-decline and improved mood in humans. Whether this relationship is found in nonhuman primates remains unknown.

Methods

We measured DHEAS and cortisol levels in serum of 107 adult chimpanzees to investigate the relationship between DHEAS levels and age. A subset of 21 chimpanzees was used to test the potential associations between DHEAS, cortisol, and DHEAS/cortisol ratio in cognitive function, taking into account age, sex, and their interactions. We tested for cognitive function using the primate cognitive test battery (PCTB) and principal component analyses to categorize cognition into three components:spatial relationshiptasks,tool use and social communicationtasks, andauditory-visual sensory perceptiontasks.

Results

DHEAS levels, but not the DHEAS/cortisol ratio, declined with age in chimpanzees. Our analyses forspatial relationshipstasks revealed a significant, positive correlation with the DHEAS/cortisol ratio.Tool use and social communicationhad a negative relationship with age. Our data show that the DHEAS/cortisol ratio, but not DHEAS individually, is a promising predictor of spatial cognition in chimpanzees.
Identification of quantitative trait loci of agronomic traits in bread wheat using a Pamyati Azieva × Paragon mapping population harvested in three regions of Kazakhstan
Authors: Amalova Akerke , Yermekbayev Kanat , Griffiths Simon , Abugalieva Saule , Babkenov Adylkhan , Fedorenko Elena , Abugalieva Aigul , Turuspekov Yerlan
Published: November 2022

Background

Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are an increasingly informative tool in the mining of new quantitative trait loci (QTLs), a classical biparental mapping approach is still a powerful, widely used method to search the unique genetic factors associated with important agronomic traits in bread wheat.

Methods

In this study, a newly constructed mapping population of Pamyati Azieva (Russian Federation) × Paragon (UK), consisting of 94 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), was tested in three different regions of Kazakhstan with the purpose of QTL identification for key agronomic traits. The RILs were tested in 11 environments of two northern breeding stations (Petropavlovsk, North Kazakhstan region, and Shortandy, Aqmola region) and one southeastern station (Almalybak, Almaty region). The following eight agronomic traits were studied: heading days, seed maturation days, plant height, spike length, number of productive spikes, number of kernels per spike, thousand kernel weight, and yield per square meter. The 94 RILs of the PAxP cross were genotyped using Illumina’s iSelect 20K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and resulted in the identification of 4595 polymorphic SNP markers.

Results

The application of the QTL Cartographer statistical package allowed the identification of 53 stable QTLs for the studied traits. A survey of published studies related to common wheat QTL identification suggested that 28 of those 53 QTLs were presumably novel genetic factors. The SNP markers for the identified QTLs of the analyzed agronomic traits of common wheat can be efficiently applied in ongoing breeding activities in the wheat breeding community using a marker-assisted selection approach.
Early Onset Sarcoidosis/Blau Syndrome: Section Disguising as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Singh Bharat Kumar , Singh Seema , Singh Savita
Published: November 2022

Blau Syndrome (BS) is a rare autoinflammatory granulomatous disorder which mostly develops at an early age (less than four years) and is described by granulomatous dermatitis, symmetric arthritis and recurrent uveitis. This paper presented a case of a 5-yearold female child with joint pain and swelling of four-year duration. Initially, her diagnosis was made as juvenile idiopathic arthritispolyarticular Rheumatoid Factor (RF) negative and was initiated on methotrexate along with bridge steroids (prednisolone). When she presented to us, she had skin coloured micropapular rashes mostly non follicular over body, from last nine months and after skin and synovial biopsy, the diagnosis was reviewed as early onset sarcoidosis/BS- sporadic type. This rare report highlights that BS is an under recognised and reported childhood arthritis which may have multisystem involvement. The onset of arthritis without ocular or skin manifestations may be mistaken as juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Preliminary Antibacterial Screening of the Whole Stem of Rothmannia whitfieldii
Authors: Okechim Joy O. , Nwogu Nkemakolam A. , Ezea Ifeanyi B.
Published: November 2022

Aim: To assess the antibacterial activity of the crude ethanolic and water extracts                                      of the stem of Rothmannia whitfieldii on clinically isolated and typed pathogenic bacterial                 strains.

Study Design: This experiment was performed in duplicates under aseptic condition.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria between April 2005 to August, 2005.

Methodology: Whole dried stem specimen of Rothmannia whitfieldii was extracted by maceration and screened for antibacterial activity using agar well-diffusion technique. Five typed bacterial strains namely, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 12600), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 10145), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11775), Salmonella kintambo (SSRL 113) and Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6051), and six locally isolated clinical strains (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and two Proteus species designated as Proteus I and Proteus II), were tested for susceptibility to the plant extract.

Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponnins, tannins, carbohydrates and steroidal aglycone. Alkaloid was present in trace amount only in the ethanolic extract. The ethanolic extract exhibited a wider spectrum of activity, being effective against 81.8% of the test organisms compared with the cold-water extract (54.5%) or hot water extracts (27.3%). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) varied not only with the test organisms but also with the various extracts of the plant.

Conclusion: All the extracts had bacteriostatic activity on the susceptible organisms and none was bactericidal. The screening test results authenticate the folkloric claims that Rothmannia whitfieldii is medicinal against gastrointestinal diseases and aid in wound healing.
Nitrogen-Use Efficiency in Maize (Zea mays L.) on Fluvisol Soils in Afgoi District, Southern Somalia
Authors: Mohamed Abdinasir A. , Ismaan Hassan Nuur , Kaya Fuat , Basayigit Levent , Siad Shuaib Abdullahi
Published: November 2022

In this study, an experiment was conducted to determine the best rate of nitrogen fertilization on maize grain yields and interaction of nitrogen levels and application methods of nitrogen on growth and yield of maize.

For this purpose, the maize experiment was designed in the experimental farm of Somali Ministry of Agriculture, in Afgoi, Lower Shabelle, Somalia in 2017 spring and autumn. The treatments consisted of eight rates (0 kg N ha-1; 25 kg N ha-1; 50 kg N ha-1; 75 kg N ha-1; 100 kg N ha-1; 125 kg N ha-1; 150 kg N ha-1 and 175 kg N ha-1.) Nitrogen and three applying methods (broadcasting, row placement, and hill placement). The layout of the experiment was designed in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. A total of 9 parameters viz. plant height (cm), number of cobs plant-1, cob length (cm), cob weight (gr), 1000 grain weight (gr), stover yield (t ha-1), grain yield (t ha-1), biological yield (t ha-1) and harvest index (%), were collected. The collected data were analyzed statistically and means were adjudged by Duncan's Multiple Range Test at 1 and 5% level of probability.

Both in the spring season and In the autumn season, according to the nitrogen rates, the result showed that there was significantly different in all characters among the different application rates of nitrogen the maximum stover yield was recorded in 100 kg N ha-1 while the maximum grain yield was noted from 100 kg N ha-1. Both in the spring season and In the autumn season in the methods of application, there was no significant variation in all parameters measured but the interaction effect was significantly different among the treatments, the maximum stover yield and grain yield  were recorded in 100 kg N ha-1 and hill placement. Thus, applying 100 kg N ha-1 and the method of row placement is promising to increase the maize yield and the study is required to be repeated for one more season.
Effect of Rice Allelochemical, Mulch and Herbicides on Growth of Wheat under Different Crop Establishment Methods
Authors: Kumari Sadhana , Singh Ramesh Kr. , Kumar Ajay
Published: November 2022

In India wheat is grown mostly after rice in Rice-wheat system, which effects the establishment of wheat crop because field requirement of both crop is different so there is need of studying other better crop establishment methods for wheat. This experiment was carried out in research farm of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh in split plot design with three replication, where three different crop establishment methods i.e. conventional method, raised bed and zero-till in main plot and in subplot five different weed control practices along with control (weedy check) allotted. From the observation it found that plant height of crop was significantly higher in zero-till plot than conventional and raised bed method. Among weed management practices rice residue as mulch @ 4 t ha-1 fb clodinofop propargyl + metsulfuron @ 100% of recommended dose ( 2-4 leaf stage of weed), Clodinofop propargyl @ 60g a.i. ha-1 + metsulfuron @ 4g a.i. ha-1 , Rice residue as mulch @ 4 t ha-1 fb rice extract (10gL-1) at 2-4 leaf stage of weed , two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS, Clodinofop propargyl @ 75% of recommended dose + rice extract (10gL-1) at 2-4 leaf stage of weed gave significantly higher plant height than weedy check plot. For higher yield, growth of crop must be enhanced so it’s better to go for zero-till sowing for wheat than conventional method.
Proposal and Simulation of a Doubly Fed Induction Generator for the Coastal Zone of Benin
Authors: Philippe D’Almeida Renaud , Richard G. Agbokpanzo , Macaire Agbomahena
Published: November 2022

This paper presents the sizing of a Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) with a power of 690.747 kW for the coastal area of Benin. The sizing of the proposed DFIG starts from the power density of the offshore wind potential of Benin obtained at 80 m at the sea surface to determine the power of the generator. Thanks to the geometrical, electrical and magnetic parameters obtained after sizing, the simulation of the generator operation was done using the finite element analysis (FEA). This simulation is done by running the generator at nominal speed in supersynchronous mode. The results of this simulation show that the powers obtained are close to the expected theoretical values. The curves of the powers and those of the flux densities in the air gap of the generator are presented. Electromagnetic model results are then used to develop the thermal model of the generator. The results of the thermal analysis obtained after simulation by the FEA allowed us to know the temperature values in each region of the DFIG.
A Man in His 50s With Cardiac Tamponade From Ruptured Coronary Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Niu Hao , Xiao Zhenghua
Published: November 2022

This case report describes a diagnosis of cardiac tamponade secondary to ruptured coronary artery aneurysm in a man who presented with acute chest pain and dyspnea.
My Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Gascho Joseph
Published: November 2022

This essay describes the author’s reflections on the cost of and insurance coverage for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure.
Endoscopic Gastric Bypass Revision
Authors: Callahan Zachary M. , Ujiki Michael B.
Published: November 2022

This article describes endoscopic revision of gastric bypass to address weight regain.
Setd5, but not Setd2, is indispensable for retinal cell survival and proliferation
Authors: Iwagawa Toshiro , Kawabata Ryoko , Fukushima Masaya , Kuribayashi Hiroshi , Watanabe Sumiko
Published: November 2022

Trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me3) is associated with active transcription. We used mouse retinal explant cultures and shRNA to investigate the roles of Setd2 and Setd5, which encode H3K36me3 methyltransferases, in retinal development. We found that shSetd5 caused abnormal retinal structures and reduced rods and Müller cells, whereas shSetd2 did not cause any abnormalities. The mutant SETD5 lacking the SET domain failed to reverse the phenotypes observed in the shSetd5‐expressing retinas, while SETD5S1257*, which does not interact with HDAC3 and PAF1 complexes, rescued proliferation, but not apoptosis, induced by shSetd5. Taken together, we found that Setd5, but not Setd2, is essential for sustaining retinal cell survival and proliferation, and the SET domain of SETD5 is pivotal for both functions.