bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medications for specific phenotypes of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction classified by a machine learning-based clustering model
Authors: Sotomi Yohei , Hikoso Shungo , Nakatani Daisaku , Okada Katsuki , Dohi Tomoharu , Sunaga Akihiro , Kida Hirota , Sato Taiki , Matsuoka Yuki , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Komukai Sho , Seo Masahiro , Yano Masamichi , Hayashi Takaharu , Nakagawa Akito , Nakagawa Yusuke , Tamaki Shunsuke , Ohtani Tomohito , Yasumura Yoshio , Yamada Takahisa , Sakata Yasushi
Published: February 2023

Objective

Our previously established machine learning-based clustering model classified heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) into four distinct phenotypes. Given the heterogeneous pathophysiology of HFpEF, specific medications may have favourable effects in specific phenotypes of HFpEF. We aimed to assess effectiveness of medications on clinical outcomes of the four phenotypes using a real-world HFpEF registry dataset.

Methods

This study is a posthoc analysis of the PURSUIT-HFpEF registry, a prospective, multicentre, observational study. We evaluated the clinical effectiveness of the following four types of postdischarge medication in the four different phenotypes: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB), beta blockers, mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists (MRA) and statins. The primary endpoint of this study was a composite of all-cause death and heart failure hospitalisation.

Results

Of 1231 patients, 1100 (83 (IQR 77, 87) years, 604 females) were eligible for analysis. Median follow-up duration was 734 (398, 1108) days. The primary endpoint occurred in 528 patients (48.0%). Cox proportional hazard models with inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting showed the following significant effectiveness of medication on the primary endpoint: MRA for phenotype 2 (weighted HR (wHR) 0.40, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.75, p=0.005); ACEi or ARB for phenotype 3 (wHR 0.66 0.48 to 0.92, p=0.014) and statin therapy for phenotype 3 (wHR 0.43 (0.21 to 0.88), p=0.020). No other medications had significant treatment effects in the four phenotypes.

Conclusions

Machine learning-based clustering may have the potential to identify populations in which specific medications may be effective. This study suggests the effectiveness of MRA, ACEi or ARB and statin for specific phenotypes of HFpEF.

Trial registration number

UMIN000021831.
KIR/KIR-ligand genotypes and clinical outcomes following chemoimmunotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma: a report from the Children’s Oncology Group
Authors: Erbe Amy K , Diccianni Mitch B , Mody Rajen , Naranjo Arlene , Zhang Fan F , Birstler Jen , Kim KyungMann , Feils Arika S , Hung Jung-Tung , London Wendy B , Shulkin Barry L , Mathew Varsha , Parisi Marguerite T , Servaes Sabah , Asgharzadeh Shahab , Maris John M , Park Julie , Yu Alice L , Sondel Paul M , Bagatell Rochelle
Published: February 2023

Background

In the Children’s Oncology Group ANBL1221 phase 2 trial for patients with first relapse/first declaration of refractory high-risk neuroblastoma, irinotecan and temozolomide (I/T) combined with either temsirolimus (TEMS) or immunotherapy (the anti-GD2 antibody dinutuximab (DIN) and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factory (GM-CSF)) was administered. The response rate among patients treated with I/T/DIN/GM-CSF in the initial cohort (n=17) was 53%; additional patients were enrolled to permit further evaluation of this chemoimmunotherapy regimen. Potential associations between immune-related biomarkers and clinical outcomes including response and survival were evaluated.

Methods

Patients were evaluated for specific immunogenotypes that influence natural killer (NK) cell activity, including killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and their ligands, Fc gamma receptors, and NCR3. Total white cells and leucocyte subsets were assessed via complete blood counts, and flow cytometry of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed to assess the potential association between immune cell subpopulations and surface marker expression and clinical outcomes. Appropriate statistical tests of association were performed. The Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was performed where indicated.

Results

Of the immunogenotypes assessed, the presence or absence of certain KIR and their ligands was associated with clinical outcomes in patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy rather than I/T/TEMS. While median values of CD161, CD56, and KIR differed in responders and non-responders, statistical significance was not maintained in logistic regression models. White cell and neutrophil counts were associated with differences in survival outcomes, however, increases in risk of event in patients assigned to chemoimmunotherapy were not clinically significant.

Conclusions

These findings are consistent with those of prior studies showing that KIR/KIR-ligand genotypes are associated with clinical outcomes following anti-GD2 immunotherapy in children with neuroblastoma. The current study confirms the importance of KIR/KIR-ligand genotype in the context of I/T/DIN/GM-CSF chemoimmunotherapy administered to patients with relapsed or refractory disease in a clinical trial. These results are important because this regimen is now widely used for treatment of patients at time of first relapse/first declaration of refractory disease. Efforts to assess the role of NK cells and genes that influence their function in response to immunotherapy are ongoing.

Trial registration number

NCT01767194.
Concurrent durvalumab and radiation therapy (DUART) followed by adjuvant durvalumab in patients with localized urothelial cancer of bladder: results from phase II study, BTCRC-GU15-023
Authors: Joshi Monika , Tuanquin Leonard , Zhu Junjia , Walter Vonn , Schell Todd , Kaag Matthew , Kilari Deepak , Liao Jiangang , Holder Sheldon L , Emamekhoo Hamid , Sankin Alexander , Merrill Suzzane , Zheng Hong , Warrick Joshua , Hauke Ralph , Gartrel Benjamin , Stein Mark , Drabick Joseph , Degraff David J , Zakharia Yousef
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients with bladder cancer (BC) who are cisplatin ineligible or have unresectable disease have limited treatment options. Previously, we showed targeting programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) with durvalumab (durva) and radiation therapy (RT) combination was safe in BC. We now report results from a phase II study evaluating the toxicity and efficacy of durva and RT in localized BC.

Methods

This is a single-arm, multi-institutional phase II study; N=26. Enrolled patients had pure or mixed urothelial BC (T2-4 N0-2 M0) with unresectable tumors and were unfit for surgery or cisplatin ineligible. Patients received durva concurrently with RT ×7 weeks, followed by adjuvant durva × 1 year.

Primary endpoints: (A) progression-free survival (PFS) at 1 year and (B) disease control rate (DCR) post adjuvant durva. Key secondary endpoints: (A) complete response (CR) post durvaRT (8 weeks), (B) overall survival (OS), (C) PFS and (D) toxicity. Correlative studies included evaluation of baseline tumor and blood (baseline, post durvaRT) for biomarkers.

Results

Median follow-up was 27 months. Evaluable patients: 24/26 post durvaRT, 22/26 for DCR post adjuvant durva, all patients for PFS and OS. Post adjuvant durva, DCR was seen in 72.7%, CR of 54.5%. 1-year PFS was 71.5%, median PFS was 21.8 months. 1-year OS was 83.8%, median OS was 30.8 months. CR at 8 weeks post durvaRT was 62.5%. Node positive (N+) patients had similar median PFS and OS. DurvaRT was well tolerated. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events: anemia, high lipase/amylase, immune-nephritis, transaminitis, dyspnea (grade 4-COPD/immune), fatigue, rash, diarrhea and scleritis. No difference in outcome was observed with PD-L1 status of baseline tumor. Patients with CR/PR or SD had an increase in naïve CD4 T cells, a decrease in PD-1+CD4 T cells at baseline and an increase in cytokine-producing CD8 T cells, including interferon gamma (IFNγ) producing cells, in the peripheral blood.

Conclusion

Durva with RT followed by adjuvant durva was safe with promising efficacy in localized BC patients with comorbidities, including N+ patients. Larger randomized studies, like S1806 and EA8185, are needed to evaluate the efficacy of combining immunotherapy and RT in BC.

Trial registration number

NCT02891161.
Mesoproterozoic basins (Yukon, Canada) in the evolution of supercontinent Columbia
Authors: Medig K.P.R. , Thorkelson D.J. , Turner E.C. , Rainbird R.H. , Gibson H.D. , Marshall D.D.
Published: February 2023

Geochemical and geochronological data from the Pinguicula Group and unit PR1 of the lower Fifteenmile Group (Yukon, Canada) provide information on sediment provenance and timing of break-up of supercontinent Columbia and seaway development on Laurentia’s northwestern margin. The older unit PR1, in the Coal Creek inlier, has a near-unimodal detrital zircon population with an age of 1499 ± 3 Ma. The Pinguicula Group detrital zircon data, in the Wernecke and Hart River inliers, display a polymodal detrital zircon population with a maximum age of <1322 ± 23 Ma. Using detrital zircon signatures, Sm–Nd isotopic data, and C-isotopic signatures, lithostratigraphic correlations between the Pinguicula Group in the Wernecke and Hart River inliers are confirmed, whereas the Pinguicula Group and unit PR1 are no longer considered correlative. The zircon population in unit PR1 requires a proximal source, but sources of this age are not known in western Laurentia. Based on detrital zircon and Sm–Nd data, sediment in unit PR1 was derived from the Mt. Isa inlier in northeastern Australia sometime after 1460 Ma. Unit PR1 correlates with older Mesoproterozoic successions, including the Belt-Purcell, that were deposited during break-up of supercontinent Columbia, and contain sediment from Australia and the Mawson continent. Mesoproterozoic successions deposited after 1.45 Ga, including the Missoula Group, lack North American Magmatic Gap (NAMG)-aged zircon and instead record sediment provenance from southern Laurentia, as north Australia and the Mawson continent rifted from Laurentia’s western margin. The Pinguicula Group has few NAMG-aged grains that were probably recycled from older Mesoproterozoic basins.
Quantifying genetic differentiation and population assignment between two contingents of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) in the Northwest Atlantic
Authors: Bourret Audrey , Smith Andrew , Van Beveren Elisabeth , Plourde Stéphane , Curti Kiersten L. , Jansen Teunis , Richardson David E. , Castonguay Martin , Rodriguez-Ezpeleta Naiara , Parent Geneviève J.
Published: February 2023

In the Northwest Atlantic (NWA), the Atlantic mackerel ( Scomber scombrus) has a northern and a southern contingent, which spawn in Canada and the United States (U.S.), respectively. Both contingents mix mostly along the U.S. shelf during overwintering. The discrimination of individuals from each contingent in fisheries could improve the management of this depleted species in both countries. Here, we used genome-wide markers (>10 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)) to assess genomic differences between mackerel of both contingents, and possibly infer the proportions of each contingent in NWA management units. Small but significant genetic differentiation was observed between the northern and southern contingents ( FST = 0.0010). Genetic assignments to reference samples from the two contingents were performed with predictive accuracy > 85%. Fish from both contingents were present along the U.S. shelf during late winter and early spring but also, without prior evidence of this, likely in Canadian waters from late spring to fall. Genetic assignments could be used as a stock discrimination tool so that fishery removals can be effectively determined and managed on a contingent level.
Mephedrone induced apoptosis and impaired neurogenesis in embryonic neural stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Alavi Mohaddeseh Sadat , Sadeghnia Hamid Reza , Nikpasand Niloufar , Sahab Negah Sajad , Rashidi Roghayeh , Naseri Gholamreza , Ghorbani Ahmad
Published: February 2023

Mephedrone, a synthetic derivative of cathinone, is a commonly used psychoactive substance. Our previous study showed that exposure to mephedrone during pegnancy induced antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in hippocampus of mice delivered pups. However, its effects on neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PC) remain unexplored. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of mephedrone exposure on the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of rat embryonic NS/PC. NS/PC were isolated from rat fetal ganglionic eminence region at embryonic day 14.5. The effects of mephedrone on cell proliferation, neurosphere formation (colonies of NS/PC), neuronal differentiation, and apoptosis of NS/PC were assessed using MTT, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry. Mephedrone at concentrations of 20–640 µM significantly decreased the proliferation of NS/PC, induced cell cycle arrest, and enhanced the percent of apoptotic and necrotic cells. Neurosphere assays revealed a significant reduction in the number and diameter of neurosphere-forming cells. In addition, mephedrone significantly decreased the expressions of DCX and NeuN neuronal markers. Taken together, our results suggeste that exposure to mephedrone decreases the viability and neuronal differentiation of embryonic NS/PC. This study showed that mephedrone exposure during fetal or neonatal life may impair neurogenesis and subsequent brain development.
Evaluation of two high-throughput genotyping systems for rapid identification of Canadian wheat varieties
Authors: Lee Sung-Jong , Demeke Tigst , Dusabenyagasani Mathieu , Saydak Danny , Perry Daniel , Walkowiak Sean
Published: February 2023

In this study, we report an updated panel of 32 DNA markers used for identification of wheat varieties and assess their performance in the OpenArray and SmartChip high-throughput genotyping systems. While both systems are unique and offer different advantages and disadvantages, both systems can successfully identify Canadian wheat varieties.
1980年代香港华商的机遇、挑战和回应
Authors: 李 培德
Published: February 2023

有世界船王之称的包玉刚，从 1979 年香港总督麦理浩访问北京，提出 1997 年后香港的地位问题起，即不断改变他的投资策略，一则由海上 “登陆”，从海上航运转为投资房地产；二则以香港为家，将分散于全球的船队逐渐集中香港；三则当中英两国开始谈判香港前途，香港出现信心危机之际，包玉刚表现莫大的信心，成功取代撤出香港的英资，成为香港最重要的投资家之一；四则利用他的政治网络和高超外交手腕，游走于中英两国领导人之间，为促进香港前途谈判和回归前的顺利过渡尽贡献，巩固了华商在香港的社会领导地位。本文利用英国国家档案馆新近公布的档案，讨论包玉刚如何利用香港于亚太地区的航运枢纽地位和克服香港在平稳过渡所出现的各种挑战，无不经过他的周密部署。
Maintaining Social Support in the Era of Social Distancing: Transitioning an in-person family-oriented wellness event to a virtual venue
Authors: Chen Fei , Rahim Sania , Isaak Rob , Chidgey Brooke , Teeter Emily , Arora Harendra , Martinelli Susan M.
Published: February 2023

Many medical residency programs have attempted to equip their trainees with tools to combat burnout using wellness curricula. One often-overlooked aspect of burnout is the support person's lack of understanding about the stress residents face as well as what is required of them. We describe a program, known as the Family Anesthesia Experience, with a focus on the conversion of the in-person event to a virtual format and comparing learning experience in the two formats. The goals of this program are to improve residents' support persons' understanding of anesthesiology residency and combat physician burnout via a social-relatedness approach. This program was conducted in-person in 2019 and converted to a virtual format in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected data from both years to assess the event using different delivery formats. All responders in 2020 and most responders (83.3%) in 2019 felt the event would improve communication between residents and support persons. Thematic analysis revealed benefits and drawbacks of hosting the event virtually. The family day wellness program strengthened support networks for residents and improved support persons' understanding of and empathy for the residency experience. The program adapted well to both in-person and virtual settings.
OATs’inside
: Retrieving Object Behaviors From Native-based Obfuscated Android Applications
Authors: Graux Pierre , Lalande Jean-François , Viet Triem Tong Valérie , Wilke Pierre
Published: February 2023

Analyzing Android applications is essential to review proprietary code and to understand malware behaviors. However, Android applications use obfuscation techniques to slow down this process. These obfuscation techniques are increasingly based on native code. In this article, we propose
OATs’inside
, a new analysis tool that focuses on high-level behaviors to circumvent native obfuscation techniques transparently. The targeted high-level behaviors are object-level behaviors, i.e., actions performed on Java objects (e.g., field accesses, method calls), regardless of whether these actions are performed using Java or native code. Our system uses a hybrid approach based on dynamic monitoring and trace-based symbolic execution to output control flow graphs (CFGs), 27 pages. for each method of the analyzed application. CFGs are composed of Java-like actions enriched with condition expressions and dataflows between actions, giving an understandable representation of any code, even those fully native.
OATs’inside
spares users the need to dive into low-level instructions, which are difficult to reverse engineer. We extensively compare
OATs’inside
functionalities against state-of-the-art tools to highlight the benefit when observing native operations. Our experiments are conducted on a real smartphone: We discuss the performance impact of
OATs’inside
, and we demonstrate its practical use on applications containing anti-debugging techniques provided by the OWASP foundation. We also evaluate the robustness of
OATs’inside
using obfuscated unit tests using the Tigress obfuscator.
Estimation of Acetic Acid Concentration from Biogas Samples Using Machine Learning
Authors: Putra Lingga Aksara , Huber Bernhard , Gaderer Matthias
Published: February 2023

In a biogas plant, the acetic acid concentration is a major component of the substrate as it determines the pH value, and this pH value correlates with the volume of biogas produced. Since it requires specialized laboratory equipment, the concentration of acetic acid in a biogas substrate cannot be measured on-line. The project aims to use NIR sensors and machine learning algorithms to estimate the acetic acid concentration in a biogas substrate based on the measured intensities of the substrate. As a result of this project, it was possible to determine whether the acetic acid concentration in a biogas substrate is higher or lower than 2 g/l using machine learning models.
The Inhibition of Institutional Investor Clique on the Tunneling Behavior
Authors: Luo Qi , Fang Fang , Zhang Yanfei
Published: February 2023

The development of communication technology has accumulated a large amount of data in the field of finance, and analyzing this data can better portray the behavior of financial entities, which is crucial to the progress of corporate finance. Based on the theory of social network and the classic “prisoner’s dilemma” model, this article finds that institutional investors will cooperate to participate in the governance of the listed companies. Then, by using the Louvain algorithm, institutional investor cliques have been derived from institutional investor networks based on nonfinancial listed companies in China between 2007 and 2020. The study uncovers the inhibition effect of the institutional investor clique on the tunneling behavior of the listed companies, and the higher the shareholding ratio and centrality of the institutional investor clique, the stronger its inhibitory strength. This paper extends the concepts and methods from the field of information communication to the analysis of financial institutional investors, offering a theoretical and empirical foundation for the interdisciplinary research of network algorithms and finance.
Establishing and Validating an Aging-Related Prognostic Signature in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Ma Yibo , Zheng Shuo , Xu Mingjun , Chen Changjian , He Hongtao
Published: February 2023

Aging is an inevitable process that biological changes accumulate with time and results in increased susceptibility to different tumors. But currently, aging-related genes (ARGs) in osteosarcoma were not clear. We investigated the potential prognostic role of ARGs and established an ARG-based prognostic signature for osteosarcoma. The transcriptome data and corresponding clinicopathological information of patients with osteosarcoma were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Molecular subtypes were generated based on prognosis-related ARGs obtained from univariate Cox analysis. With ARGs, a risk signature was built by univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Differences in clinicopathological features, immune infiltration, immune checkpoints, responsiveness to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, and biological pathways were assessed according to molecular subtypes and the risk signature. Based on risk signature and clinicopathological variables, a nomogram was established and validated. Three molecular subtypes with distinct clinical outcomes were classified based on 36 prognostic ARGs for osteosarcoma. A nine-ARG-based signature in the TCGA cohort, including BMP8A, CORT, SLC17A9, VEGFA, GAL, SSX1, RASGRP2, SDC3, and EVI2B, has been created and developed and could well perform patient stratification into the high- and low-risk groups. There were significant differences in clinicopathological features, immune checkpoints and infiltration, responsiveness to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, cancer stem cell, and biological pathways among the molecular subtypes. The risk signature and metastatic status were identified as independent prognostic factors for osteosarcoma. A nomogram combining ARG-based risk signature and metastatic status was established, showing great prediction accuracy and clinical benefit for osteosarcoma OS. We characterized three ARG-based molecular subtypes with distinct characteristics and built an ARG-based risk signature for osteosarcoma prognosis, which could facilitate prognosis prediction and making personalized treatment in osteosarcoma.
Eccentricity-Based Topological Invariants of First Type of Dominating David-Derived Networks
Authors: Ali Haidar , Umer Ayesha , Ali Parvez , Sesay Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Previous research has shown a substantial correlation between a chemical compound’s molecular structure and its chemical characteristics. Understanding the physical characteristics and biological functions of biomolecules can be improved with the aid of topological indices based on their molecular structure. Eccentricity-connectivity indices, which describe molecular structures based on distance, have been applied to the mathematical modelling of a wide range of biological activities. In this article, we compute the exact formulae of various versions of the eccentricity-connectivity index for first type of Dominating David-derived network. The findings can be applied to computer-aided molecular design methods in pharmaceutical engineering.
A High Utility Itemset Mining Algorithm Based on Particle Filter
Authors: Yang Yang , Ding Jiaman , Wang Honghai , Xing Huifen , Li En
Published: February 2023

High utility itemset mining is an interesting research in the field of data mining, which can find more valuable information than frequent itemset mining. Several high‐utility itemset mining approaches have already been proposed; however, they have high computational costs and low efficiency. To solve this problem, a high‐utility itemset mining algorithm based on the particle filter is proposed. This approach first initializes a population, which consists of particle sets. Then, to update the particle sets and their weights, a novel state transition model is suggested. Finally, the approach alleviates the particle degradation problem by resampling. Substantial experiments on the UCI datasets show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the other previous algorithms in terms of efficiency, the number of high‐utility itemsets, and convergence.
Multistrategy Cooperation Particle Swarm Optimization for FEM Model Update of the Continuous Warren Truss Steel Railway Bridge
Authors: Li Yiqiang , Zhou Liming
Published: February 2023

It is very difficult to obtain an accurate finite element method (FEM) model to further analyze structural mechanical properties. Therefore, as the main means of establishing accurate models, the model update has become a research hotspot in the dominion of bridge engineering. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) has the characteristics of being easy to implement, but it is easy to fall into the local optimum. Therefore, multistrategy cooperation particle swarm optimization (MCPSO) that balances exploration and exploitation of particle swarm is proposed. This algorithm achieves the goal of balancing exploration and exploitation by adopting different combinations of particle swarm velocity update strategies in different iteration stages. The application effects of MCPSO in the FEM model update of the continuous Warren truss steel railway bridge are compared and analyzed, and the results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper outperforms the standard PSO (SPSO) algorithm. This paper provides a more effective algorithm for bridge model updates.
Retroperitoneal and Mediastinal Emphysema after Sigmoid Colon Resection
Authors: Yamamoto Ryusei , Yoshida Katsushi , Ando Masataka , Toyoda Yoshitaka , Tanaka Aya , Kato Kenji , Yamaguchi Ryuzo
Published: February 2023

Retroperitoneal and mediastinal emphysema after colon resection is extremely rare, especially in the absence of anastomotic leakage. The feasibility and safety of conservative treatment for this complication are unknown. We report a patient who underwent open sigmoid colon resection for colon cancer and developed retroperitoneal and mediastinal emphysema that was not caused by anastomotic leakage. Retroperitoneal and mediastinal emphysema occurred as a result of diverticular perforation. We were able to treat this patient successfully with conservative management.
Impact of Macrocephaly, as an Isolated Trait, on EEG Signal as Measured by Spectral Power and Multiscale Entropy during the First Year of Life
Authors: López-Arango Gabriela , Deguire Florence , Agbogba Kristian , Audet-Duchesne Élisabeth , Boucher Marc-Antoine , Knoth Inga S. , El-Jalbout Ramy , Damphousse Amélie , Kadoury Samuel , Lippé Sarah
Published: February 2023

Macrocephaly has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders; however, it has been mainly studied in the context of pathological or high-risk populations and little is known about its impact, as an isolated trait, on brain development in general population. Electroencephalographic (EEG) power spectral density (PSD) and signal complexity have shown to be sensitive to neurodevelopment and its alterations. We aimed to investigate the impact of macrocephaly, as an isolated trait, on EEG signal as measured by PSD and multiscale entropy during the first year of life. We recorded high-density EEG resting-state activity of 74 healthy full-term infants, 50 control (26 girls), and 24 macrocephalic (12 girls) aged between 3 and 11 months. We used linear regression models to assess group and age effects on EEG PSD and signal complexity. Sex and brain volume measures, obtained via a 3D transfontanellar ultrasound, were also included into the models to evaluate their contribution. Our results showed lower PSD of the low alpha (8–10 Hz) frequency band and lower complexity in the macrocephalic group compared to the control group. In addition, we found an increase in low alpha (8.5–10 Hz) PSD and in the complexity index with age. These findings suggest that macrocephaly as an isolated trait has a significant impact on brain activity during the first year of life.
A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis of English Education Studies Regarding Development of Taiwanese Students’ Skills in the University Level
Authors: Maravilla Wes Harven G. , Maming Jimmy Bernabe , Toring Kimberly N.
Published: February 2023

Technology is crucial to language learning particularly the English language and entails enormous potential. It is also clear that the evolution of technology in the present times has a significant impact on how well foreign language learners acquire their new language. As a result, the current study's objective is to give a meta-synthesis of research findings on student development activities published in prestigious academic journals. Eight 2020–2022 studies examined English language learning innovations. For a systematic review, the studies were grouped using the Critical Skills for Evaluation Program (CASP) checklist and PRISMA 2020 flow diagram. Thematic analysis identified four primary themes were: (1) Using multimedia technology for speaking, (2) Designing and delivering writing courses, (3) Internet-based listening and reading pedagogy, (4) Attending cramming classes. The study's meta-theme, dimensions of a student development activity, emerged. It is advised that teachers and students consider the following aspects of the student development activity in their regular English language study.
Human Resource Management Practices on Inclusive Employment for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines
Authors: Dela Cruz John Michael M.
Published: February 2023

This study described and examined Human Resource Management practices on inclusive employment for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) among selected Non-Government Organizations in the Philippines. There were 38 randomly selected Non-Government Organizations in the Philippines which participated in the study. Meanwhile, this study utilized descriptive correlational research. Survey-questionnaire and unstructured interviews were used as the main and secondary research tools of the study. Results revealed that Human Resource Management practices in the employment of Persons with Disabilities among selected Non-Government Organizations in the Philippines offered wide employment opportunities for PWDs. They were compensated equally based on the nature and accomplishments of their work. Hence, they were selected and recruited based on their potentials and skills while emphasizing the prevailing policies on inclusivity and equal work opportunities. Thus, NGOs provided efficient training and development programs towards professional development of PWDs as employees. Further, HR officer implemented policies and regulations that maintained and protected the health and safety status of the PWDs. In addition, productivity was seen as the most advantageous aspect of PWDs in the performance of their work while adjustment to workplace became the most disadvantageous aspect encountered by Human Resource Officers to their PWDs employees.
Managerial Skills Development of Buah Ketakasi Cooperative: Improvement of the Quality Management System
Authors: Soepeno Bambang , Puji Rully Putri Nirmala , Triyanto Jefri Rieski , Prasetyo Guruh
Published: February 2023

Buah Ketakasi is a cooperative founded by a community of coffee farmers in Jember district. Initially, the cooperative business unit involved was coffee agribusiness with 64 permanent members and 12 extraordinary members. The cooperative business unit expanded into coffee industrial agriculture, chicken and goat farm, dragon fruit cultivation, and organic fertilizer production. The number of permanent members has also increased to 182 people and extraordinary members to 300 people. This cooperative had problems including planning work programs, organizing resources, division of work, implementing work programs, monitoring and evaluating them. The offered solution to solving managerial problems of the cooperative was a mentoring program on how to plan a work program; how to organize resources, division of work, strategies for implementing work programs and monitoring-evaluation up to the reporting.
Exploring the Online Students’ Support during the Covid 19 Pandemic towards the Development of the 21st Century Life Skills of LSPU Students
Authors: Hermosa Jherwin P. , Castillo Albert B.
Published: February 2023

The study sought to determine the extent of the online student support and the 21st century life skills development of the students. Descriptive and correlational study was employed using a self –made questionnaire with 60 respondents. Pearson correlation analysis was used to know the relationship of the two variables. It was found out that the online support in term of student engagement, learning support and mental health are highly practiced. While the 21st century life skills in terms of leadership, responsibility, and teamwork are highly developed. This study is a first step to understand the online support in building of their 21st century life and skills. It may serve as a basis for each institution to review their existing strategies on online support. Sustainable institutionalized faculty program in the support of their students no matter the modality they might employ should be promoted. Further research about the student services and 21st century life and skills could be explore considering the possible balanced portfolio of online and face to face support align to the current status of the pandemic using other variables, more wider respondents and qualitative method to validate or contradict the result.
Mass Balance Analysis of Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management: The Jakarta Recycle Center Program Case Study
Authors: Budiharto Wikan Indrianingdyah , Martono Dwi Nowo , Wahyuno Sri
Published: February 2023

With the amount of waste increasing and landfill space becoming critical, the government has undertaken numerous measures to reduce waste, including creation of Integrated Solid Waste Management system through Jakarta Recycle Centre (JRC) Program. An integrated and sustainable waste management system will depend on both the physical and the governance components, with the physical aspect focusing on technical problems. To evaluate the physical aspect of JRC, the flow of the waste needs to be monitored and evaluated to see the success of waste separation and recycling system. This study employs mass balance analysis using data of waste in JRC facilities from January to December 2022. According to the study's findings, JRC system has a significant recycling rate which is around 46,43%. To improve the recycling rate, communication to residents about waste sorting process need to be enhanced. In order to reduce residue from sorting outcomes, it is also crucial to increase the ability and expertise of personnel in waste sorting.
Planting The Seeds of Gratitude for Sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility and The Quality of Life
Authors: Ong Cordero Ernesto
Published: February 2023

The study sought to determine the implementation of CSR activities and their effects on the beneficiaries' quality of life.

This study used mixed-method research, combining quantitative correlational and qualitative analysis. In addition, it utilized statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, weighted mean, and regression analysis.

The research instrument was standardized and adopted from Kim, Uysal, and Sirgy's (2012) study entitled" How does tourism in a community impact the quality of life of community residents?"

The interview used guide questions to direct the responses of the respondents. The study's subject is the 400 beneficiaries of the Southern Mindanao plantation communities.

The findings revealed that the company's economic, social, cultural, and environmental CSR activities were implemented to a moderate extent. On the other hand, the beneficiaries' quality of life regarding life satisfaction under various conditions, level of life satisfaction, and satisfaction level on health and safety were categorized as reasonably satisfied.

The CSR factors, such as economic, social, and cultural, were not statistically significant to claim their influence on the community's quality of life. However, though environmental factors significantly influence the community's quality of life, the extent or magnitude of its influence cannot have a significant effect as its beta coefficient is at 0.65, indicating a weak effect.

Considering the findings and conclusions of the study, the following recommendations were suggested: 1. To offer more information or seminars on the preservation of the natural environment. 2. To conduct regular tree planting in the community to improve the environment and help reduce temperature, produce clean air, reduce greenhouse gasses, and prevent flooding and soil erosion. 3. To teach the community proper waste disposal at home through Green Alternatives, the Five R's Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Rot, and Recycle. 4. To determine program services that will change and expand the community/students' needs. 5. To conduct a workshop on CSR's goals and objectives to increase the level of awareness of the beneficiaries on the accurate picture of CSR in their lives, 6. For the companies/administrators to apply the proposed strategic approaches in enhancing the CSR programs to their beneficiaries.
Reexamining and Reimagining the Future of Barangay (Village) Nagbalon: Solidarity Program and Community Based Enterprise Approaches for the Local Governance of the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Valenzuela Victoria P. , Batac Joseph H. , Parinas Sherwin S.
Published: February 2023

The UN SDG for performance measures is already in place that makes the Barangay Solidarity Program build to address one of the issues which are ageism.  In today’s changing society, not only changing values are important, but also changing the numbers and mindset of the people. Old persons have seen many changes in their lives, and the changes associated with aging are taken pretty much in stride. This study examines the real happiness of older persons, the expectations that society has for them, how people adapt to future forces in later life. The study employed a mixed-method approach. The successful aging dimensions were reviewed among older persons. A quantitative survey among 200 older persons and exploratory factor analysis was applied to test the structural validity of the instrument. This includes the ten dimensions of happiness namely: food, family, friends, faculty, fitness, financial, faith, future, and fear. In addition, this study explores that the older persons of the future may have no choice but to be self-reliant. The obtained results indicated that the happiness of older persons has significant effects on their faculty, faith, and future singly and in the combination of moderating variables such as age, gender, and pension.  The different stakeholders' collaboration, co-production, and co-creation should be realized to meet the challenges on what the people feel, need, and get involved in their resilient bright future and capacity building as part of community-based enterprises. For future undertakings, other researchers may consider government organizations as co-leadership, and co-organizers of every barangay success for aging society, pandemic crisis and disaster preparedness, and economic enterprises at individual and social levels for sustainable development goals of local governance.
An Analysis of Human Rights Awareness among the Working Professionals in Delhi Region
Authors: Misra Aditya Narayan , Ojha Tej Narayan , Singh Abhishek K.
Published: February 2023

Human rights are the rights of every person in any civilized society. Social development is mainly based on social freedom and to enjoy humanity. We are living in a very diverse society where people have different values, religions, colors, and beliefs, but one thing is common, and that is human value. In this paper, the researchers try to understand the level of respect for human rights among the people of a metropolitan city like Delhi. The research mainly focused on working professionals in the Delhi region. The analysis was based on certain criteria to understand the level of understanding of human rights. The study also pointed out that human rights education is very important for social development and must be seriously included in the academic curriculum. The methodology applied in this study for data collection is primary.
Seaborne Patrollers Performance Evaluation: A Framework for A Proposed Development Plan
Authors: Tutaan Mary Jaemee Lauren , Bakingkito PLT Rochelle G , Atanacio Precious F. , Dauis Dennis Victor S. , Malang Bernandino P. , Vigonte Florinda G.
Published: February 2023

The study focused on the analysis of the work performance of the seaborne patrollers through their individual performance evaluation reports. The study aimed to evaluate the overall performance standing of the police officers in terms of their output, core competencies, and personal qualities which would be the basis for a proposed developmental framework that would maximize the capacity and capability of the personnel of the PNP Maritime Group. The respondents of the study were the police officers of the PNP Maritime Group in the municipality of Pangasinan composed of sixty-six (66) police non-commissioned officers and nine (9) police commissioned officers. The researcher used the descriptive method of research to obtain factual and quality data and aided the researchers in describing and explaining the current situation. The researchers used Individual Performance Evaluation Report (IPER) to measure the respondents' work and personal qualities. The data was manually encoded by the researchers using Microsoft Excel accurately to attain descriptive validity. Upon analyzing the gathered data, it was found that the high level of scores extracted from the respondents' Individual Performance Evaluation Report (IPER) is highly capable of their mandate as police officers. There are also enhancements presented in the study that needs to be integrated with the need to be integrated with the existing program to create opportunities to develop personal and professional qualities. In turn, this better and more responsive organization. Among the recommendations observed in the study are the following:  maintaining the practice of the Individual Performance Evaluation Report (IPER);  adopting the developmental plan; crafting the scorecard as an instrument that would translate the aspects of the Individual Performance Evaluation Report (IPER)  into a more understandable and detailed plan for the development of the individual; implementing refresher course and orientation for new police officers on the importance of  Individual Performance Evaluation Report (IPER)  not only as compliance at work but more so as an instrument to grow and develop personally and professionally;  the implementation of the Individual Performance Evaluation Report (IPER) program must be further studied in terms of process and evaluation; there must be a holistic evaluation and monitoring process for every project or program in connection with the Individual Performance Evaluation Report (IPER), and lastly, there must be a program to monitor the effectiveness of the Individual Performance Evaluation Report (IPER)  as time continues, checking on its relevance, and looking for weak points to improve and strong points to standardize.
Cluster Analysis of the Teacher – Applicants to be Enlisted in the Registry of Qualified Applicants for Public School Teachers: Basis for Policy Formu-lation
Authors: Apilada Yolanda A. , Cameros Christine G. , De la Rita Mayalene S. , Ceniza Maridel L. , Golandrina Jane
Published: February 2023

The Recruitment, Selection and Placement Core Group of the PRIME-HRM of the Department of Education Division of Butuan City conducted this research mainly to address the issues on the assessment of the Teacher applicants particularly in the scoring system which may eventually be hired in the Department of Education. To identify gaps in assessing teacher competencies, the researchers used the K-means cluster analysis to generate knowledge that could be the basis for policy formulation. An applicant can be in the Registry of Qualified Applicants if he/she passes the criteria in the selection relative to their qualifications and competencies. The researchers found two issues that need to be addressed. First, it is the experience and the English Proficiency Test (EPT) results. Experience is necessary because teaching is a skill which requires expertise, but we do not prioritize it over other criteria. Another gap is the English Proficiency Test result. English is an essential factor in the teaching profession since it is our second medium of speech and teachers are facilitators in the learning process of pupils and students. Thus, there is a need to revisit the EPT tool and propose modification if deemed necessary; English skills enhancement is duly recommended from Senior High School to Higher Education to develop mainly its basic communication proficiency; newly hired teachers will undergo training to enrich English aptitude; enhance the policy on recruitment process.
Tourism Development Through the Global Hub Bandar Kayangan in Lom-bok Utara (KLU) District
Authors: Suriadi Irwan , Sutanto Himawan , Dakwah M. Mujahid
Published: February 2023

The Problem in this research is: (a) How is the development of the Bandar Kayangan Global Hub supporting tourism in KLU, (b) How does the Bandar Kayangan Global Hub development policy model support tourism in KLU.The data used in this study are primary data that comes from tourism stakeholders and secondary data that comes from the KLU Tourism Office and the KLU Central Statistics Agency (BPS). The analytical method used in this research is SWOT analysis (strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat). The results showed that the internal strategy factor (strength) with the highest score of 0.28, meaning that the Bandar Kayangan Global Hub in KLU must have a commitment from the community to develop its area to improve the standard of living of its people so that it is more advanced, such as by increasing people's income levels. The internal strategy factor (weakness) with the highest score of 0.13 means that the Bandar Kayangan Global Hub in North Lombok Regency must carry out quite intensive socialization and promotion through various media. The external strategy factor (opportunity) with the highest score of 0.22, meaning that the Global Hub at Bandar Kayangan in KLU can develop well because it has opportunities for community empowerment around Bandar Kayangan. The external strategy factor (threat) with the highest score of 0.21, meaning that the Bandar Kayangan Global Hub in KLU is still hampered by its development because the regional economy in particular and the national economy in general are still affected by the Corona COVID-19 pandemic.
RETRACTION NOTICE TO “Examining Senior High School Teachers’ Per-ceived Readiness in Online Teaching”
Authors: Santillan Jr. Eduardo P.
Published: February 2023

This article entitled “Examining Senior High School Teachers’ Perceived Readiness in Online Teaching” (2023), authored by Eduardo P. Santillan Jr, published in Vol. 4, No. 2 of International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research. 4(2), 487 – 500 has been retracted as requested by the authors.