Search

This study explores the employee retention strategies implemented by administrators in educational institutions, focusing on Immaculate Conception College of Balayan, Inc. The qualitative case study involved 10 participants, including administrators and employees selected based on stable tenure and appropriate qualifications. Through face-to-face interviews, key determinants influencing retention, such as teacher satisfaction, job contentment, professional growth, and loyalty, were identified. Recognition and incentives emerged as the primary retention strategy, significantly influencing employee satisfaction and fostering a sense of belonging. The study concludes that these strategies are effective, contributing to the retention of skilled professionals. Recommendations emphasize the importance of recognizing and providing incentives as core strategies for administrators in educational settings, recognizing their role in creating a positive work environment and promoting sustained employee commitment. The findings at ICCBI underscore the observed effectiveness of these strategies.

Abstract Absorption methods using polyurethane foams (PUFs) have recently gained popularity in treating oil spills. However, conventional petroleum-based PUFs lack selectivity and are commonly surface-modified using complicated processes that require toxic and harmful solvents to enhance their hydrophobicity and oil sorption capacities. In this paper, a novel naturally superoleophilic foam with inherent hydrophobic properties has been developed through the conventional one-shot foaming method with the integration of coconut oil-based polyol. This bio-based polyol was explicitly handpicked as it is chiefly saturated, highly abundant, and inexpensive. The foam is characterized by an oil sorption capacity range of 14.89–24.65 g g−1 for different types of oil, equivalent to 578–871 times its weight. Its hydrophobic behavior is expressed through a water contact angle of ~ 139°. The foam also showcased excellent chemical stability and high recyclability without a significant loss in absorption capacity after 20 cycles. The incorporation of the coconut oil-based polyol is also shown to improve the morphological, mechanical, and thermal behavior of the foam. It can be inferred from these findings that this novel material holds great potential for revolutionizing sorbents, pioneering a more sustainable and eco-friendly functional material produced via a facile method.

Abstract The chondrocranium provides the key initial support for the fetal brain, jaws and cranial sensory organs in all vertebrates. The patterns of shaping and growth of the chondrocranium set up species-specific development of the entire craniofacial complex. The 3D development of chondrocranium have been studied primarily in animal model organisms, such as mice or zebrafish. In comparison, very little is known about the full 3D human chondrocranium, except from drawings made by anatomists many decades ago. The knowledge of human-specific aspects of chondrocranial development are essential for understanding congenital craniofacial defects and human evolution. Here advanced microCT scanning was used that includes contrast enhancement to generate the first 3D atlas of the human fetal chondrocranium during the middle trimester (13 to 19 weeks). In addition, since cartilage and bone are both visible with the techniques used, the endochondral ossification of cranial base was mapped since this region is so critical for brain and jaw growth. The human 3D models are published as a scientific resource for human development.

Abstract This study was aimed to investigate the frequency of PiCV recombination, the kinetics of PiCV viremia and shedding and the correlation between viral replication and host immune response in young pigeons subclinically infected with various PiCV variants and kept under conditions mimicking the OLR system. Fifteen racing pigeons originating from five breeding facilities were housed together for six weeks. Blood and cloacal swab samples were collected from birds every seven days to recover complete PiCV genomes and determine PiCV genetic diversity and recombination dynamics, as well as to assess virus shedding rate, level of viremia, expression of selected genes and level of anti-PiCV antibodies. Three hundred and eighty-eight complete PiCV genomes were obtained and thirteen genotypes were distinguished. Twenty-five recombination events were detected. Recombinants emerged during the first three weeks of the experiment which was consistent with the peak level of viremia and viral shedding. A further decrease in viremia and shedding partially corresponded with IFN-γ and MX1 gene expression and antibody dynamics. Considering the role of OLR pigeon rearing system in spreading infectious agents and allowing their recombination, it would be reasonable to reflect on the relevance of pigeon racing from both an animal welfare and epidemiological perspective.

IntroductionMethamphetamine (MA) use is marked by high rates of comorbid tobacco smoking, which is associated with more severe drug use and worse clinical outcomes compared to single use of either drug. Research has shown the combination of naltrexone plus oral bupropion (NTX-BUP) improves smoking cessation outcomes in non-MA-using populations. In the Accelerated Development of Additive Pharmacotherapy Treatment (ADAPT-2) study, NTX-BUP successfully reduced MA use. Our aim in this secondary data analysis was to examine changes in cigarette smoking among the subgroup of participants reporting comorbid tobacco use in the ADAPT-2 trial.MethodsThe multi-site ADAPT-2 study used a randomized, double blind, sequential parallel comparison design to evaluate treatment with extended-release injectable NTX (380 mg every 3 weeks) combined with once-daily oral extended-release BUP (450 mg/day) vs matching injectable and oral placebo in outpatients with moderate or severe MA use disorder. The study assessed smoking outcomes, based on self-reported timeline followback (TLFB) data, twice/week for 13 weeks.ResultsOf the 403 participants in the ADAPT-2 trial, 290 reported being current cigarette smokers (71.9 %). The study found significant differences (p's

Background Available empirical evidence on participant-level factors associated with dropout from psychotherapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is both limited and inconclusive. More comprehensive understanding of the various factors that contribute to study dropout from cognitive-behavioural therapy with a trauma focus (CBT-TF) is crucial for enhancing treatment outcomes.Objective Using an individual participant data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) design, we examined participant-level predictors of study dropout from CBT-TF interventions for PTSD.Methods A comprehensive systematic literature search was undertaken to identify randomised controlled trials comparing CBT-TF with waitlist control, treatment-as-usual or another therapy. Academic databases were screened from conception until 11 January 2021. Eligible interventions were required to be individual and in-person delivered. Participants were considered dropouts if they did not complete the post-treatment assessment.Findings The systematic literature search identified 81 eligible studies (n=3330). Data were pooled from 25 available CBT-TF studies comprising 823 participants. Overall, 221 (27%) of the 823 dropped out. Of 581 civilians, 133 (23%) dropped out, as did 75 (42%) of 178 military personnel/veterans. Bivariate and multivariate analyses indicated that military personnel/veterans (RR 2.37) had a significantly greater risk of dropout than civilians. Furthermore, the chance of dropping out significantly decreased with advancing age (continuous; RR 0.98).Conclusions These findings underscore the risk of premature termination from CBT-TF among younger adults and military veterans/personnel.Clinical implication Understanding predictors can inform the development of retention strategies tailored to at-risk subgroups, enhance engagement, improve adherence and yield better treatment outcomes.

ABSTRACT: Enteropathies are a serious concern in racing pigeons as they significantly impair performance in races and their training, and viruses are suspected to be one of the main factors. Astroviruses are well-known to be responsible for causing enteric disease in humans and various other animals including birds, although their prevalence and pathogenicity in pigeons is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated 2 groups of young racing pigeons (sick—study group and healthy—control group) to assess the correlation between the number of astrovirus genome copies in cloacal swabs and the occurrence of enteropathy. To determine this, we developed a novel TaqMan quantitative PCR (qPCR) and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) methods for astrovirus detection and absolute quantitative analysis. We also performed high-throughput sequencing to obtain the complete genome sequences and establish the genetic similarity of the obtained strains to known astroviruses of poultry and other avian species. Two new complete genome sequences of pigeon astroviruses in the Avastrovirus genus were identified, representing 2 new species. These were found most closely related to astroviruses identified in Columbidae species and chickens. They share an average of 75.8% genome-wide pairwise identity and 57.6% and 64.6% capsid protein sequence identity with other unclassified columbid avastrovirus sequences in GenBank. Although the difference in prevalence of astrovirus in the study and control group was found statistically insignificant, there was a significant difference between the number of genome copies in positive samples from both groups. These unambiguous results leave the role of astroviruses as enteropathogenic factors in pigeons still undetermined.

Abstract Background The rice-wheat cropping system is the prevailing agricultural method in the North-Western states of India, namely in the Indo-Gangetic plains. The practice of open burning of rice residue is frequently employed for expedient land preparation, but it has significant adverse impacts on both the environment and human health. These include the emission of greenhouse gases, loss of nutrients, elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM), and disruption of the biological cycle. This research aims to investigate the implementation of effective management strategies in the rice-wheat cropping system, namely via the use of tillage-based crop cultivation techniques, stubble retention, and integration approaches. The objective is to enhance soil health features in order to augment crop yield and improve its attributes. Results The research was carried out using a split plot experimental design, consisting of three replications. The main plot consisted of four different cultivation methods, while the subplot included three genotypes of both rice and wheat. The research demonstrates the enhanced efficacy of residue application is significantly augmenting soil nutrient concentrations compared to standard tillage practices (P

Introduction Children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) are at risk for speech and language delay. Language outcomes are worse in DHH children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, due in part to disparities in access to specialised speech-language therapy. Teletherapy may help improve access to this specialised care and close this language gap. Inclusion of diverse DHH children in prospective randomised clinical trials has been challenging but is necessary to address disparities and pursue hearing health equity. Stakeholder input regarding decisions on study design elements, including comparator groups, masking, assessments and compensation, is necessary to design inclusive studies. We have designed an inclusive, equitable comparativeness effectiveness trial to address disparities in paediatric hearing health. The specific aims of the study are to determine the effect of access to and utilisation of speech-language teletherapy in addressing language disparities in low-income children who are DHH.Methods and analysis After stakeholder input and pilot data collection, we designed a randomised clinical trial and concurrent longitudinal cohort trial to be conducted at four tertiary children’s hospitals in the USA. Participants will include 210 DHH children aged 0–27 months. 140 of these children will be from lower income households, who will be randomised 1:1 to receive usual care versus usual care plus access to supplemental speech-language teletherapy. 70 children from higher income households will be simultaneously recruited as a comparison cohort. Primary outcome measure will be the Preschool Language Scales Auditory Comprehension subscale standard score, with additional speech, language, hearing and quality of life validated measures as secondary outcomes.Ethics and dissemination This study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the participating sites: the University of California, San Francisco (19-28356), Rady Children’s Hospital (804651) and Seattle Children’s Hospital (STUDY00003750). Parents of enrolled children will provide written informed consent for their child’s participation. Professional and parent stakeholder groups that have been involved throughout the study design will facilitate dissemination and implementation of study findings via publication and through national and regional organisations.Trial registration number NCT04928209.

The examination of drug accumulation within complex biological systems offers valuable insights into the molecular aspects of drug metabolism and toxicity. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) is an innovative methodology that enables the spatial visualization and quantification of biomolecules as well as drug and its metabolites in complex biological system. Hence, this method provides valuable insights into the metabolic profile and any molecular changes that may occur as a result of drug treatment. The renal system is particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of drug-induced harm and toxicity. In this study, MALDI MSI was utilized to examine the spatial distribution of drug and renal metabolites within kidney tissues subsequent to a single oral dosage of the anticancer compound rotenone. The integration of ion mobility spectrometry with MALDI MSI enhanced the data acquisition and analysis, resulting to improved mass resolution. Subsequently, the MS/MS fragment ions of rotenone reference drug were detected and characterized using MALDI HDMS/MS imaging. Notably, drug accumulation was observed in the cortical region of the representative kidney tissue sections treated with rotenone. The histological examination of treated kidney tissues did not reveal any observable changes. Differential ion intensity of renal endogenous metabolites was observed between untreated and rotenone-treated tissues. In the context of treated kidney tissues, the ion intensity level of sphingomyelin (D18:1/16:0), a sphingolipid indicator of glomerular cell injury and renal damage, was found to be elevated significantly compared to untreated kidney tissues. Conversely, the ion intensities of choline, glycero-3-phosphocholine (GPC), inosine, and a lysophosphatidylcholine LysoPC(18:0) exhibited a significant decrease. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of MALDI MSI as a novel technique for investigating the in situ spatial distribution of drugs and renal endogenous molecules while preserving the anatomical integrity of the kidney tissue. This technique can be used to study drug-induced metabolism and toxicity in a dynamic manner.

Dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma is a rare, highly aggressive subtype of endometrial cancer associated with poor survival outcomes. Current guidelines recommend treatment of advanced-stage disease with surgical staging or cytoreduction and platinum/taxane-based chemotherapy. Despite these approaches, the achievement of long-term remission or prolonged survival is challenging. Recent Phase III studies demonstrate that the addition of PD-1 inhibitors to standard chemotherapy significantly improves progression-free survival in patients with measurable, mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) and proficient (pMMR) advanced-stage or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. However, the role of PD-1 blockade in the treatment of undifferentiated and dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma remains unclear, as very few patients with these cancer subtypes were included in the trials. In this case report, we present a patient with dMMR dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma, treated with primary surgery to no gross residual disease, followed by carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy and a short course of maintenance pembrolizumab. To date, the patient remains with a prolonged disease-free survival of 61 months, supporting the potential use of PD-1 inhibitors in the upfront treatment of unmeasurable, advanced-stage, dMMR dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma.

Some crises, such as those brought on or exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, are wicked problems--large, complex problems with no immediate answer. As such, they make rich centerpieces for learning with respect to public deliberation and issue-based dialogue. This essay reflects on an experimental, transdisciplinary health and science communication course entitled Comprehending COVID-19." The course represents a collaborative effort among 14 faculty representing 10 different academic departments to create a resource for teaching students how to deliberate the pandemic, despite its attending, oversaturated, fake-news-infused, infodemic. We offer transdisciplinary deliberation as a pedagogical framework to expand communication repertoires in ways useful for sifting through the messiness of an infodemic while also developing key deliberation skills for productively engaging participatory decision-making with concern to wicked problems.

Abstract The investigation of the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) on offspring has been inconsistent, with few studies investigating biological outcomes in humans. We profiled genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) of umbilical cord blood (UCB) from newborns with (n = 35) and without (n = 47) PCE. We used DNAm data to (1) assess pediatric epigenetic clocks at birth and (2) to estimate epigenetic scores (ES) for lifetime disorders. We generated gestational epigenetic age estimates (DNAmGA) based on Knight and Bohlin epigenetic clocks. We also investigated the association between DNAmGA and UCB serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Considering the large-scale DNAm data availability and existing evidence regarding PCE as a risk for health problems later in life, we generated ES for tobacco smoking, psychosis, autism, diabetes, and obesity. A gene ontology (GO) analysis on the CpGs included in the ES with group differences was performed. PCE was associated with lower DNAmGA in newborns, and this effect remained significant when controlling for potential confounders, such as blood cell type composition predicted by DNAm and obstetric data. DNAmGA was negatively correlated with BDNF levels in the serum of UCB. Higher tobacco smoking, psychosis, and diabetes ES were found in the PCE group. The GO analysis revealed GABAergic synapses as a potential pathway altered by PCE. Our findings of decelerated DNAmGA and ES for adverse phenotypes associated with PCE, suggest that the effects of gestational cocaine exposure on the epigenetic landscape of human newborns are detectable at birth.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has threatened the capability of academic institutions to continuously deliver quality education despite the worldwide lockdown implemented to curb the transmission of the dreaded disease. As a result, institutions are forced to take advantage of supplementary digital technology to support online learning. Recognizing that an expert-based approach is deemed necessary to carefully execute the decision-making process of utilizing digital technology, this paper provides a new perspective of assessing the constructs of digital technology utilization with the use of fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL). Among the constructs considered, burnout (BO), technostress (TS), goal incongruence (GI), and reflexivity (RE) are found to be effects of other causal constructs. These findings offer crucial insights into the evolving literature of COVID-19 on education, particularly on informing the design of initiatives and measures to support the use of digital technologies as may be necessary.