Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of digital technologies for the service transformation of industrial companies

The role of digital technologies in service business transformation is under-investigated. This paper contributes to filling this gap by addressing how the Internet of things (IoT), cloud computing (CC) and predictive analytics (PA) facilitate service transformation in industrial companies. Through the Data–Information–Knowledge–Wisdom (DIKW) model, we discuss how the abovementioned technologies transform low-level entities such as data into information and knowledge to support the service transformation of manufacturers. We propose a set of digital capabilities, based on the extant literature and the findings from four case studies. Then, we discuss how these capabilities support the service transformation trajectories of manufacturers. We find that IoT is foundational to any service transformation, although it is mostly needed to become an availability provider. PA is essential for moving to the performance provider profile. Besides providing scalability in all profiles, CC is specifically used to implement an industrialiser strategy, therefore leading to standardised, repeatable and productised offerings.
Methodology to quantify the role of intense precipitation runoff in soil moisture scarcity: a case study in the U.S. South from 1980-2020

The northern U.S. Gulf Coast is among the wettest regions in the contiguous United States, with a transition zone from humid to semi-arid climates occurring between the western Gulf Coast and the 100 th meridian. As anthropogenic warming induces more frequent extreme wetting events of greater magnitude, a larger proportion of rainfall runs off unsaturated soils rather than being absorbed and replenishing vegetative water supply. This study introduced novel methodology reliant on reconstructed hourly precipitation intensity data from locations with comprehensive records from the past four decades, incorporating these records into a recursive algorithm measuring daily soil moisture levels. To account for runoff, curtailment multipliers for three different soil classes at each site were applied to 24-hour precipitation totals. Soil moisture balance was then obtained from daily evapotranspiration and infiltrated precipitation, and trends from the autoregressive time series modeling were compared. When runoff quantified by the methodology was considered, average annual soil moisture scarcity trends accelerated for most sample soils, including 13 of the 15 highly-infiltrative soils showing a change relative to the unrestricted infiltration in the reference case. The findings, however, were generally not statistically significant. These results are suggestive, but not conclusive, of a growing role from intense precipitation in drought development for the selected region. The seasonality of evolving rainfall rates in the case study area may explain the limited impact, as intensity rates are growing most quickly during the wintertime, a period when episodes infrequently exceed maximum soil infiltration capacity. The methods introduced here, achieving superior accuracy at precise locations relative to gridded products, are reproducible for global locations with adequate data coverage.
New market models for export of excess heat from buildings

As time goes by, the shift from paper to digital information management is continuously increasing in our society. In 2011, it was reported that data centers consume 1.1-1.5% of worldwide electricity [1], and that around 2% of global CO2 emissions can be accounted by the IT sector [2]. Due to this fact, data centers have become ubiquitous, as we can find them in nearly every sector such as business, communications, academic or even governmental systems. Consequently, there has been a continuous increase in the power demand in data centers that has created an observable impact on the power grid. A study group formed by the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (ASHRAE) states that rack powers will increase to nearly 70 kW within the next decade, this will be met due to the introduction of ultra-dense computing architectures [3]. Added to this increase, there is also an increase in energy costs, which together, have made the energy efficiency in data centers a topic of concern. According to a number of recent studies made by the Uptime Institute [4], the cost of power to the server can exceed the cost of the server itself within approximately four years. If we take into account then, the cooling and infrastructure costs, the operational cost over its lifetime is five times the cost of the server. This theory suggests that improving the cooling efficiency is a step in the right direction. Rising up the cooling efficiency is also important in thermal management aspects. Poor thermal management can have some implications such as increased downtime, poor reliability, premature failure of servers due to inefficient airflow distribution [5]. which consequently would end up in increasing operating costs. On the other hand, generally talking, most data centers, by design, consume vast amounts of this energy in an incongruously wasteful manner. Online companies typically run their facilities at maximum capacity all the day long, whatever the demand. As a result, data centers can waste 90% or more of the electricity they pull off the grid. This waste can be reused i.e., into for example, the district heating system. i Recovering this waste energy from the cooling part means that there is a considerable improvement in the energy efficiency of the data center. Also, as we extract this excess heat, there is a reduction in the net power that we would need to cool down this heat. Consequently, there will be also a reduction in the operating costs and finally, it becomes much more environmentally friendly.
Could C-Reactive Protein be a Potential Biomarker of Complicated Acute Appendicitis?

Introduction The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) to identify complicated appendicitis (defined as perforation, abscess or gangrenous appendicitis) versus simple appendicitis. Methods A retrospective study was performed in the emergency department (ED) of Prince of Wales Hospital in the New Territories of Hong Kong. The clinical records of patients admitted to the surgical wards via the ED over 17 months were reviewed by a research assistant. We included all patients aged >13 years who had a provisional diagnosis of “acute appendicitis” or “right lower quadrant pain”. We excluded patients with pregnancy, previous appendicectomy, incomplete medical records or no CRP levels determined before operation and those who discharged themselves from hospital against medical advice after admission. The outcome of this study was the CRP level in relation to the presence of complicated appendicitis. ROC curve analysis was employed to identify the optimum cut-off level of CRP which had the best sensitivity and specificity to identify complicated appendicitis compared to simple appendicitis. Results Forty-two patients were diagnosed to have acute appendicitis, 31 of whom had complicated appendicitis. CRP level was higher in the group of complicated appendicitis (p<0.05). We identified an optimum cut-off value for CRP of 40.1 mg/L to discriminate between complicated and non-complicated appendicitis. The sensitivity and specificity of CRP to identify complicated appendicitis were 71.0% and 100% respectively at this cut-off level. Conclusion High CRP levels could possibly predict the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis and facilitate more appropriate surgical care. This finding needs to be confirmed in prospective and larger multicentre studies. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2014;21:354-360)
Are You Ready to Learn? Secondary School Pupils’ Perspectives on Online Learning Readiness

Teachers and students have to continue teaching and learning remotely via various platform including video conferencing apps and social media applications due to Covid-19. Although the majority of adult learners are generally prepared for online teaching, there are not enough studies done on the readiness level of younger learners. Therefore, the study attempted to identify the online learning readiness level among secondary school pupils and the obstacles that hindered them during remote learning. The researcher had adopted a survey research design and employed an Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS) questionnaire to investigate 30 secondary school pupils’ online learning readiness in a district in Sarawak. In addition, the respondents were asked to identify the obstacles that they faced during online learning. The study found that the respondents showed generally high readiness in online learning. The respondents showed the highest readiness in online communication self-efficacy and the least readiness in learner control. The study was crucial as it would provide better understanding on pupils’ perspectives on online learning which in turn would help responsible parties to identify pupils’ strengths and weaknesses in online learning. Further studies should be done regarding ways to improve younger learners’ engagement in online learning in order to optimise their online learning experience as Malaysia is heading towards industrial revolution 4.0.
A RANDOMIZED CONTROLL TRIAL TO COMPARE THE EFFICACY OF SACCHAROMYCES BOULARDII, BACILLUS CLAUSII, AND LACTOBACILLUS RHAMNOSUS GG PREPARATION IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN

Objective: Probiotics have been recommended as an adjunct to standard treatment of acute diarrhea but the choice of probiotics is unclear. The aim of study is to compare the efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii, Bacillus clausii versus Lactobacillus rhamnosus in children with acute diarrhea and to expand the tolerability of S. boulardii, B. clausii versus L. rhamnosus GG in acute diarrhea. Methods: Hospital based Randomized Controlled Clinical trial (chit in box) carried out at the Department of Pediatrics, Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jaipur Rajasthan from January 2020 to June 2021. 120 Children were enrolled in the study and randomized to either Group A or Group B or Group C. Group A received S. boulardii, Group B received B. clausii and Group C received L. rhamnosus GG. Sample size was 40 samples for each group. Statistical analysis was done with the SPSS software. Results: There was statistically significant improvement in consistency observed in Group C as compared to Group A an Group B (p<0.001). Significant higher cases (87.5%) were improved in Group C compare to Group B (67.5%), followed by Group A (65%). While all patients were observed well tolerated and accepted during the study. Conclusions: In our study, L. rhamnosus GG significantly reduce the frequency, improve the consistency of stools in diarrhea as compared to B. clausii and S. boulardii while tolerability of S. boulardii, B. clausii and L. rhamnosus GG was good with no adverse effect.
Pre-operative intraocular pressure as a predictor of post-operative intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification in non-glaucomatous patients

BackgroundCataract has been known to cause high intraocular pressure which may lead to secondary glaucoma. Some anatomical changes in cataract patients are assumed to be factors contributing to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). The changes in IOP after cataract surgery tend to help surgeons to predict clinical outcomes. Therefore, IOP control is very important in these patients. This study aimed to determine the ocular biometric parameters and pressure-to-depth (PD) ratio associated with IOP in non-glaucomatous patients who undergo cataract surgery. MethodsA prospective study using secondary clinical data collected from 81 non-glaucomatous patients. Data were collected by examining each subject pre- and post-operatively. The changes in ocular biometry parameters and IOP were measured one week before surgery and 8 weeks after the surgery. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were performed to analyze the data. ResultsThe mean anterior chamber depth (ACD) change was 0.73 ± 0.16 mm, mean PD ratio was 5.04 ± 1.16, and the mean pre-operative IOP was 16.07 ± 2.92 mmHg, decreasing by 2.35 mm Hg (14.6 %) to 13.72 ± 3.42 mm Hg at 8 weeks postoperatively. Univariate linear regression results showed a significant correlation between PD ratio and post-operative IOP (p=0.000), but no significant association was observed between PD ratio and post-operative IOP in multiple linear regression (p=0.126). However, pre-operative IOP was significantly associated with post-operative IOP (Beta=1.244; p=0.004) ConclusionsOur data demonstrated that pre-operative IOP was the most influential risk factor of IOP reduction after phacoemulsification in non-glaucomatous patients.
Association of alkaptonuria and low dose nitisinone therapy with cataract formation in a large cohort of patients

Homogentisic acid (HGA) lowering, disease modifying off‐label nitisinone therapy has been used in the United Kingdom National Alkaptonuria Centre (NAC) since 2012. This study evaluated the serendipitous observation of cataract in a large cohort of patients with the very rare disease alkaptonuria (AKU), over a 5‐year period. Patients with AKU who attended the NAC since 2012. Standard physical examination and ocular assessment, including photographs of the crystalline lens were taken before commencement of nitisinone 2 mg daily and annually over 5 years. Photographs were randomised and graded by two independent observers using the WHO cataract classification. AKU patients who did not receive nitisinone were included as a control group. HGA was measured on acidified 24 h urine (u‐HGA24) and HGA and tyrosine in fasting acidified serum samples (sHGA, sTYR) at each visit. Patients without suitable lens images were excluded. Cataract (mean grade 1) was noted at baseline in 47 out of 62 (76%) with a mean (SD) age of 44 (14) years. In nitisinone‐treated patients, there were significant increases in the mean grade of nuclear (0.18, p < 0.01) and cortical (0.38, p < 0.01) lens opacities over the mean duration of 4.93 years of the study. Worsening of the nuclear cataract and cortical lens opacities by at least 1 grade was noted in 14 out of 46 (30%) and 11 out of 46 (24%) patients, respectively. There is an increased prevalence and progression of cataract in AKU and a possible association of nitisinone with cataract progression.
Effects of thickness and aging of bulk-fill composite resins on surface microhardness and fluorescence properties

Objective: Evaluation of various bulk-fill composite materials with respect to the microhardness values of the top and base surfaces upon variation in the composite thickness. The effect of aging and comparison of the fluorescence properties exhibited by the materials at different thicknesses will also be examined. Materials and Methods: For all samples, calculations were carried out using a family F probability, with a repeated family design including interactions within and among the factors, which resulted in 135 sample units, with 27 samples per experimental group. Z350, AURA, TETRIC, SDR, and FBF composites were employed with thicknesses of 2, 3, and 4 mm, initially being submitted to microhardness measurements (n=9). Aging was carried out using an aqueous ethanol solution. After aging the microhardness values of the samples were measured again, and a comparative analysis was performed for the fluorescence of all samples. Results: Aging, sample thickness, and the type of material were found to affect both the surface microhardness and the fluorescence values. In addition, the AURA and SDR bulk-fill composites were the least susceptible to differences in thickness in terms of the top and base surface microhardness values. Conclusions: Although the manufacturers of some bulk-fill composites recommend the use of material increments of 4 mm, the results of this study suggest that further research is required before clinical application.
Soil Moisture Outweighs Climatic Factors in Critical Periods for Rainfed Cereal Yields: An Analysis in Spain

Cereals are keystone crops for achieving food security and socioeconomic equilibrium, but rainfed cropland is highly sensitive to environmental anomalies that impact yields. The impact of soil moisture on cereal yield is particularly overlooked. This study evaluates the impact of root-zone soil moisture on yield compared to nine common climatic variables: maximum and minimum temperature, diurnal temperature range, growing degree days, accumulated rainfall, radiation, photothermal quotient, relative humidity of the air, and vapor pressure deficit. This study used the climatic database E-OBSv23 and the soil moisture databases ERA5-Land and LISFLOOD, focused on wheat and barley over the main cereal areas of Spain. Correlation analysis between annual yield and daily soil moisture and climatic data provided indicated the prevalence and concurrence of the impact factors on phenological stages of the Zadoks scale. Critical periods of impact on wheat and barley yields primarily concentrate during the growth and reproductive phases of spring. Soil moisture exceeds all other factors in magnitude and duration of influence, and our results suggest a complex interplay of factors during the critical spring period. This study highlights the preeminent role of soil moisture over climatic factors on the variability of rainfed cereal yields in water-limited areas.
Effect of Preheating and Vibration on Microhardness and Microleakage of Microhybrid Resin Composite (In Vitro Study)

BACKGROUND: Preheating and sonic vibration are two methods for the treatment of microhybrid resin composites that may effect on their mechanical and physical properties. AIM: This study was conducted to assess the effect of using preheating and sonic vibration on microhardness and microleakage of microhybrid resin composite METHODS AND MATERIALS: For microhardness test, a total of 30 samples of resin composite discs were prepared. Samples were divided into three groups according to the method of treatment of resin composite, controlled group (T0), preheated group (T1), and sonic vibration group (T2). Surface microhardness values were evaluated at baseline and after thermocycling. For microleakage test, a total of 30 Class-V cavities were prepared on the labial surfaces of extracted human anterior teeth. The cavities were then divided into three groups according to the method of resin composite treatment as mentioned before in the microhardness test. All samples were sectioned; then two-dimensional cross-sectional images from each sample. Each cross-sectional image was analyzed using Image J software to quantify interfacial microleakage at the cavity floor. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Two-way ANOVA analysis was used to test the effects of thermocycling on three groups of each test. One-way ANOVA was used to compare between three different methods of resin composite treatment. RESULTS: For microhardness at baseline revealed that the highest mean value was recorded for the control group, followed by the sonic vibration group meanwhile, the lowest mean value was recorded for the sonic vibration group, followed by preheated group at microleakage test. CONCLUSION: Preheating and sonic vibration of microhybrid resin composite does not improve its microhardness; however, sonic vibration provides better marginal adaptation than the preheating and the conventional methods.
An exploration of the relationship between school poverty rates and students’ perceptions of empowerment: student-staff relationships, equitable roles, & classroom sense of community

Abstract This study explores the association between school-level poverty rates and young peoples’ perceptions of student empowerment, drawing on survey and administrative data from a large urban district. Participants included 29,318 diverse youth in grades 6-12 from 211 schools. We used multilevel linear regression models to estimate the relationships between school poverty rates and students’ reports of positive relationships, equitable roles, and a sense of community. Results indicated that youth attending schools with higher poverty rates were less likely to report empowering school climates than their peers from schools serving more affluent students. We also found a strong correlation between school-level poverty rates and student racial composition. Findings suggest that young people who attend racially segregated schools with concentrated poverty would likely benefit from greater opportunities for relationship building, power-sharing, and community building. Such efforts may also strengthen other domains of youth development, including academic achievement and positive identity.
Quantitative microbial risk assessment for Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Mutton in Qatar: an example of application of One Health approach

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the risk of illness from the consumption of Mutton contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Qatar and to highlight intervention points that would contribute to mitigating its associated risk. The quantitative risk assessment (QRA) methodology was employed to address this objective. Our approach consisted of a combination of deterministic and stochastic approaches. Data on the probability of E. coli O157:H7 in animals, animal products, retail, and humans were obtained through repeat cross-sectional studies. Estimates of the adverse health effects were computed using risk characterization which integrated data on hazard characterization and exposure assessment, including dose-response models. The probability of illness for a healthy female from the consumption of mutton contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 eating at a restaurant ranged from 7×10-3 to 28×10-2 depending on the amount of food consumed. However, the risk for the same female eating at home is less (5×10-3 to 24×10-2). The estimates of illness are three times higher for immunocompromised females exposed either at a restaurant or at home. The risk of illness due to this pathogen could be significantly reduced for either gender under different scenarios by increasing the efficacy of roasting the mutton before consumption.
USING THE DISCUSSION BOARD DURING YOUR ONLINE SYNCHRONOUS CLASS TO ENGAGE STUDENTS

ABSTRACT Educators constantly wrestle with the question of how to engage students in an environment in which students are increasingly distracted. This issue has become more relevant as instructors have been forced to pivot to the use of a variety of online learning modalities to administer instruction. While the synchronous online class session allows for the safe delivery of instruction, it also makes it difficult to engage an entire class of students during the session. The current article proposes the synchronous use of the online discussion board during the class session as a mechanism for enhancing student engagement. This innovation was selected for the 2021 Wessex Press Innovations in Teaching Award.