Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Erratum: ''The Tropospheric-Stratospheric Polar Vortex Breakdown of January 1977''

An extraordinary warming of the stratosphere in December-January 1976-77 was followed by tropospheric warming in the polar region and cooling in middle latitudes. During January 10-20, the associated polar anticyclone extended from the surface to 10 mb. Antecedents of the polar vortex breakdown are reviewed with the aid of results of zonal-harmonic analyses of planetary waves, for heights of the pressure surfaces (700-10 mb), temperature, and mean stratospheric temperature (the latter determined from satellite radiation measurements). Wave 1 in height and temperature played a dominant role in the stratosphere, attaining amplitudes of 1600 gpm and 25 C, respectively, at 10 mb. On the other hand, superposition of retrogressing wave 1 and quasi-stationary wave 2 in the height of the 300-mb surface, with individual amplitudes exceeding 300 gpm, is judged to have been an important factor in the overall development.
The Enigmas of Easter Island: Island on the Edge

Preface Introduction: European Discovery 1. The Island and its Geography 2. WHERE DID THEY COME FROM? 3. How Did They Get There, and Why? 4. Living on an Island 5. STATUES AND CEREMONIES 6. The Riddle of the Quarry 7. Rocking or Rolling: How were the Statues moved? 8. Platforms and Pukao: Erecting the Statues 9. CRASH GO THE ANCESTORS 10. Orongo and Rongorongo 11. Conclusion: The Island that Self-Destructed Epilogue: The Lessons of Easter Island
Diagnostic Approaches for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of Unknown Primary (NEN-UPs) and Their Prognostic Relevance—A Retrospective, Long-Term Single-Center Experience

Simple Summary Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of unknown primary (NEN-UPs) encompass a small group within all diagnosed NENs. As a result, diagnostic work-up and the therapy algorithm are not standardized. In this study we consecutively analyzed a cohort of 113 patients, initially diagnosed as NEN-UPs. After extensive diagnostic work-up, in 11.5% (13 patients) a primary tumor site could be identified. Our study revealed that an extensive diagnostic work-up, in particular somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-PET, is associated with a better clinical outcome. Our study proposes that a detailed diagnostic investigation and the identification of a primary tumor site can provide the rationale for a tumor-specific therapy, contributing to a prolonged survival in NEN-UPs. Abstract Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) represent a rare and heterogenous group of tumors with predominantly gastroenteropancreatic or pulmonary origin. Despite numerous diagnostic efforts, the primary tumor site remains unknown in up to 20% of the patients diagnosed with NEN. In this subgroup of NEN patients, a standard diagnostic algorithm has not yet been integrated into clinical routine. Of note, an undetermined primary tumor site in NENs is associated with an impaired clinical outcome by at least “formally” limiting treatment options exclusively approved for NENs of a certain histological origin. In this retrospective study, a patient cohort of 113 patients initially diagnosed with NEN of unknown primary (NEN-UP) was analyzed. In 13 patients (11.5%) a primary tumor site could be identified subsequently, amongst others, by performing somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-PET-based imaging, which was irrespective of the initial clinical or demographic features. Diagnostic work-up and therapeutic regimens did not differ significantly between patients with an identified or unidentified primary tumor site; only a detailed immunohistochemical assessment providing additional information on the tumor origin proved to be significantly associated with the detection of a primary tumor site. Our study revealed that a profound diagnostic work-up, particularly including SSTR-PET-based imaging, leads to additional treatment options, finally resulting in significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients with NEN-UPs.
TOWARDS THE BEST MODEL GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE THROUGH JOB SATISFACTION

The purpose of this study was to examine and assess the impact of Good Corporate Governance and Knowledge Management on Organizational Citizenship Behavior through the mediation of Job Satisfaction. Quantitative research using questionnaire collection techniques and SEM Smart-PLS, with a saturated sample of 86 employees. Finding, Good Corporate Governance has no effect on Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Knowledge Management has a significant effect on Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Good Corporate Governance and Knowledge Management has a significant effect on Job Satisfaction. Job satisfaction does not mediate the effect of good corporate governance on Organizational Citizenship Behavior, but is able to mediate the relationship between Knowledge Management and Organizational Citizenship Behavior. Interestingly, good company GCG does not necessarily increase employee OCB. GCG which still seems to be carried out only by decision makers in a directed manner so that employees do not feel they are part of the GCG implementation in the company.
Is Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF) a Better Index Than Other Adiposity Indices for the Prediction of Visceral Adiposity

Background Visceral adiposity is an important risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases. Objective To determine whether the Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF) is more effective than other adiposity indices in predicting visceral fat area (VFA). Methods In this single-center and cross-sectional study, we included patients aged 20–50 years, without diabetes and coronary artery disease, who underwent computed tomography (CT) including the third lumbar vertebra. Age, blood pressure, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, fasting lipids, and glucose were assessed. VFA was measured by cross-sectional examination of CT. The correlation of WC, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), and METS-VF with VFA was analyzed by correlation analysis. The cut-off values and area under the curve (AUC) for identifying increased VFA (>130 cm2) were determined. Results We included 185 individuals with mean age 38.2 ± 8 and female predominance (58.4%). There was a significant positive correlation between all indices and VFA (p<0.001). ROC analysis revealed that METS-VF and WC demonstrated the highest predictive value for identifying increased VFA. In both men (p=0.001) and women (p<0.001), METS-VF (AUC 0.922 and 0.939, respectively) showed a significant superiority over ABSI (AUC 0.702 and 0.658, respectively), and VAI (AUC 0.731 and 0.725, respectively). Additionally, in women, its superiority over WHR (AUC 0.807) was also statistically significant (p=0.003). We identified a METS-VF cut-off point >6.4 in males >6.5 in females and WC cut-off point >88 cm in males (AUC 0.922), >90.5 cm in females (AUC 0.938). Conclusion METS-VF is strongly associated with visceral adiposity and better to predict increased VFA. However, its superiority over WC, BMI, BRI, and LAP was not significant. The results emphasize that WC is more appealing as screening indicator for visceral adiposity considering its easy use. Clinical Trial Registry Name Clinicaltrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov). Clinical Trial Registry Url https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05648409. Clinical Trial Registry Number NCT05648409.
Smoking cessation in Asians: focus on varenicline

: Smoking is a modifiable risk factor for morbidity and mortality caused by cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and many other diseases. Given the large population size and high prevalence of smoking in Asia, successful smoking cessation could potentially prevent the large number of premature deaths in Asians. However, most dependent smokers cannot successfully quit smoking due to nicotine addiction, and they need professional help and smoking cessation therapies. Varenicline is a highly selective partial agonist for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α 4 β 2 subtype, which is believed to be responsible for mediating the reinforcing properties of nicotine. This article is a narrative review, which summarizes the smoking cessation efficacy, side effects, and cost utilities of varenicline in Asians. From this review, we conclude that varenicline is an effective medication that could assist smoking cessation in the Asian populations. The adverse events of varenicline are tolerable, and the most common events were nausea and abnormal dreams. Both the efficacy and tolerance of varenicline in Asians are similar to that in Western populations. Considering the cost utilities, varenicline should be recommended for use in smoking cessation and be covered by medical insurance in most Asian countries.
Improving access to quality seeds in Africa

After testing three farmer-led seed production models, the project team – facilitated by the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) and led by CABI – concluded that a ‘contract’ model is the most effective, with farmers earning on average US$4,500 (up from US$1,500) per year. Under this system, farmers are linked with the private sector and are guaranteed to receive high quality seed that meets regulations and market requirements, while also being assured of a market. For farmers with no formal contracts with seed companies, a ‘research mediated’ model was found to be the most appropriate in countries with a strict regulatory seed system, and where regulations are more flexible, a ‘quality declared seed’ model worked well.
Failure of Passive Immunity Transfer Is Not a Risk Factor for Omphalitis in Beef Calves

Simple Summary In calves, omphalitis is an infection of one or all the umbilical structures. It is the third most frequent disease in newborn calves. The objective of this longitudinal clinical trial was to assess the association between omphalitis and the failure of passive immunity transfer. Twenty-two cow–calf operations in central France were visited twice weekly from November 2020 to March 2021. Female (n = 463) and male (n = 501) beef calves were health scored twice: between 1 and 9 days old during the first visit and between 8 and 16 days old during the second visit. Omphalitis was defined as an enlarged umbilicus (greater than 20 mm) or pain response or an umbilical stump discharge or ultrasonographic abnormalities. During the first visit, a blood sample was collected for serum measurement of the total solids percentage (TS-%Brix) and total protein (TP). Three hundred and eleven calves (32.3%) developed omphalitis. The failure of passive immunity transfer was defined as serum %Brix < 8.1 or TP < 5.1 g/dL. No statistical association between the prevalence of omphalitis and the failure of passive immunity transfer was observed. In cow–calf systems, farm-level management factors (calving difficulty, hygiene of housing, and umbilical disinfection) seem to have more influence on the risk of this disease. Abstract Omphalitis is the third most frequent disease in newborn calves after neonatal diarrhea and bovine respiratory disease (BRD), but limited data on the prevalence and risk factors are available in the literature. Failure of passive immunity transfer (FPIT) is recognized as a major risk factor for diseases and mortality in calves. However, the association between omphalitis and FPIT remains poorly described. To assess this association, 964 suckler beef calves from 22 farms were included in a longitudinal cohort study for 5 months. Each calf was examined twice (mean ages: 4.4 and 11.1 days old) to diagnose omphalitis through clinical examination and ultrasonographic evaluation (USE) if necessary. Measurements of the total solids percentage (TS-%Brix) and total protein (TP) were performed on the serum during the first visit to evaluate the calves’ passive immunity status. FPIT (fair and poor) was defined as serum %Brix < 8.1 or TP < 5.1 g/dL; among calves with omphalitis, 14% had FPIT and among calves without omphalitis 12% had FPIT. The omphalitis prevalence was 32.3% in calves without any other disease (overall prevalence of 30.9%). No statistical association between the prevalence of omphalitis and FPIT was observed. Further research is needed to identify the risk factors and promote the prevention measures for omphalitis in cow–calf systems, such as calving difficulty, hygiene of housing, and navel disinfection.
Risks of Polymyxin B Nephrotoxicity and Its Precursors in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background and Aim: Polymyxin group antibiotics constitute a part of our limited arsenal in the treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. However, their use is limited especially due to nephrotoxicity and other side effects. In this study, we primarily aimed to determine the effect of polymyxin B on the rate of nephrotoxicity in critically ill patients, and secondly to identify the factors that facilitate nephrotoxicity caused by polymyxin B. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective cohort study and conducted by scanning patients aged 18 years or older who had been admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU) in 2022 and treated with polymyxin B for at least 72 hours. Patients without chronic renal failure and acute kidney injury (AKI) before starting polymyxin B therapy were included and AKI was examined after the use of polymyxin B. The patients were then divided into two groups, those with AKI and those without AKI. We tried to find factors that may facilitate AKI by comparing the two groups. Results: Of the patients, 26 were female and 34 were male. In 21 of the patients (35%), renal damage of varying degrees developed; these patients belonged to the nephrotoxicity (NT) group, while the rest belonged to the non-nephrotoxicity (non-NT) group. We found that advanced age (p=0.008), low baseline GFR (p=0.01), baseline creatinine (p=0.006), BMI (p=0.011), concomitant diseases (p<0.001), and days of use of polymyxin B (p=0.006) were statistically different between the two groups. In multivariate analysis of univariate analysis, we found that duration of polymyxin B use, BMI, and advanced age were independent risk factors for AKI development. Conclusion: We found that 21 (35%) of 60 intensive care unit patients who had no previous history of kidney injury developed kidney injury after being treated with polymyxin B. We identified advanced age, high BMI, and duration of polymyxin B use as independent risk factors. Therefore, we recommend close monitoring of renal function and prompt intervention, particularly in patients with risk factors, during polymyxin B use.
Digital literacy among Korean older adults: A scoping review of quantitative studies

Background While digital literacy has become an essential competency for individuals across generations and sectors of society, supporting digital literacy in older adults is particularly challenging. South Korea is among the many countries undergoing rapid digitalization and population aging. Therefore, it is timely to identify the current understanding of digital literacy among older adults in South Korea. Aim To identify prior studies that quantitatively measure digital literacy among older adults in South Korea and to identify and evaluate how digital literacy was measured in the reviewed studies. Methods The study followed Arksey and O’Malley's scoping review framework, searching through four international (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane Library) and four Korean (RISS, KISS, KCI, and KMBase) databases. Results Among 42 studies included in the final analysis, 38 were cross-sectional studies, and 21 employed primary data. Digital literacy was assessed in various scopes, including digital literacy, e-health literacy, Internet use, and smartphone use. Of the 25 identified measures, three were validated; the rest varied greatly, from using a few items from large surveys to employing investigator-developed measures. Based on the European Commission's Digital Competence Framework, the most commonly addressed components were “information and data literacy” and “communication and collaboration. ” Conclusions In recent years, attention toward digital literacy among South Korean older adults has grown rapidly. However, the level of digital literacy among older adults in South Korea remains inconclusive given measurement heterogeneity. Developing and validating more robust measures are warranted to evaluate digital literacy among older adults with diverse functions and circumstances.
Effect of soil treatment on the growth and foliage chemistry of three Eucalyptus species grown in a plantation as a food source for koalas

ABSTRACT Koalas in captivity are often provided with food from purpose-grown eucalypt plantations. In this study the growth/establishment of a long-term koala food plantation and the foliage chemistry of three Eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus microcorys, E. propinqua and E. tereticornis) that had applications of soil treatments (Terracottem™, mycorrhiza or a combination of both, and a control) at the time of planting were investigated. As well as tree growth, the foliage chemistry measured included total nitrogen (N), available N, ash, and moisture contents, and dry matter digestibility. Shortly after planting, the soil treatments had significant effects on tree growth but after approximately 2.5 years, they did not impact either tree growth or foliage chemistry. However, foliage age affected foliage chemistry, with new foliage having higher moisture and total N concentrations and lower ash contents than mature foliage. There were significant differences in tree growth and foliage chemistry between replicate blocks, which may have been related to environmental or geographical variables. This research provided critical information concerning the establishment of a suitable feed source for captive koalas and, more generally, furthered knowledge of Eucalyptus foliage chemistry. Future studies should investigate impacts of soil treatments on plant secondary metabolites including formylated phloroglucinol compounds. Understanding dietary selection is an important consideration when selecting species and managing food plantations for koalas. Providing captive koalas with a variety of different Eucalyptus species and foliage maturity ensures that they can select species and nutrients that they require.
Prognostic impact of highly solid component in early-stage solid lung adenocarcinoma

Background Based on computed tomography (CT) findings of lung cancer, solid nodules have a much worse prognosis than subsolid nodules, even if the nodules are subcentimeter in size. There is, however, no systematic method for determining the prognosis of solid tumors on CT. This study aimed to discover the prognostic factor of early-stage solid lung adenocarcinoma using three-dimensional CT volumetry. Methods Patients with pathological stage I solid lung adenocarcinoma who underwent complete resection between 2007 and 2012 were selected in this retrospective study. Clinicopathological data and preoperative multidetector CT findings, such as tumor size on the two-dimensional axial image, three-dimensional tumor volume between −600 and 199 HU, and three-dimensional solid volume between 0 and 199 HU, which corresponded to highly solid components, were compared between recurrence and non-recurrence. Furthermore, these radiological values were compared to pathological invasive volume (PIV). Results During this time, 709 patients had their lung cancer completely removed. From this cohort, 90 patients with pathological stage I solid lung adenocarcinoma were selected. In addition, recurrence was found in 26 patients (28.9%). Although two-dimensional axial image, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, and SUVmax on 18F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) did not differ statistically between recurrent and non-recurrent patients, three-dimensional tumor and solid tumor volume did. Multivariate analysis indicated that three-dimensional solid tumor volume [hazard ratio: 2.440; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.110–5.361, P=0.026] and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation (hazard ratio: 4.307; 95% CI: 1.328–13.977, P=0.015) were significantly associated with disease-free survival (DFS). When three-dimensional tumor and solid tumor volume were compared to PIV, three-dimensional solid tumor volume (3,091 mm3 on average) showed a highly similar value with PIV (2,930 mm3 on average), whereas three-dimensional tumor volume (6,175 mm3 on average) was significantly larger than PIV (P<0.001). Conclusions In patients with early-stage solid lung adenocarcinoma, the measurement of three-dimensional solid tumor volume, which is correlated with PIV, accurately predicted the postoperative outcome.
The ‘Whole’ Truth about Biological Individuality in Kant’s Account of Living Nature

Abstract Given the central place organisms occupy in Kant’s account of living nature, it might seem unlikely that his claims about biological wholes could be relevant to current debates over the problem of biological individuality. These debates acknowledge the multiple realizability of biological individuality in vastly different forms, including parts of organisms and complex groups of organisms at various levels of the biological hierarchy, sparking much controversy in attempts to characterize a biological individual. I argue that, far from being irrelevant to this controversy, Kant’s account provides a key insight for addressing the multiple realizability problem. I show how the reciprocal causality between a self-organizing whole and its parts, which Kant thinks characterizes a natural end, is not limited to organisms but is exhibited by numerous types of beings in living nature. Self-organizing wholes of various kinds, and at various biological levels, may count as biological individuals, depending on the degree to which their functionally integrated parts are represented by reflective judgement as a natural end.
TNF promoter polymorphisms are associated with genetic susceptibility in COPD secondary to tobacco smoking and biomass burning

Background: Smoking and smoke from biomass burning (BB) are the main environmental risk factors for COPD. Clinical differences have been described between COPD related to smoking and related to wood smoke, but no studies have shown genetic differences between patients exposed to these two risk factors. Methods: To investigate a possible association of tumor necrosis factor ( TNF ) promoter polymorphisms, we conducted a case–control study. A total of 1,322 subjects were included in four groups: patients with a diagnosis of COPD secondary to smoking (COPD-S, n = 384), patients with COPD secondary to biomass burning (COPD-BB, n = 168), smokers without COPD (SWOC, n = 674), and biomass burning-exposed subjects (BBES n = 96). Additionally, a group of 950 Mexican mestizos (MMs) was included as a population control. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected in the TNF gene (rs1800629, rs361525, and rs1800750) and one SNP in the lymphotoxin alpha gene (rs909253). Results: Statistically significant differences were found with genotype GA of the rs1800629: COPD-S vs SWOC, ( p , 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.53–4.27); COPD-S vs COPD-BB ( p , 0.01). When performing the comparison of the less severe (G1: I + II) and the more severe (G2: III + IV) levels, differences were identified in G1 ( p , 0.05, OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.04–3.63) and G2 ( p , 0.001, OR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.94–3.07) compared with SWOC. Regarding genotype GA of rs361525, it has been associated when comparing COPD-BB vs BBES ( p = 0.0079, OR = 5.99, 95% CI = 1.38–53.98). Conclusion: The heterozygous genotype GA of polymorphisms rs1800629 and rs361525 in the TNF promoter are associated with the risk of COPD.