Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio and Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

We aimed to assess the prognostic role of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) via a single-center retrospective cohort of hospitalized adult patients from 1/2009 to 12/2019. Patients were dichotomized into lower NLR (≤12) and higher NLR (>12). The primary outcome was mortality. ICU admission and hospital- and ICU-free days were secondary outcomes. The pneumonia severity index (PSI) and the NLR’s ability to predict outcomes was also tested. An NLR ≤12 was observed in 2513 (62.2%) patients and >12 in 1526 (37.8%). After adjusting for PSI, the NLR was not associated with hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.115; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.774, 1.606; p = 0.559), but it was associated with a higher risk of ICU admission (OR 1.405; 95% CI 1.216, 1.624; p < 0.001). The PSI demonstrated acceptable discrimination for mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.78; 95% CI 0.75, 0.82) which was not improved by adding the NLR (AUC 0.78; 95% CI 0.75, 0.82, p = 0.4476). The PSI’s performance in predicting ICU admission was also acceptable (AUC 0.75; 95% CI 0.74, 0.77) and improved by including the NLR (AUC 0.76, 95% CI 0.74, 0.77, p = 0.008), although with limited clinical significance. The NLR was not superior to the PSI for predicting mortality in hospitalized CAP patients.
How can green suppliers boost customer loyalty? Model proposition for energy markets

Purpose Clean and sustainable energy becomes an alternative to differentiate electricity suppliers, but it is necessary to have a better understanding of their behaviour to achieve green customer loyalty. This paper aims to deploy a behavioural model that helps explain loyalty of customers towards green electricity providers by including a series of antecedents such as trust, satisfaction, perceived environmental impact, propensity to trust and perceived risk. Design/methodology/approach The paper deploys a behavioural model that it is tested through structural equation modelling to a sample of 231 German electricity consumers with green contracts. The data analysis included two steps: first, the development and validation of the scales used to measure the constructs proposed in the model, and second, the model test. Findings Results demonstrate that trust and satisfaction directly influence loyalty, while satisfaction and the other variables included in the model have an indirect relationship with loyalty mediated by trust and satisfaction. As green characteristics of electricity are difficult to evaluate, managers should demonstrate in their communication the environmental effects of their activities while emphasising their capacity to attend to supply requirements for building long-term customer relationships. Originality/value The paper is focused on the understanding of those consumers who have signed a green electricity contract and the antecedents associated to their loyalty. The behavioural model helps identify how managers should apply marketing strategies to foster green consumers loyalty.
The Impact of Cost Accounting on the Adoption of Environmental Management Systems in the Tourism Industry

Environmental issues often receive attention in Malaysia in parallel with the rapid development of the tourism industry which has contributed to environmental pollution. In connection with that, various efforts have been made to prevent and reduce the effects of pollution on the environment, including the Environmental Management System (EMS). By implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS), the effects of unwanted pollution on the environment will be reduced. The purpose of this study is to expand the understanding of how cost accounting factors affect the application of EMS among hotels in Malaysia. The sample of this study is based on a questionnaire collected from 56 4 and 5 star hotels in the Central Region of Malaysia including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. This study uses Semi-Structured Least Squares Equation Modeling and Institutional Theory as supporting theory. The study found that cost savings do affect the use of EMS among hotels in Malaysia. Further analysis shows that different hotel sizes do not affect the adoption of EMS. This study expands knowledge on how cost accounting simultaneously influence the adoption of EMS in a tourism industry in Malaysia. Next, this study also provides new evidence that the size of the hotel does not influence the effect of cost accounting factors on the implementation of EMS.
Selecting and Combining UWB Localization Algorithms: Insights and Recommendations From a Multi-Metric Benchmark

Ultra-wideband (UWB) localization has emerged in GPS-denied environments as a crucial facilitator for diverse industries, including logistics, healthcare applications, and societal domains. Despite notable progress, UWB algorithms from the scientific literature are often evaluated in isolation in very specific conditions and hence difficult to compare. This paper introduces a novel benchmark platform designed to assess the performance of 11 prominent UWB accuracy-enhancing algorithms, both independently and in combination. A key feature of the platform is its incorporation of multiple diverse evaluation metrics, including mean average error, latency, and spatial error. We showcase the significance of adopting alternative metrics such as spatial error, which often, depending on the use case, offers greater relevance than the prevalently used mean average error. Furthermore, we show that “more is better” does not hold true when combining multiple accuracy-improving algorithms for UWB systems: combining multiple accuracy-improving algorithms reveals instances of diminishing returns and can even result in overall performance decline. Additionally, we caution against blind reliance on accuracy outcomes reported in the scientific literature when designing UWB systems for use cases that are different in terms of requirements or environment. Finally, we also provide algorithmic recommendations for distinct surroundings, exemplary applications, and usage contexts, assisting in driving efficient design in future UWB research and adoption.
Effect of physical activity levels on blood lipids, insulin resistance, and adipokines in children with obesity

[Purpose] Our study was performed to observe children with obesity by using accelerometers and identify their differences in blood lipid levels, insulin resistance, and adipokines based on their physical activity levels. [Methods] 197 obese children were classified into three groups based on their physical activity levels over a period of 7 days, using the average counts per minute: Sedentary Time (ST), Light Physical Activity (LPA), and Moderate to Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity (MVPA). Blood lipids, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), were analyzed. Insulin resistance was assessed using the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) formula. Adipokines, including leptin and resistin, were measured. Our results were obtained through one-way analysis of variance was employed, with Scheffe post-hoc analysis. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05 for all analyses. [Results] Results showed that the levels of blood lipids (TG: p<0.001, TC: p<0.01, LDL-C: p<0.001, HDL-C: p< 0.05) and adipokines (Leptin, Resistin: p<0.01) of children who had obesity and maintained moderate to vigorous physical activity were healthier than those who engaged in ST or LPA. Specifically, children with obesity engaging in MVPA demonstrated blood lipid and adipokine levels that were normal or close to normal. However, no significant differences in insulin resistance were observed in all groups. [Conclusion] In summary, encouraging moderate to vigorous physical activity in children with obesity could help improve obesity indicators, such as blood lipids and adipokines.
The effect of zonal wind reversal around sunset on ionospheric interhemispheric asymmetry at March equinox of a solar maximum year 2000

Interhemispheric asymmetry of the topside ionosphere around March equinox of a solar maximum year 2000 was investigated using ROCSAT‐1 total ion density (Ni) measurements. The asymmetry during the local time sector of late afternoon to midnight was analyzed for two longitude sectors with larger geomagnetic declinations (positive at 120°W–180°W and negative at 0–60°W). The asymmetry of equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crests is consistent with (but much weaker than) that of Ni at middle dip latitudes in each longitude sector, and the asymmetry is contrary between two longitude sectors. The zonal wind was confirmed to be the primary reason for the asymmetry; it induces opposite vertical plasma transports between two hemispheres under the effect of geomagnetic declination. For the asymmetry of EIA crests, the effect of vertical plasma transport dominates over that of transequator plasma transport. Zonal wind reversal around sunset results in Ni at middle dip latitudes increases in one hemisphere while quickly decreases in the other one, which induces a quick reversal of asymmetry at about 18:00 LT. Nighttime ion composition at 600 km was found to have similar asymmetries with those of Ni, indicating that wind‐induced vertical plasma transport is important for topside ion composition. Asymmetry intensity is somewhat different between two longitude sectors, and the difference depends on dip latitudes. That, on the one hand, is related to the longitudinal variation of the fountain effect and, on the other hand, implies that neutral winds are possibly longitudinally dependent.
Quantification of Simulation Model Grid Size Impact on Polymer Flooding Application in Heavy Oil Heterogeneous Reservoir

Polymer flooding can be a viable alternative to enhance oil recovery of heavy oil fields. The comparison of water and polymer flooding requires a reliable reservoir numerical model to safely ensure the decision analysis including uncertainties and involving a significant amount of simulation runs. Reservoir engineers usually work-around this problem using fast models to reduce computational time; however, it is important to maintain the reliability of heterogeneous reservoir models. Therefore, the proposed work demonstrates how the grid size impacts on accuracy of results and both the time and computational resources. In addition, it is performed an analysis to establish how the typical physical phenomena related to the polymer flooding impact the applicability of the proposed methodology. A highly heterogeneous heavy oil field is used in our proposed studies. The application is conducted to assist pilot test wells. Initially, the definition of the reference strategy (OTM) is presented. In this case study, the OTM strategy is based on the optimization of location and number of wells. Secondly, the effect of grid size on the process is evaluated through two procedures: (1) DA method: a selection of grid size defined by drainage area of the selected wells; and (2) UP method: upscaling is performed in the simulation model. Then, production parameters resulting from models of both procedures (DA and UP) are compared with OTM results. The definition of which procedure is better to represent the wells of interest is performed. Finally, the impact of three polymer flooding physical phenomena (degradation, adsorption and Non-Newtonian effect) on production results is presented, in order to verify the accuracy of the generated fast models in maintained considering these effects. The DA method present good accuracy for reservoir response compared to the reference OTM results. Differently, UP models are not as accurate as DA models for production results indicators. In conclusion, the application of the methodology allows choosing the DA over the UP technique to support our decision in the investigated recovery methods, showing a reliable and fast procedure. Finally, this procedure shows excellent applicability and robustness when a typical polymer flooding study is carried out: the evaluation of physical phenomena impact on production results based on wells of interest. Introduction The oil industry has experienced a gradual decrease on the discovery of new oil deposits on the last decades (Alvarado and Manrique, 2010) and, the reserves that have been found lately are located in
Lin28 is Required for Single Niche Development in the Drosophila Male Gonad

Abstract A stem cell niche provides an environment that governs stem cell maintenance and division. Thus, the development of a proper niche is of prime importance to stem cell behaviors. Mechanisms of niche development are beginning to be revealed in the Drosophila male gonad. Niche cells are initially dispersed throughout the gonad, then assemble at its apical tip through the anterior migration of posteriorly located niche cells. The molecular mechanisms of this migration and assembly are still poorly understood. Here we show evidence suggesting that Lin28, an RNA-binding protein and regulator of let7 genesis, might be an intrinsic factor for the anterior migration of niche cells. We found that a dispersed, ectopic niche, a phenotype observed with anterior migration defects, occurs in lin28 mutant gonads. This phenotype is rescued by expression of lin28 in the niche cells. These findings suggest that Lin28 might be required for the anterior migration of niche cells.
Late Recurrence of Ovarian Cancer after 18 Years of Disease-Free Survival: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We present a case of recurrent ovarian cancer at the age of 75, gravida 1 para 0, with 18 years of disease-free survival. Chemotherapy brought a 10-month partial response status; to further improve the overall survival, the patient was evaluated using the AGO score (DESKTOP III trial, 2020), which was originally intended for cases immediately after the diagnosis of recurrence; the score has indicated a significant outcome; the patient went through a hepatosplenic metastatic site resection; and complete resection was achieved. Subsequently, the PARP inhibitor was introduced, which has led to 14 months of disease-free survival. Fifteen cases of late recurrence of epithelial ovarian cancer have been reported and are summarized at the end of this paper.
Causal association between genetically predicted circulating immune cell counts and frailty: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background Despite the recognized link between immune responses and frailty, the association between immune cell counts and frailty based on previous observational studies remains disputed, with uncertain causal nexus. This study aimed to elucidate causal association between genetically predicted circulating immune cell counts and frailty. Methods We conducted the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study with independent genetic variants associated with six immune cell subtype counts from genome-wide association studies in 563,946 European individuals. Frailty summary data, assessed via frailty index (FI), was obtained from study comprising 175,226 subjects. Univariate MR, reverse MR and multivariate MR were conducted to comprehensive investigate the association between immune cell counts and FI, with two-step MR analysis for mediation analysis. Results Univariate MR evidence indicated that among six leukocyte subtype counts, only elevated eosinophil count was significantly correlated with higher FI (β = 0.059, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.042–0.078, P=5.63E-11), with no reverse causal relationship identified in reverse MR. In multivariate MR, the causal effect of eosinophil count retained statistical significance (β = 0.063, 95% CI, 0.021–0.104, P = 0.003). Ultimately, the two-step MR analysis demonstrated two mediators in this causal pathway: asthma (β= 0.019, 95% CI, 0.013–0.025, P = 35.84E-10, mediated proportion, 31.732%) and rheumatoid arthritis (β= 0.004, 95% CI, 0.001–0.006, P=1.75E-03, mediated proportion, 6.411%). Conclusions Within immune cell subtypes, MR evidence indicated only genetically predicted circulating eosinophil count had irreversible and independent causal effect on frailty, with asthma and rheumatoid arthritis possibly serving as partial mediators. The finding stressed the need for further exploring physiological functions of eosinophils in order to develop effective strategies against frailty.
In Altum—“Put Out into the Deep”: A Formation Program for Missionary Discipleship for Students at the University of Notre Dame Australia

While there is a significant body of research concerning Catholic faith formation in a variety of educational contexts around the world, relatively little attention has been devoted to the notion of missionary discipleship as a foundation for Catholic formation. Recently, the National Catholic Education Commission, in its document Leading Formation for Mission, also elaborates a solid definition of formation and stated: ‘Formation is imaginative, creative and honours adult learning principles […] It engages the ‘intellect’ and is nurtured by appropriate theological content and it engages the ‘Spirit’ and is characterised by contemplation and action for mission’ (2022). This paper seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of formation for missionary discipleship by presenting an evaluation of the efficacy of In Altum, a student-focussed ministry and leadership program developed at the University of Notre Dame Australia in response to the developing magisterial teaching concerning the notion of ‘missionary discipleship’. In particular, we examine participants’ personal faith development, understanding of missionary discipleship on campus, preparation for future ministry, and understanding of contemporary challenges to discipleship. The study progresses in three parts: First, it provides a brief background to In Altum, including the philosophical and sociological context, as well as the key theological principles underpinning the formation offered within the program. Second, following an overview of the mixed-methodology approach taken in the study, which details both the use of qualitative and quantitative data derived from focus groups and an online survey, the paper presents the results of the study, which sought to investigate the efficacy of the program as it pertained to the following: (a) the building of (personal subjective assessment of) faith in participants; (b) the building of participants’ understanding of, and confidence in, the task of evangelisation as missionary discipleship in a secularised context; (c) building a strengthened sense of community amongst the participants. In the third and final section, the reported strengths and weaknesses of the program are examined. The paper also comments on implications for the program on the culture of the university more broadly, including precepts of the program’s findings that may be applied in light of the Australian Catholic Plenary Council’s findings to enhance the future directions of formation programs in the Catholic University Chaplaincy, with possible application to Catholic secondary schools and parish youth groups.
Exploring the Dynamics of CPO Spot and Futures Prices in Relation to Global Crude Oil Price: Evidence from India using ARDL Model Approach and Granger Causality Tests

This study examines the connection between Crude Palm Oil (CPO) spot and futures prices, and global crude oil prices using ARDL model and Granger causality tests to analyze data collected between January 2011 and April 2022, including CPO spot and futures prices, MCX, and WTI Crude oil futures. The results from the coefficient estimations show that both CPO future price percentage changes and crude oil price have a statistically significant impact on the CPO spot price. The study also reveals a long-term relationship between the dependent and independent variables in the level’s comparison. The study also demonstrates that global crude oil prices can significantly influence the spot and futures prices of CPO. This research provides useful insight for stakeholders in the palm oil industry, policymakers, and investors.
Testing the Aquatic Toxicity of 2D Few-Layer Graphene Inks Using Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): In Vivo and In Vitro Approaches to Support an SSbD Assessment

Graphene-based conductive inks offer attractive possibilities in many printing technology applications. Often, these inks contain a mixture of compounds, such as solvents and stabilizers. For the safe(r) and sustainable use of such materials in products, potentially hazardous components must be identified and considered in the design stage. In this study, the hazards of few-layer graphene (FLG)-based ink formulations were tested in fish using in vitro (RTL-W1 cell line) and in vivo aquatic ecotoxicity tests (OECD TG 203). Five ink formulations were produced using different processing steps, containing varying amounts of solvents and stabilizers, with the end products formulated either in aqueous solutions or in powder form. The FLG ink formulations with the highest contents of the stabilizer sodium deoxycholate showed greater in vitro cytotoxic effects, but they did not provoke mortality in juvenile rainbow trout. However, exposure led to increased activities of the cytochrome P450 1a (Cyp1a) and Cyp3a enzymes in the liver, which play an essential role in the detoxification of xenobiotics, suggesting that any effects will be enhanced by the presence of the stabilizers. These results highlight the importance of an SSbD approach together with the use of appropriate testing tools and strategies. By incorporating additional processing steps to remove identified cytotoxic residual solvents and stabilizers, the hazard profile of the FLG inks improved, demonstrating that, by following the principles of the European Commission’s safe(r) and sustainable by design (SSbD) framework, one can contribute to the safe(r) and sustainable use of functional and advanced 2D materials in products.
Aerosol and cloud microphysics covariability in the northeast Pacific boundary layer estimated with ship‐based and satellite remote sensing observations

Ship measurements collected over the northeast Pacific along transects between the port of Los Angeles (33.7°N, 118.2°W) and Honolulu (21.3°N, 157.8°W) during May to August 2013 were utilized to investigate the covariability between marine low cloud microphysical and aerosol properties. Ship‐based retrievals of cloud optical depth (τ) from a Sun photometer and liquid water path (LWP) from a microwave radiometer were combined to derive cloud droplet number concentration Nd and compute a cloud‐aerosol interaction (ACI) metric defined as ACICCN = ∂ ln(Nd)/∂ ln(CCN), with CCN denoting the cloud condensation nuclei concentration measured at 0.4% (CCN0.4) and 0.3% (CCN0.3) supersaturation. Analysis of CCN0.4, accumulation mode aerosol concentration (Na), and extinction coefficient (σext) indicates that Na and σext can be used as CCN0.4 proxies for estimating ACI. ACICCN derived from 10 min averaged Nd and CCN0.4 and CCN0.3, and CCN0.4 regressions using Na and σext, produce high ACICCN: near 1.0, that is, a fractional change in aerosols is associated with an equivalent fractional change in Nd. ACICCN computed in deep boundary layers was small (ACICCN = 0.60), indicating that surface aerosol measurements inadequately represent the aerosol variability below clouds. Satellite cloud retrievals from MODerate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and GOES‐15 data were compared against ship‐based retrievals and further analyzed to compute a satellite‐based ACICCN. Satellite data correlated well with their ship‐based counterparts with linear correlation coefficients equal to or greater than 0.78. Combined satellite Nd and ship‐based CCN0.4 and Na yielded a maximum ACICCN = 0.88–0.92, a value slightly less than the ship‐based ACICCN, but still consistent with aircraft‐based studies in the eastern Pacific.