Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of hyperlactatemia in infected patients admitted to intensive care units: a multicenter study

Objective: To evaluate the influence of patient characteristics on hyperlactatemia in an infected population admitted to intensive care units and the influence of hyperlactatemia severity on hospital mortality. Methods: A post hoc analysis of hyperlactatemia in the INFAUCI study, a national prospective, observational, multicenter study, was conducted in 14 Portuguese intensive care units. Infected patients admitted to intensive care units with a lactate measurement in the first 12 hours of admission were selected. Sepsis was identified according to the Sepsis-2 definition accepted at the time of data collection. The severity of hyperlactatemia was classified as mild (2 - 3.9mmol/L), moderate (4.0 - 9.9mmol/L) or severe (> 10mmol/L). Results: In a total of 1,640 patients infected on admission, hyperlactatemia occurred in 934 patients (57%), classified as mild, moderate and severe in 57.0%, 34.4% and 8.7% of patients, respectively. The presence of hyperlactatemia and a higher degree of hyperlactatemia were both associated with a higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index and the presence of septic shock. The lactate Receiver Operating Characteristic curve for hospital mortality had an area under the curve of 0.64 (95%CI 0.61 - 0.72), which increased to 0.71 (95%CI 0.68 - 0.74) when combined with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. In-hospital mortality with other covariates adjusted by Simplified Acute Physiology Score II was associated with moderate and severe hyperlactatemia, with odds ratio of 1.95 (95%CI 1.4 - 2.7; p < 0.001) and 4.54 (95%CI 2.4 - 8.5; p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Blood lactate levels correlate independently with in-hospital mortality for moderate and severe degrees of hyperlactatemia.
Observer‐based controller of uncertain Switching Positive Linear Systems: A unilaterally tracking scheme

This paper deals with designing a unilateral tracking controller for the Switching Positive Linear Systems (SPLSs). Positive systems are widespread, and most biological, economic systems, and so on, with nonnegative variables, belong to this class of systems. System states are assumed partially unmeasurable; thus, a reduced‐order positive switching observer is utilized to improve the closed‐loop system response. Also, interval uncertainty is considered to provide a more practical result. In addition, a unilateral tracking controller is developed in this study. The unilateral tracking controller keeps the system and observer states in the same direction as the reference system and system output. Also, the unilateral tracking method avoids overshoot. System stability is presented in synchronous and asynchronous switching conditions. In asynchronous switching mode, controller switches have a time lag behind the system's switching. The switching time lag in asynchronous mode is assumed unknown with a known upper bound for each subsystem. The closed‐loop system's stability is guaranteed by utilizing multiple Lyapunov functions, and the Mode Dependent Average Dwell Time (MDADT) strategy. The designed unilateral tracking controller is developed to track a reference system. Also, sufficient conditions are provided to guarantee the L1‐gain performance of the closed‐loop system. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the proposed scheme's effectiveness compared with the foremost existing solutions.
Assessment of Low-Voltage Motor Ride Through: A Comparison of Solutions for Critical Processes in the Oil and Gas Industry

Voltage sags initiated by utility transmission system faults cause nuisance trips of low-voltage (LV) motors, due to contactors dropping off as a result of the undervoltage condition. Since voltage disturbances by utility systems cannot be prevented, it is essential to mitigate the impact of LV motors trips on critical process systems in the oil and gas industry, such as lubrication and shaft-sealing systems. To address this challenge, there is a tendency in the industry to modify standard LV motor control schemes to hold contactors closed during voltage sags to maintain process continuity. This approach will be evaluated against restarting schemes and sag correction devices in terms of their impact on motor performance and motor controller design. A simulation model was developed using Power Systems CAD to assess motor performance and subsequent current and torque profiles associated with various ride-through solutions. The reliability and safety aspects of modifications associated with different ride-through solutions were evaluated and benchmarked against relevant international standards and industrial practices.
CO2 fertilization is spatially distinct from stomatal conductance reduction in controlling ecosystem water-use efficiency increase

It is well known that global ecosystem water-use efficiency (EWUE) has noticeably increased over the last several decades. However, it remains unclear how individual environmental drivers contribute to EWUE changes, particularly from CO2 fertilization and stomatal suppression effects. Using a satellite-driven water–carbon coupling model—Penman–Monteith–Leuning version 2 (PML-V2), we quantified individual contributions from the observational drivers (atmospheric CO2, climate forcing, leaf area index (LAI), albedo and emissivity) across the globe over 1982–2014. The PML-V2 was well-calibrated and showed a good performance for simulating EWUE (with a determination coefficient (R 2) of 0.56) compared to observational annual EWUE over 1982–2014 derived from global 95 eddy flux sites from the FLUXNET2015 dataset. Our results showed that global EWUE increasing trend (0.04 ± 0.004 gC mm−1 H2O decade−1) was largely contributed by increasing CO2 (51%) and LAI (20%), but counteracted by climate forcing (−26%). Globally, the CO2 fertilization effect on photosynthesis (23%) was similar to the CO2 suppression effect on stomatal conductance (28%). Spatially, the fertilization effect dominated EWUE trend over semi-arid regions while the stomatal suppression effect controlled over tropical forests. These findings improve understanding of how environmental factors affect the long-term change of EWUE, and can help policymakers for water use planning and ecosystem management.
Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Quality Protein Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes

Use of more nutrient-use efficient Quality Protein Maize (QPM) varieties will likely play a pivotal role in maintaining or increasing crop yields and nutritional values in fields where soils are degraded. This study aimed to: (i) assess the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of different QPM inbred lines at various levels of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application; (ii) determine the relationships among NUE indices and yield; and (iii) determine the appropriate rate of fertilizer application for QPM genotypes under conditions of this study. Thirty-two QPM inbred lines were evaluated at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha−1 N fertilizer application in a split-plot randomized complete block design with two replicates at the University of Fort Hare Crop Research farm, South Africa. Results revealed highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) for total nitrogen in biomass (Bio Total N), total nitrogen in grain (G Total N), grain yield, NUE and almost all the indices estimated across N levels. The top three genotypes which showed high-yielding potential at 30 kg N ha−1 include L2 (6.24 t/ha), L3 (6.47 t/ha) and L4 (6.34 t/ha), and were considered the most N-efficient genotypes under low N soils. The highest grain yields (6.74 t/ha) and highest NUtE (Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency) (1.93 kg grain/total N) were obtained at 90 kg N ha−1. Highly significant and positive correlation coefficients were found between NUE and yield (+0.9), NUE and NUtE (+0.9), NUE and HI (Harvest Index) (+0.5), NUtE and yield (+0.99), HI and yield (+0.5) and NUtE and HI (+0.5). Highest nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUpE) was obtained from the lowest fertilizer rate, which was 30 kg N ha−1.
Gestion verte de la chaîne logistique : quelle réalité pour les entreprises familiales ?

RÉSUMÉ L’article s’interroge sur les enjeux de la gestion verte de la chaîne logistique pour les entreprises familiales. L’analyse d’un échantillon d’entreprises françaises cotées de l’indice SBF 120 entre 2002 et 2018 montre que, globalement, le caractère familial des entreprises n’incite pas particulièrement à une gestion verte de la chaîne logistique. Toutefois, les entreprises familiales opérant dans des secteurs « polluants » semblent manifester un intérêt majeur pour une telle gestion, une façon de soigner leur image, constitutive de leur identité et de leur réputation.
Microseismic Imaging Of Hydraulic Fracturing : improved engineering of unconventional shale reservoirs

Microseismic Imaging of Hydraulic Fracturing: Improved Engineering of Unconventional Shale Reservoirs (SEG Distinguished Instructor Series No. 17) covers the use of microseismic data to enhance engineering design of hydraulic fracturing and well completion. The book, which accompanies the 2014 SEG Distinguished Instructor Short Course, describes the design, acquisition, processing, and interpretation of an effective microseismic project. The text includes a tutorial of the basics of hydraulic fracturing, including the geologic and geomechanical factors that control fracture growth. In addition to practical issues associated with collecting and interpreting microseismic data, potential pitfalls and quality-control steps are discussed. Actual case studies are used to demonstrate engineering benefits and improved production through the use of microseismic monitoring. Providing a practical user guide for survey design, quality control, interpretation, and application of microseismic hydraulic fracture monitoring, this book will be of interest to geoscientists and engineers involved in development of unconventional reservoirs.
The Efficacy of Cannabis on Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is known as an autoimmune disease that damages the neurons in the central nervous system. MS is characterized by its most common symptoms of spasticity, muscle spasms, neuropathic pain, tremors, bladder dysfunction, dysarthria, and some intellectual problems, including memory disturbances. Several clinical studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of cannabis on the relief of these symptoms in MS patients. The efficacy of Cannabis sativa (C. Sativa) in the management of MS outcomes such as spasticity, pain, tremors, ataxia, bladder functions, sleep, quality of life, and adverse effects were assessed in this review. Most clinical studies showed the positive effects of cannabinoids with their different routes of administration, such as oromucosal spray and oral form, in reducing most MS symptoms. The oromucosal spray Nabiximols demonstrated an improvement in reducing MS spasticity, pain, and quality of life with a tolerated adverse effect. Oral cannabinoids are significantly effective for treating MS pain and spasticity, while the other symptoms indicate slight improvement and the evidence is quite inconsistent. Oromucosal spray and oral cannabis are mainly used for treating patients with MS and have positive effects on treating the most common symptoms of MS, such as pain and spasticity, whereas the other MS symptoms indicated slight improvement, for which further studies are needed.
Fuel Efficient High-Density Platooning Using Future Conditions Prediction

A promising application of cooperative driving is high-density platooning, which main goal is to reduce fuel consumption by driving with inter-vehicle distances below ten meters. The prediction of factors influencing the platoon capability to drive with such inter-vehicle distances the derived safe inter-vehicle distances, drives the potential fuel saving. Our aim is to study the influence of the prediction, especially the prediction horizon, on the achieved fuel saving as a function of different maneuver parameters. The contributions of this paper are: introducing the concept of maneuver reference to distribute the effort of maneuvering in truck platooning; linking the fuel consumption to a compensation time, that is the time during which the platoon will counterbalance the fuel consumption by benefiting from the reduced air drag; presenting an optimization method for maximizing the fuel saving depending on some predictive quality of service parameters. To model the fuel consumption and the duration of the maneuvers, we use a lasso regressions on data obtained from simulation. We then use these regression models in our optimization framework, which is based on particle swarm optimization. We show that to benefit from high-density platooning, the magnitude order of the prediction horizon required by a five-truck platoon is minimum hundred seconds.
From social networks to mobile social networks : applications in the marketing evolution

Digital marketing has put mobile and social into the center of the vision. Mobile and social interactions have transformed marketing activities and imposed a new paradigm on consumer behaviors based on real-time customer relationship management, peer-to-peer social influence and idea co-creation with consumers. Extensive research has been conducted in both mobile and social media domain, however few research has led a systematic approach by illustrating the marketing evolution and identifying mobile and social features. In this chapter, we fill this research gap through a literature review approach by first presenting the new marketing paradigm created by social networks, and then analyzing the marketing evolution from web-based social networks to mobile social networks. The mobile and social features are identified to guide marketers for application design. Finally, four case studies are presented to show how these features are distributed in applications to lead a better consumer experience. This chapter brings both theoretical and practical implications in this new trends.
Secure and Privacy Preserving Protocol for Traffic Violation Reporting in Vehicular Cloud Environment

Traffic violations such as moving while the traffic lights are red have come from a simple omission to a premeditated act. The traffic control center cannot timely monitor all the cameras installed on the roads to trace and pursue those traffic violators. Modern vehicles are equipped and controlled by several sensors in order to support monitoring and reporting those kind of behaviors which some time end up in severe causalities. However, such applications within the vehicle environment need to provide security guaranties. In this paper, we address the limitation of previous work and present a secure and privacy preserving protocol for traffic violation reporting system in vehicular cloud environment which enables the vehicles to report the traffic violators, thus the roadside clouds collect those information which can be used as evidence to pursue the traffic violators. Particularly, we provide the unlinkability security property within the proposed protocol which also offers lightweight computational overhead compared to previous protocol. We consider the concept of conditional privacy preserving authentication without pairing operations to provide security and privacy for the reporting vehicles.
Toward Safe and Efficient Human–Swarm Collaboration: A Hierarchical Multi-Agent Pickup and Delivery Framework

Multi-agent pickup and delivery (MAPD) is crucial in intelligent storage systems (ISSs), where multiple automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are assigned to various and potentially uncertain dynamic tasks. In this work, we consider a human–swarm hybrid system consisting of human workers and a swarm of AGVs collaborating to accomplish MAPD tasks. A human–swarm hybrid system pickup and delivery ((HS)<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{2}$</tex-math></inline-formula>PD) framework based on the receding-horizon prediction window is proposed, which facilities the development of future ISSs. This (HS)<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{2}$</tex-math></inline-formula>PD framework is essentially a two-layer hierarchical decision procedure, which takes the uncertainties of human behavior and the dynamic changes of tasks into account. The first layer is a two-level programming model handling the problems of mode assignment and task allocation. The second layer calculates each vehicle’s exact path by solving mixed-integer programmings. An integrated high-efficient algorithm for the (HS)<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{2}$</tex-math></inline-formula>PD problem is also proposed. The practicality and validity of the above algorithm are demonstrated via several groups of numerical simulations of (HS)<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{2}$</tex-math></inline-formula>PD tasks.
Effects of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors on Pancreatic β-Cell Mass and Function

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) not only have antihyperglycemic effects and are associated with a low risk of hypoglycemia but also have protective effects in organs, including the heart and kidneys. The pathophysiology of diabetes involves chronic hyperglycemia, which causes excessive demands on pancreatic β-cells, ultimately leading to decreases in β-cell mass and function. Because SGLT2is ameliorate hyperglycemia without acting directly on β-cells, they are thought to prevent β-cell failure by reducing glucose overload in this cell type. Several studies have shown that treatment with an SGLT2i increases β-cell proliferation and/or reduces β-cell apoptosis, resulting in the preservation of β-cell mass in animal models of diabetes. In addition, many clinical trials have shown that that SGLT2is improve β-cell function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In this review, the preclinical and clinical data regarding the effects of SGLT2is on pancreatic β-cell mass and function are summarized and the protective effect of SGLT2is in β-cells is discussed.
Nanomaterials and Research on the Repair of Basketball Sports Ligament Injury

Sports ligament injury refers to muscle or joint injury caused by excessive use of limbs or long-term use of wrong training methods. This is a very common sports disease, and the body’s ability to heal itself is poor. At present, the clinical methods to treat this disease mainly include autologous structure transplantation, allogeneic structure transplantation, and artificial ligament reconstruction. Nanomaterials refer to materials made of them as basic units. Transplantation of homologous and allogeneic structures may cause immune rejection in the human body. Therefore, the use of nanomaterials to reconstruct artificial ligaments is the current research hotspot of sports injury repair. This article mainly studies the repair effect of nanomaterials on basketball sports ligament injuries. In this paper, by implanting nanofiber scaffolds in sports-injured rabbits, observing and comparing the healing, growth, and proliferation of damaged cells after implantation, and the compatibility of nanofibers with cell tissues, so as to determine that nanomaterials have an impact of lion sports injury repair and the interaction between nanomaterials and cells. According to the experimental results, the implantation of nanofiber scaffolds can greatly accelerate cell proliferation and differentiation and promote the healing of sports-damaged tissues; nanofiber scaffolds have good histocompatibility, so the use of nanomaterials can promote the repair of sports ligament injury in basketball sports.
Circulating tumor cells in the early detection of human cancers

Cancer is a severe disease with high morbidity and mortality globally. Thus, early detection is emerging as an important topic in modern oncology. Although the strategies for early detection have developed rapidly in recent decades, they remain challenging due to the subtle symptoms in the initial stage of the primary tumor. Currently, tumor biomarkers, imaging, and specific screening tests are widely used in various cancer types; however, each method has limitations. The harms are even overweight against the benefits in some cases. Therefore, early detection approaches should be improved urgently. Liquid biopsy, for now, is a convenient and non-invasive way compared to the traditional tissue biopsy in screening and early diagnosis. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are vital in liquid biopsy and play a central role in tumor dissemination and metastases. They have promising potential as cancer biomarkers in early detection. This review updates the knowledge of the biology of CTC; it also highlights the CTC enrichment technologies and their applications in the early detection of several human cancers.
Use of CPAP Failure Score to Predict the Risk of Helmet-CPAP Support Failure in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study

(1) Background: the aim of this study was to create a score to predict the incidence of CPAP failure in COVID-19 patients early. (2) Methods: in this retrospective observational study, we included all consecutive adult patients admitted between February and April 2021. The main outcome was the failure of CPAP support (intubation or death). (3) Results: two-hundred and sixty-three COVID-19 patients were managed with CPAP. The population was divided in short-CPAP (CPAP days ≤ 10; 72.6%) and long-CPAP (>10; 27.4%) groups. After balancing the entire population using a stabilized IPTW method, we applied a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify the risk factors for CPAP failure. We used the identified covariates to create a mathematical model, the CPAP Failure Score (CPAP-FS). The multivariable logistic regression analysis identified four variables: SpO2 (OR = 0.86; p-value = 0.001), P/F ratio (OR = 0.99; p-value = 0.008), the Call Score (OR = 1.44; p-value = 0.02), and a pre-existing chronic lung disease (OR = 3.08; p-value = 0.057). The beta-coefficients obtained were used to develop the CPAP-FS, whose diagnostic ability outperformed other relevant COVID-19-related parameters (AUC = 0.87; p-value < 0.0001). We validated the CPAP-FS using a 10-fold internal cross-validation method which confirmed the observed results (AUCs 0.76–0.80; p-values < 0.0001). (4) Conclusions: the CPAP-FS can early identify COVID-19 patients who are at risk of CPAP failure.
Racism, Ageism and Home:

Abstract Despite a sizable literature on home and “place” in later life, few works have specifically focused on the intersection of home, “place,” ageism, and racism. Here, we therefore explore this intersection through a case study of Mr. M. , a 69-year-old African American man living in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. M described a lifetime of experiences with racism and later, ageism, that affected his everyday experiences with home and place. In his earlier life, he described being viewed as less capable by others because of his race. Later, he experienced ageism in his age-segregated public housing complex, where staff exerted control over his day-to-day life and often treated in childlike manner. Although the city provided Mr. M. with some important freedoms (e.g., choice of restaurants, attending a concert), racism and ageism were still present. Overall, the case offers important insight into some of the complexities of home and place and provides some early groundwork for future research.