Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of major depression with blood pressure and vascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: The WHO estimates the diabetic population to increase to 366 million by 2030 worldwide, with maximum 79.4 million Indians. Depression is an undiagnosed co-morbidity leading to significant disability, non-compliance and postulated to cause poorer glycemic control leading to early disease complications. We aimed to detect depression and study its correlation with vascular complications among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: In an observational study, 312 randomly selected T2DM patients were evaluated at tertiary care center in Northern India. Socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory data was collected. Montgomery Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS) was used to detect depression. Groups with and without major depression were compared for various diabetes variables. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS version 14.0. Results: One third T2DM patients (32.05%) suffered from major depression. Depression was significantly associated with diabetic patients having cardiac (p 0.01), ophthalmic (p 0.04), nephropathy (p 0.01), cerebrovascular (p 0.001) complications and diabetic foot (p 0.04). However, depression showed no significant association with systolic blood pressure, neuropathic and infectious complications. Conclusions: Identification of depression and its appropriate management may go a long way in delaying diabetic vascular complications by improving treatment adherence and subsequently glycemic control.
Harnessing Useful Rhizosphere Microorganisms for Nematode Control

Nematodes are very diverse and parasitize various plants including vegetables, and their management is of concern. Biological control of nematodes provides an environmentally friendly management option and there are various micro‐soil‐borne organisms which can be considered for this purpose. The primary goal of this chapter is to provide a review on the progress made so far, in application of biological control agents in nematode manage‐ ment in vegetables, cereals, and root and tuber crops. This chapter will be divided into five (5) sections: (1) herbivore‐induced plant volatiles, (2) root exudates and nematode control, (3) inhibitory metabolites in bacteria for nematode management, (4) fungi and symbiotic reprogramming in host cells, and (5) fungi antagonists of nematodes.
Classification of EMG Signal Based on Time Domain and Frequency Domain Features

Electromyography (EMG) is widely used in controlling the signal in manipulating the robot assisted rehabilitation. In order to manipulate a more accurate robot assisted, the feature extraction and selection were equally important. This study evaluated the performance of time domain (TD) and frequency domain (FD) features in discriminating EMG signal. To investigate the features performance, the linear discriminate analysis (LDA) was introduced. The present study showed that the FD features achieved the highest accuracy of 91.34% in LDA. The results were verified by LDA classifier and FD features showed best classification performance in EMG signal classification application.
The Political Economy of Inflation, Labour Market Distortions and Central Bank Independence

Using the citizen-candidate model we study the government's choice of institutions for the labour market and the central bank and derive the implications for inflation and employment. We derive conditions for the existence of equilibria in which the labour market is distorted and the central bank is dependent or independent under a range of conditions affecting central bank dependence, the post-election cycle in inflation and employment and inflation bias. Our results imply that average inflation and inflation variability are lower under an independent central bank whereas employment variability can be lower or higher, consistent with evidence for OECD countries.
Lakes and Forests as Determinants of Downstream Nutrient Concentrations in Small Mountain Watersheds

ABSTRACT Lakes are dynamic processors of nutrients and may hold an active role in modifying the water chemistry of stream systems. In this study, we examine the influence of lakes and an important terrestrial component—forest cover—on the nutrient levels of stream water in 11 Rocky Mountain (Idaho) watersheds. Water samples were collected from the inflow and outflow of lakes with varying amounts of upstream lakes and forested area during spring runoff and summer base flow. During base flow, mean total nitrogen concentrations at the inflow of final lakes were significantly related to relative upstream lake area, increasing from 34 to 103 µg N L−1 as upstream lake cover in the watersheds increased from 0% to 4%. Forest cover was not significantly correlated with total nitrogen concentrations exported from the watersheds. However, similar to other studies, inflow nitrate concentrations were negatively correlated with relative forest cover. At the scale of individual lakes, dissolved organic carbon and dissolved organic nitrogen increased, and nitrate was significantly reduced from inflows to outflows. The results indicate a potentially critical role of mountain lakes in governing nitrogen flux downstream, and suggest the role of lakes as nitrogen sinks or sources may reverse between spring runoff and summer base flow.
A conventional approach to the dark-energy concept

Motivated by results implying that the constituents of dark matter (DM) might be collisional, we consider a cosmological (toy-) model, in which the DM itself possesses some sort of thermodynamic properties. In this case, not only can the matter content of the Universe (the baryonic component, which is tightly gravitationally-bounded to the dark one, also being included) be treated as a classical gravitating fluid of positive pressure, but, together with all its other physical characteristics, the energy of this fluid’s internal motions should be taken into account as a source of the universal gravitational field. In principle, this form of energy can compensate for the extra (dark) energy, needed to compromise spatial flatness, while the post-recombination Universe remains ever-decelerating. What is more interesting, is that, at the same time (i.e., in the context of the collisional-DM approach), the theoretical curve representing the distance modulus as a function of the cosmological redshift, μ(z), fits the Hubble diagram of a multi-used sample of supernova Ia events quite accurately. A cosmological model filled with collisional DM could accommodate the majority of the currently-available observational data (including, also, those from baryon acoustic oscillations), without the need for either any dark energy (DE) or the cosmological constant. However, as we demonstrate, this is not the case for someone who, although living in a Universe filled with self-interacting DM, insists on adopting the traditional, collisionless-DM approach. From the point of view of this observer, the cosmologically-distant light-emitting sources seem to lie farther (i.e., they appear to be dimmer) than expected, while the Universe appears to be either accelerating or decelerating, depending on the value of the cosmological redshift. This picture, which, nowadays, represents the common perception in observational cosmology, acquires a more conventional interpretation within the context of the collisional-DM approach.
Denning habitat and diet of the swift fox in western South Dakota

—Swift fox (Vulpes velox) were investigated in western South Dakota to determine food habits and enning site characteristics. Over a three-year period food habits consisted of mammals (49%), followed by insects 7%), plants (13%), and birds (6%). Dens were located near hilltops within two habitat types, shortgrass and midgrass rairie; each type is characterized by differing plant species. Soil type was not a selective factor for den sites of swift fox. [anagement considerations for enhancing swift fox populations are presented. The swift fo.x {Vulpes velox), a threatened pecies in South Dakota, was reported to be bundant on the Great Plains when settlers rrived (Egoscue 1979). With the increasing sttlementofthe northern High Plains, popuitions of swift fox dechned, and by 1900 the pecies was rare in its northern range (Beck 958, Soper 1964, Egoscue 1979). In South )akota swift fox sightings were not reported etween 1914 and 1966 (Hilhiian and Sharps 978). The dechne of the swift fox population as been attributed to the loss of natural rairie habitat, predator and rodent control rograms, excessive trapping, and hunting igoscue 1979). Since 1975 a small population of swift fox as been present in South Dakota, which proided an opportunity for observation of food abits and habitat characteristics around dening sites (Hillman and Sharps 1978). Other ivestigations on food habits and habitat of enning sites have been reported bv Kilgore L969) in Oklahoma and Cutter (1958a, 1958b) 1 Texas. However, very little information is vailable on swift fox food habits and den site haracteristics within the northern range of its
Minority Response to Ethnic Democracy : Poles in Lithuania after EU Accession

This article focuses on the evolution of Polish minority responses to Lithuanian minority policies in the post-EU-accession period. Stateminority conflicts in Lithuania have not generated violence or minority radicalization, despite continuing discontent among members of the state’s Polish minority (which constitutes Lithuania’s largest ethnic minority population) and the failure of the Lithuanian state to resolve the causes of discontent. Employing Smooha’s concept of ethnic democracy, the article addresses this puzzle through an ethnographic exploration of the views held by members of the Polish minority about the Lithuanian state’s policies of nationbuilding. The findings reveal a diverse set of critical perceptions among Poles in Lithuania, which emphasize the ineffectiveness of state policies in addressing minority needs. However, a shared perception of threat from Russia, generated after the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014, helps to sustain the regime’s stability and its strategy of stalling the resolution of minority concerns.
LINEAR‐QUADRATIC JUMP‐DIFFUSION MODELING

We aim at accommodating the existing affine jump‐diffusion and quadratic models under the same roof, namely the linear‐quadratic jump‐diffusion (LQJD) class. We give a complete characterization of the dynamics of this class by stating explicitly the structural constraints, as well as the admissibility conditions. This allows us to carry out a specification analysis for the three‐factor LQJD models. We compute the standard transform of the state vector relevant to asset pricing up to a system of ordinary differential equations. We show that the LQJD class can be embedded into the affine class using an augmented state vector. This establishes a one‐to‐one equivalence relationship between both classes in terms of transform analysis.
Investigation of Sensors Based on ITO Nanofilms in SPR-Devices

Devices based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) are used to determine the refraction index (RI) of liquids and gases. In these cases, as a sensitive element (SE), they use precious materials. It is also known that RI of an investigated substance (analyte) depends on temperature, which brings in some errors into results of measurements. The existing construction solutions for controlling and adjusting the analyte temperature possess a number of deficiencies, namely: high inertness and consumption power. The aim of this work was to study the possibility of using ITO films (In2O3-SnO) as SE and thin-film heaters in SPR devices to enhance their accuracy. For the first time, excitation of SPR by using the wavelength 650 nm in ITO films has been proved experimentally. It has been also shown that using the heaters based on ITO films reduces the error of measuring the analyte RI by 1.8 times and the consumed power – by 2.3 times as compared with the existing heaters of the resistive type that are used now in SPR devices.
Influence of double solution treatment on hardness in 17-4 pH steel

The investigated material is a corrosion-resistant, Cu precipitation hardened steel 17-4PH, which undergoes a macroscopic contraction, as a result of applying the following heat treatment: double solution treatment at 1028°C for 1 h (condition A), ageing at 540°C for 4 h (condition H1025). The second solution treatment at 1028°C was found to eliminate the retained austenite, being the evidence of a completely finished martensitic transformation. Indeed, the only phase identified in all samples was fcc lath marten site exhibiting a parallel striped structure. Unfortunately, this additional heat -treatment operation leads likewise to significant and irregular grain growth, which consequently causes a drop in material hardness. In addition to the martensitic phase, in the unaged samples, a δ-ferrite phase could be identified by TEM and electron diffraction, which is favorable for ductility and toughness of the material. In all samples, non-coherent fcc-NbC precipitates identified by electron diffraction and EDX mapping having sizes up to 70 nm were found.
Static Trade-off theory or Pecking order theory which one suits best to the financial sector. Evidence from Pakistan.

This research is a contribution towards understanding the financial behavior of leasing sector of Pakistan for the period of 2001-2010. It is an attempt to investigate the key factors that influence the capital structure of leasing sector of Pakistan. Financial Leverage is taken as the dependent variable. Whereas, Size of Firm, Capital intensity; Liquidity, Profitability and Tangibility of assets are taken as independent variables. Empirically it has been found that size of assets has a negative and significant impact on leverage. It has also been found that Liquidity, Tangibility, profitability and capital intensity do not significantly influence Leverage. Hence, it is concluded that leasing sector of Pakistan is following Pecking Order Theory in terms of the Size of Firm, Tangibility, liquidity, profitability and capital intensity. Key words: Leasing, financial sector, Karachi Stock Exchange, Tangibility, Pecking Order Theory, Static Order Theory
Riding the ‘O’ Train: Comparing the Effects of Ostracism and Verbal Dispute on Targets and Sources

In the present study we examined the effects of social ostracism (being excluded and ignored in the presence of others) on those who ostracize (sources) and those who are ostracized (targets). Unlike previous research that compared ostracism to social inclusion, the present study also compared ostracism to verbal dispute (i.e. an argument). A role-play method was used such that participants acted out a five-minute train ride in which two sources ignored or argued with a target sitting between them. In three studies, ostracism was shown to be a unique form of social conflict, with targets of ostracism reporting lower need satisfaction levels than targets of argument, whereas sources of ostracism reported higher need satisfaction levels than did sources of argument.
Contested Knowledge: A Critical Review of the Concept of Differentiation in Teaching and Learning

This paper explores the concept of differentiation in teaching and learning. It argues that theoretical perspectives, policies, frameworks and the implementation of ideas relating to the technique have become conflated, because of the contested nature of the term. This has led to increased inequality in the classroom, which is the opposite result of its intended purpose. The unevenness of differentiation is most apparent in attempts to improve the attainment of individual students and tailoring the curriculum to meet their needs. Even though differentiation appears to be a successful framework on the surface level, with deeper analysis, it is rather difficult to quantify the real benefits, as non-school factors such as the influence of culture, socio-economic background, gender, ability/disability, language and social class have an effect on the outcome of learners’ educational achievement. Consideration of factors such as these on individual students could provide greater insights and help schools build a platform for more inclusive differentiated learning. This paper suggests that, for differentiation to be successful, teachers should make accommodation for learners’ varied levels, needs and backgrounds. Moreover, this paper highlights the need for more research-led strategies aimed at closing the attainment gap among learners, particularly where differentiation fails to challenge existing learning paradigms.
Sandwiched between Patronage and Bureaucracy: The Plight of Citizen Participation in Community-based Housing Organisations in the US

This article examines how directors of community-based housing organisations (CBHOs) in the US define the role of citizen participation in their organisations. In particular, it describes how local political and administrative structures affect the scope of citizen participation in the governance and decision-making processes of CBHOs. This is an important topic since these organisations implement housing and community development programmes in urban neighbourhoods, and citizen participation has been considered important to the legitimacy of these efforts. The analysis is based on in-depth interviews with CBHO executive directors in Buffalo, New York. In particular, the executive directors of CBHOs that concentrate their efforts on the management, development and rehabilitation of affordable housing were interviewed. In addition to data from in-depth interviews, data from fieldnotes, the US census, IRS 990 forms and informal conversations with local government officials and representatives of intermediary organisations were used in the analysis. Existing theories concerning citizen participation and non-profit administration are elaborated upon and applied to CBHOs. The extent to which these organisations create opportunities for grassroots planning is considered and recommendations for expanding citizen participation are proposed.
Transport stress impact on postmortem metabolisms of turkey meat quality

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of preslaughter transport time on meat turkey quality. Three hundred Hybride male turkeys (16 weeks aged) were divided into three groups and were transported in coops on trailer during three different terms: 15 min to 30 min, 1h15 to 1h30 min and 2h to 2h30 min. A total of birds were slaughtered on industrial processing line after 2h recoverytime. The pectoralis major muscle samples were collected for pH (20 min, 3h, 6h, 24 h), color values L*, a* and b*, drip loss, cook loss and shear force. Transport time affected the kinetics of post-mortem pH decline (p<0.0001). A long-term transported turkeys decreased the pH20min and the rate of pH decline (p<0.0001). Nevertheless, the turkeys were transported for 2h to 2h30 min had the lowest pH at 20 min and the highest pH muscle at 24h. However, the color values L*, a* and b* were not affected by transport stress. A long-term transported contributed to decreased drip loss (p<0.05) and high levels to cook loss (p<0.0001). Moreover, there were significant differences in water holding capacity at day 3 post-mortem (p<0.0001). Furthermore, a long term of transport increased significantly the shear force (P < 0.0001). These results suggest that transporting turkeys for long-term before processing may induce pale, soft and exudative meat (PSE).
The Age of Technoscience

Mode-2 research, post-academic science, technoscience, post-normal science, new natural history, entrepreneurial science – all these various labels speak of more or less profound changes in the organization of research. Do these changes amount to an epochal break that transforms scientific knowledge production as a whole? The theories behind each of these designations do not offer straightforward answers to this question. If a new kind of commissioned research enters the scene in the late twentieth century, this might leave most of the sciences unaffected. And if today's research practices defy notions of "pure research" or "basic science" and if they thereby open our eyes to the rich interactions between science, technology, and society, this might lead us to see these rich interactions also in the past. All that has changed, some would argue, is how we appreciate scientific practice, but the business of science is as complex as it has always been. Instead of reviewing various accounts of past and current research practice, I want to make a case for an epochal break between the scientific and the technoscientific enterprise. However, to make a case is different from settling a matter of fact. Rather than decide whether or not scientific knowledge production has changed as a whole, I want to show in what sense it is adequate, illuminating, even important to consider the various diagnosed changes in terms of an epochal break. Doing so is not a neutral exercise but motivated by concern for the scientific enterprise. From the point of view of science and how it understands itself, hardly anything could be as dramatic as the shift to a technoscientific mode of research. From the point of technoscience, in contrast, the whole history of science and engineering research has always been technoscientific. In a final, apparently dialectical twist to my argument, I therefore argue that those who deny the epochal break have happily settled into the age of technoscience, while those who see an era coming to an end are those who care about science and its deep connection to modernity and the enlightenment project.
A new method for estimating aerosol mass flux in the urban surface layer using LAS technology

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosol greatly influences human health and the natural environment, as well as the weather and climate system. Therefore, atmospheric aerosol has attracted significant attention from society. Despite consistent research efforts, there are still uncertainties in understanding its effects due to poor knowledge about aerosol vertical transport caused by the limited measurement capabilities of aerosol mass vertical transport flux. In this paper, a new method for measuring atmospheric aerosol vertical transport flux is developed based on the similarity theory of surface layer, the theory of light propagation in a turbulent atmosphere, and the observations and studies of the atmospheric equivalent refractive index (AERI). The results show that aerosol mass flux can be linked to the real and imaginary parts of the atmospheric equivalent refractive index structure parameter (AERISP) and the ratio of aerosol mass concentration to the imaginary part of the AERI. The real and imaginary parts of the AERISP can be measured based on the light-propagation theory. The ratio of the aerosol mass concentration to the imaginary part of the AERI can be measured based on the measurements of aerosol mass concentration and visibility. The observational results show that aerosol vertical transport flux varies diurnally and is related to the aerosol spatial distribution. The maximum aerosol flux during the experimental period in Hefei City was 0.017 mg m−2 s−1, and the mean value was 0.004 mg m−2 s−1. The new method offers an effective way to study aerosol vertical transport in complex environments.