Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brain age and cognitive functioning in first-episode bipolar disorder

Abstract Background There is significant heterogeneity in cognitive function in patients with bipolar I disorder (BDI); however, there is a dearth of research into biological mechanisms that might underlie cognitive heterogeneity, especially at disease onset. To this end, this study investigated the association between accelerated or delayed age-related brain structural changes and cognition in early-stage BDI. Methods First episode patients with BDI (n = 80) underwent cognitive assessment to yield demographically normed composite global and domain-specific scores in verbal memory, non-verbal memory, working memory, processing speed, attention, and executive functioning. Structural magnetic resonance imaging data were also collected from all participants and subjected to machine learning to compute the brain-predicted age difference (brainPAD), calculated by subtracting chronological age from age predicted by neuroimaging data (positive brainPAD values indicating age-related acceleration in brain structural changes and negative values indicating delay). Patients were divided into tertiles based on brainPAD values, and cognitive performance compared amongst tertiles with ANCOVA. Results Patients in the lowest (delayed) tertile of brainPAD values (brainPAD range −17.9 to −6.5 years) had significantly lower global cognitive scores (p = 0.025) compared to patients in the age-congruent tertile (brainPAD range −5.3 to 2.4 yrs), and significantly lower verbal memory scores (p = 0.001) compared to the age-congruent and accelerated (brainPAD range 2.8 to 16.1 yrs) tertiles. Conclusion These results provide evidence linking cognitive dysfunction in the early stage of BDI to apparent delay in typical age-related brain changes. Further studies are required to assess how age-related brain changes and cognitive functioning evolve over time.
Measurement of Water Quality Parameters for Before and After Maintenance Service in Water Filter System

An adequate supply of safe drinking water is one of major ways to obtain healthy life. Water filter system is one way to improve the water quality. However, to maintain the performance of the system, it need to undergo the maintenance service. This study evaluate the requirement of maintenance service in water filter system. Water quality was measured before and after maintenance service. Parameters measured were pH, turbidity, residual chlorine, nitrate and heavy metals and these parameters were compared with National Drinking Water Quality Standards. Collection of data were involved three housing areas in Johor. The quality of drinking water from water filter system were analysed using pH meter, turbidity meter, DR6000 and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer. pH value was increased from 16.4% for before maintenance services to 30.7% for after maintenance service. Increment of removal percentage for turbidity, residual chlorine and nitrate after maintenance were 21.5, 13.6 and 26.7, respectively. This result shows that maintenance service enhance the performance of the system. However, less significant of maintenance service for enhance the removal of heavy metals which the increment of removal percentage in range 0.3 to 9.8. Only aluminium shows percentage removal for after maintenance with 92.8% lower compared to before maintenance service with 95.5%.
Novel binary PSO algorithm based optimization of transmission expansion planning considering power losses

Transmission expansion planning (TEP) is one of the issue that have to be faced caused by addition of large scale power generation into the existing power system. Optimization need to be conducted to get optimal solution technically and economically. Several mathematic methods have been applied to provide optimal allocation of new transmission line such us genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization and tabu search. This paper proposed novel binary particle swarm optimization (NBPSO) to determine which transmission line should be added to the existing power system. There are two scenerios in this simulation. First, considering transmission power losses and the second is regardless transmission power losses. NBPSO method successfully obtain optimal solution in short computation time. Compare to the first scenario, the number of new line in second scenario which regardless power losses is less but produces high power losses that cause the cost becoming extremely expensive.
Novel germanium technology and devices for high performance mosfets and integrated on-chip optical clocking

For the first time, we have successfully demonstrated the use of a high-K gate dielectrics material ZrO 2 , for CMOS applications on pure germanium substrate. A near room temperature UV ozone oxidation technique has been developed for the formation of ZrO 2 . We have achieved excellent C-V characteristics with hysteresis of 1.5 mV and a capacitance-based equivalent SiO 2 thickness (t ox,eq ) of about 6-10 A. A novel low thermal budget (≤ 400°C) germanium MOS process with high-K gate dielectric and metal gate electrode has been demonstrated. For the first time, self-aligned p-type surface-channel Ge MOSFETs with ZrO 2 gate dielectric and platinu gate electrode are demonstrated in a conventional MOSFET structure with twice the low-field hole mobility than that for Si MOSFETs. The surface passivation makes it possible to fabricate metal-Ge-metal (MSM) integrated optical detectors for optical interconnect applications.
A DNA barcode survey of insect biodiversity in Pakistan

Although Pakistan has rich biodiversity, many groups are poorly known, particularly insects. To address this gap, we employed DNA barcoding to survey its insect diversity. Specimens obtained through diverse collecting methods at 1,858 sites across Pakistan from 2010–2019 were examined for sequence variation in the 658 bp barcode region of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene. Sequences from nearly 49,000 specimens were assigned to 6,590 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs), a proxy for species, and most (88%) also possessed a representative image on the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). By coupling morphological inspections with barcode matches on BOLD, every BIN was assigned to an order (19) and most (99.8%) were placed to a family (362). However, just 40% of the BINs were assigned to a genus (1,375) and 21% to a species (1,364). Five orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera) accounted for 92% of the specimens and BINs. More than half of the BINs (59%) are so far only known from Pakistan, but others have also been reported from Bangladesh (13%), India (12%), and China (8%). Representing the first DNA barcode survey of the insect fauna in any South Asian country, this study provides the foundation for a complete inventory of the insect fauna in Pakistan while also contributing to the global DNA barcode reference library.
University of Huddersfield Repository randomized comparative evaluation of and application to investigate the effectiveness

Objective: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of silver nitrate (95%) for the treatment of verruca pedis comparing professional and self-application treatments. Methods: A single-centre, two-armed randomized evaluation was conducted at a University podiatry clinic. A total of 113 participants (101 analysed) with ver- ruca pedis were included. Participants were randomized to either a clinical group, where silver nitrate was applied by a healthcare professional or a home group, where silver nitrate was self-applied. The main outcome measure was post-treatment pain, controlling for pre-treatment pain, and resolution of the verruca. Secondary outcome measures were participant satisfaction, partial reduction in the verruca and ease of use of the product. Key findings: The study showed no significant difference between home treat- ment and clinically applied treatment for the treatment of verruca pedis in either primary outcome; however, a substantive difference in resolution between groups was recorded, with 34.0% full resolution and 26.4% partial res- olution in the clinical treatment group, and 18.8% full resolution and 37.5% partial resolution in the home treatment group. Participants widely reported general ease of use of the product. All participants reported a reduction in pain as a result of the intervention. Conclusion: Silver nitrate has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for verruca pedis, with equal success rates when compared between home and clinical applications.
Effect of steady-state aerobic exercise intensity and duration on the relationship between reserves of heart rate and oxygen uptake

Background The percentages of heart rate (%HRR) or oxygen uptake (%V̇O2R) reserve are used interchangeably for prescribing aerobic exercise intensity due to their assumed 1:1 relationship, although its validity is debated. This study aimed to assess if %HRR and %V̇O2R show a 1:1 relationship during steady-state exercise (SSE) and if exercise intensity and duration affect their relationship. Methods Eight physically active males (age 22.6 ± 1.2 years) were enrolled. Pre-exercise and maximal HR and V̇O2 were assessed on the first day. In the following 4 days, different SSEs were performed (running) combining the following randomly assigned durations and intensities: 15 min, 45 min, 60% HRR, 80% HRR. Post-exercise maximal HR and V̇O2 were assessed after each SSE. Using pre-exercise and post-exercise maximal values, the average HR and V̇O2 of the last 5 min of each SSE were converted into percentages of the reserves (%RES), which were computed in a 3-way RM-ANOVA (α = 0.05) to assess if they were affected by the prescription parameter (HRR or V̇O2R), exercise intensity (60% or 80% HRR), and duration (15 or 45 min). Results The %RES values were not affected by the prescription parameter (p = 0.056) or its interactions with intensity (p = 0.319) or duration and intensity (p = 0.117), while parameter and duration interaction was significant (p = 0.009). %HRRs and %V̇O2Rs did not differ in the 15-min SSEs (mean difference [MD] = 0.7 percentage points, p = 0.717), whereas %HRR was higher than %V̇O2R in the 45-min SSEs (MD = 6.7 percentage points, p = 0.009). Conclusion SSE duration affects the %HRR-%V̇O2R relationship, with %HRRs higher than %V̇O2Rs in SSEs of longer duration.
Parasites Infection And Histopathological Changes Of Cultured Rabbit Fish (Siganus guttatus)

- Fish disease caused by parasitic infection is an obstacle in aquaculture that often causes mass mortality of fish. This study aims to determine occurrence of parasitic infection and histopathological changes on gills of rabbit fish (Siganus guttatus). This study was conducted in April to June 2021. Fish samples were obtained from a Shrimp Hatchery Installation in South Sulawesi. Number of fish examined were 50 fish from the nursery tank and 10 fish from broodstock tank. Gills, fins, and body surface of the fish were examined and parasites found were identified based on their morphological characteristics. Histological samples were dehydrated in series of alcohol solution, cleared in Xylol, and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Parasites found on fish from all locations were Pseudohaliotrema sp. , Zoothamnium sp. , and Copepods. The prevalence of Pseudohaliotrema sp. at the nursery tank was 14% and the broodstock tank was 100%, while the mean intensity for each location was 1.14 ± 2.08 and 56.4 ± 36.08, respectively. The prevalence of Zoothamnium sp. at the nursery tank was 24%, and the broodstock tank was 2%, whereas the mean intensity of each location was 1.41 ± 2.41 and 1.50 ± 0.70, respectively. The other parasite found, Copepods, occurred in low prevalence and mean intensity in the two locations. The histopathological changes observed were lifting and fusion of gill lamellae, and inflammatory cell infiltration. In conclusion, the high parasitic infection of fish in the aquaculture facilities and their severe pathological effects potentially causes fish mortality without proper treatment.
Abusive Supervision and Workplace Incivility in Public Sector Hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Does Emotional Intelligence matter?

: The key purpose of the very research is to highlight the role and significance of abusive supervision, workplace incivility and emotional intelligence in the health sector of Pakistan. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 302 respondents from health sector in KpK. Stratified sampling with proportionate allocation method of probability sampling technique was used by the scholars. Exploratory factor analysis and structure equation modeling were used to analysis the collected data. Results of the study demonstrate a strong positive link between all the three dimension of abusive supervision (i.e. anger active abuse, passive abuse, and humiliations active) and workplace incivility. The results further suggest that emotional intelligence play a moderating role in the relationship between abusive supervision and workplace incivility, such that with high emotional intelligence the strong effect of abusive supervision weaken on workplace incivility. Practical and theoretical contributions of the study was highlighted with suggestions for future research were given at the end of the paper.
Adolescent Self-Compassion Moderates the Relationship between Perceived Stress and Internalizing Symptoms

Students have often associated high-level assessments with stress, fear and confusion, mainly for two reasons — firstly, the approach to board exams, which leads to pressure to do well academically to ensure admission to higher education. Second, because of the inevitable decision to choose a career path that may determine their destiny. During such stressful times, the ability to look out for one's own interests and to care for oneself is expected to play a significant role in determining one's well-being. Gilbert (2005) suggests that self-pity improves well-being because it helps people to feel cared for, connected, and emotionally empathetic. Compassion involves caring for oneself and empathy when faced with perceived difficulties or failures (KornWeld, 1993); Hanh, 1997; Salzberg, 1997; Bennett-Goleman, 2001; Brach, 2003). Therefore, it would be interesting to find out if students who get high marks in self-pity are actually able to cope better with stress and are higher in job aspirations. This study also looked at examining the differences in self-pity, perceived stress and job aspirations among 12th graders. A sample of 120 students, 60 scientists and 60 humanities, (including 30 men and 30 women from each faculty.), Was taken and the differences between the two groups were analyzed using a t-test. The difference is seen in the light of gender and intellect - science and humanity, in the context of current research. The results of the study suggested that empathy is closely related to perceived stress and is closely related to educational aspirations. The effects and impacts were also discussed in detail.
Tropoelastin: A Novel Marker for Plaque Progression and Instability

Background: Elastolysis and ineffective elastogenesis favor the accumulation of tropoelastin, rather than cross-linked elastin, in atherosclerotic plaques. We developed gadolinium-labeled tropoelastin-specific magnetic resonance contrast agents for tropoelastin imaging in animal models. Methods and Results: Two peptides, VVGSPSAQDEASPLS and YPDHVQYTHY, were selected to target tropoelastin. In vitro binding, relaxivity, and biodistribution experiments enabled characterization of the probes and selecting the best candidate for in vivo magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E–deficient mice and New Zealand white rabbits with stable and rupture-prone plaques using a gadolinium-labeled tropoelastin-specific magnetic resonance contrast agent. In addition, human carotid endarterectomy specimens were imaged ex vivo. The VVGSPSAQDEASPLS-based probe discriminated between tropoelastin and cross-linked elastin (64%±7% versus 1%±2%; P=0.001), had high in vitro relaxivity in solution (r1-free=11.7±0.6 [mmol/L]−1 s−1, r1-bound to tropoelastin=44±1 [mmol/L]−1 s−1), and favorable pharmacokinetics. In vivo mice vascular enhancement (4 weeks=0.13±0.007 mm2, 8 weeks=0.22±0.01 mm2, 12 weeks=0.33±0.01 mm2; P<0.001) and R1 relaxation rate (4 weeks=[0.90±0.01]/s, 8 weeks=[1.40±0.03]/s, 12 weeks=[1.87±0.04]/s; P<0.001) increased with atherosclerosis progression after gadolinium-labeled tropoelastin-specific magnetic resonance contrast agent injection. Conversely, statin-treated (0.13±0.01 mm2; R1=[1.37±0.03]/s) and control (0.10±0.005 mm2; R1=[0.87±0.05]/s) mice showed less enhancement. Rupture-prone rabbit plaques had higher R1 relaxation rate compared with stale plaques (R1=[2.26±0.1]/s versus R1=[1.43±0.02]/s; P=0.001) after administration of the gadolinium-labeled tropoelastin-specific magnetic resonance contrast agent that allowed detection of rupture-prone plaques with high sensitivity (84.4%) and specificity (92.3%). Increased vascular R1 relaxation rate was observed in carotid endarterectomy plaques after soaking (R1pre=[1.1±0.26]/s versus R1post=[3.0±0.1]/s; P=0.01). Ex vivo analyses confirmed the magnetic resonance imaging findings and showed uptake of the contrast agent to be specific for tropoelastin. Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging of tropoelastin provides a novel biomarker for atherosclerotic plaque progression and instability.
Thermodynamic Analysis and Experimental Study of Masked Corrosion Protection of 304 Stainless Steel Processed with Nanosecond Pulsed Laser

A three-dimensional finite element model of nanosecond pulsed laser processing is developed, given the variation of thermal physical parameters with temperature during the laser processing of metallic materials. The effect of process parameters on the temperature field is analyzed by simulating the temperature field of 304 stainless steel processed by nanosecond lasers. Temperature is the most sensitive to repetition frequency. The effects of power, spot diameter, scanning speed, and scan line spacing on temperature decrease successively. The quantitative analysis of the relationship between processing parameters and temperature provides a basis for the corrosion-resistant mask processing parameters on the surface of 304 stainless steel. The applicable laser processing parameters are given according to the results of the orthogonal simulation experiments; the masks and experimental studies on corrosion resistance are carried out. Experimental results show that the corrosion potential of the mask increased by a maximum of 326 mV and the corrosion current decreased by a maximum of 479 nA/cm2 in the passivation electrolyte. Localized electrolysis of the material surface is carried out using the mask provided by the corrosion-resistant surface, and thus the micro-patterns of more complex shapes are processed. This study offers a new path for the micro electrolytic processing mask process.
Do Bulls and Bears Understand Exchange Rate Dynamics? Evidence from Global Scenario

: The motivation of the present study to investigate and understand the correlation of adjusted closing prices of forex and index (EUR/INR, GDP/INR, Nifty50, CNXIT) which is traded at National Stock Exchange, India. The empirical analysis of three years of data with the help of E-views software. After investigation, it can conclude there is a steady correlation ship among the group. CNXIT having a more robust relationship with Forex as compare to Nifty50. It shows a short-run equilibrium relationship variable but, long-run equilibrium among variables, but shows a very strong co-relation among all the research variable (EUR/INR, GDP/INR, Nifty50, CNXIT. Due to above support it determine the unidirectional price detection dynamics. The co-integration test allows high degree of relationships among variables.
Trading with National Currency: Is the Turkish Lira Stable?

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Abstract The purpose of this paper is to study the stability of using national currencies for trading between Turkey and its partners in order to mitigate the risks of exchange rate volatility. We have employed wavelet coherence technique to data extracted for the Turkish lira against the currencies of its major trade partners: Germany, Russia, China, Italy, and UK. The time series cover the period from March 1996 to October 2019. Our findings show that the Turkish lira exchange rate with the German, Russian, Italian, and UK currency pairs is stable in the long-term. The exchange rate between the Turkish lira and the Chinese yuan needs further studying before a decision can be taken. The findings have important implications for policymakers and traders.
A Structural Equation Model of Individual Greenhouse Gas Emission Behaviours for Khon Kaen: A Low Carbon City

: This study investigates a structural equation model (SEM) of factors that influence individual greenhouse gas emission behaviours in the context of Khon Kaen city, northeast Thailand. The study discusses behavioural changes that are central to reducing greenhouse gas emission in a city. The study employs an exploratory, sequential mixed-method design. This qualitative study indicates that individual greenhouse gas emission behaviours consisted of seven conditions: Characteristics; knowledge; social support; motivation; attitudes; role models; and information. The model in the second phase fits with the empirical data, with p-value = 0.21758, Chi-Square/df = 1.134, GFI = 0.98, AGFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.019, and R 2 = 0.88. It is found that social support, motivation, attitudes, and role models played a more important role for individual greenhouse gas emission behaviours with an effect size of 0.42, 0.34, 0.29, and 0.12, respectively. Meanwhile, characteristics, knowledge, and information did not affect individual greenhouse gas emission behaviours. The authors strongly suggest that environment preservation policies, especially behavioural changes to reduce greenhouse gas emission which place importance on people's knowledge amelioration and information publicity should be improved by focusing on developing social structures, strengthening motivations, enhancing people's attitudes, and increasing the number of role models.
Energy conservation for server systems

To date, energy consumption has only been a concern for mobile and embedded devices due to battery lifetime and heat dissipation concerns. In this thesis we make the case for energy conservation for server systems. We describe in details the current mechanisms for power management and the state-of-the-art policies for energy conservation for the main components of servers. We propose three novel energy conservation techniques for servers, namely Load Concentration, for entire servers; Popular Data Concentration, for disk arrays; and Diverted Accesses for distributed file servers. Our experiments, physical measurements, simulations, and models show that our techniques can greatly enhance the opportunities for power management and consequently accrue significant energy savings.