Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional connectivity in older adults—the effect of cerebral small vessel disease

Abstract Ageing is associated with functional reorganization that is mainly characterized by declining functional connectivity due to general neurodegeneration and increasing incidence of disease. Functional connectivity has been studied across the lifespan; however, there is a paucity of research within the older groups (≥75 years) where neurodegeneration and disease prevalence are at its highest. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated associations between age and functional connectivity and the influence of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD)—a common age-related morbidity—in 167 community-dwelling older adults aged 75–91 years (mean = 80.3 ± 3.8). Resting-state functional MRI was used to determine functional connectivity within ten standard networks and calculate the whole-brain graph theoretical measures global efficiency and clustering coefficient. CSVD features included white matter hyperintensities, lacunar infarcts, cerebral microbleeds, and atrophy that were assessed in each individual and a composite score was calculated. Both main and interaction effects (age*CSVD features) on functional connectivity were studied. We found stable levels of functional connectivity across the age range. CSVD was not associated with functional connectivity measures. To conclude, our data show that the functional architecture of the brain is relatively unchanged after 75 years of age and not differentially affected by individual levels of vascular pathology.
The Effect of Corporate Governance on Firm Performance:A Field Study on Electronic Sector in Egypt

The main objective of this research is to study the effect of corporate governance on firm’s financial and non-financial performance. In order to achieve this objective, the research collected literature review about previous variables. This research used survey method on the electronic sector in Egypt. They are 107completed questionnaires, Data was analyzed, and hypotheses tested by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS25). The research found that there’s positive correlation but not statistically significant between corporate governance and financial performance, which means that financial performance of listed electronic firms not influenced by corporate governance. In addition, there’s positive strong correlation with statistically significant between corporate governance and non-financial performance.
A novel method to predict slip resistance of winter footwear using a convolutional neural network

Abstract Slips and falls on ice are common causes of injury in the winter and can result in economic loss. Using slip resistant winter footwear is a key factor in reducing the risk of slips and eventually falls. In this study, we develop a model that classifies footwear outsoles based on how slip resistant they are on icy surfaces. Our dataset consisted of outsole images of 89 winter footwear samples that were previously tested and rated with a human-centred protocol called the Maximum Achievable Angle (MAA). We applied a transfer learning technique where the best classification model used the DenseNet169 pre-trained model and obtained an accuracy and F1-score of 0.93 ± 0.01 and 0.73 ± 0.03, respectively. Our results suggest that the proposed model was able to properly identify high and low slip resistance quality tread patterns. Our findings confirmed that a footwear’s tread pattern has a direct impact on its slip resistance. The proposed model will help footwear manufacturers to improve their workflow and increase product quality which can ultimately decrease the events of slips and falls.
How Can the Global Ageing Affect the Global Value System? An Evolutionary Perspective

All demographic forecasts imply that global ageing will continue and even intensify in the coming decades. As some values may change with age, global ageing is likely to cause shifts in global values. Our analysis suggests that a shift towards cooperation is to be expected alongside a shift to conservative values, as these are two main evolutionary adaptations for group stability and increasing chances of offspring survival. These are observed for both males and females. Using the World Values Survey data across various regions and country groups we find that both conservation and cooperation values indeed increase with age even with control for cohort effect. Older respondents tend to be more
Mental health of medical students during corona virus disease-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Context: Human population is afflicted with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic for last more than 1 year. Various measures were taken and restrictions were imposed by countries to break the chain of infection and to control this pandemic. Medical education has conventionally been considered challenging. Adding to it;hassles in teaching and fears and uncertainty about COVID-19 adversely affected the mental health of medical students during this pandemic. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the mental health of undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional online survey was carried out on medical undergraduate students of Western Rajasthan using Google Form. Informed consent (online) was taken before enrolment for study. Materials and Methods: The students were sent the link to respond to the Google Form, which comprised questions seeking demographic details and items from depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21). Statistical Analysis Used: Frequencies and mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress components of the DASS-21 scale were computed for the severity of scale according to the guidelines. The sociodemographic reasons predisposing the students to depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set a priori at P < 0.05. Results: About 32.3% of the participants reported moderate-to-extremely severe depression, 41.5% reported moderate-to-extremely severe anxiety;while 11.6% reported moderate-to-extremely severe stress. Participants in the higher age group, younger batch, and urban residents were more likely to have depression. On the other hand, participants in higher age groups and females were more likely to have anxiety. Stress was found statistically higher in females and younger batch students. Conclusion: Students are facing challenging times and need to adapt to newer ways of distance education. Efficient time management, e-learning skills, following COVID norms, and getting vaccinated timely are the need of the hour for medical students. They should be provided regular psychological counseling and guidance to deal with stressful situations to prevent any untoward incidences.
Solitary waves in forked channel regions

Solitary water waves travelling through a forked channel region are studied via a new nonlinear wave model. This novel (reduced) one-dimensional (1D) model captures the effective features of the reflection and transmission of solitary waves passing through a two-dimensional (2D) branching channel region. Using an appropriate change of coordinates, the 2D wave system is defined in a simpler geometric configuration that allows a straightforward reduction to a 1D graph-like configuration. The Jacobian of the change of coordinates leads to a variable coefficient in the 1D model, which contains information about the angles of the diverting reaches, a feature that is not present in any previous water wave model on networks. Furthermore, this new formulation is more general, in allowing both symmetric and asymmetric branching configurations to be considered. A new compatibility condition is deduced, which is used at the corresponding branching node. The 2D and 1D dynamics are compared, with very good agreement.
Disseminated tuberculosis presenting as a crescentic glomerulonephritis

A 48-year-old male patient presented with dialysis dependent renal failure with biopsy showing crescentic glomerulonephritis and Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT scan) revealing features of pericardial, pulmonary tuberculosis with positive urinary GeneXpert test for tuberculosis bacilli. Clinicians should keep in mind the atypical presentations of tuberculosis while managing rapidly progressive renal failure especially in tropical countries with high prevalence of tuberculosis.
Double mode pulsating stars and opacity changes.

Abstract. The basic physical properties of double mode Cepheids and double mode 6Scuti stars are still highly controversial. Based on results of very recent opacity calculations a detailed consistent, possible solution of the problem of the nature of double mode variable stars has been developed. Extensive studies have been performed to establish the rules governing the morphology of the period ratio diagrams. An ideal reproduction of the period ratio data for both stellar types are obtained assuming an increase of the Cox-Steward opacity by a factor of about 2.5 in the temperature range from 1.5 X 10K to 8.0 X 10K. Consequences for the mass calibration of Petersen diagrams are evaluated.
What makes a good PhD thesis? Norms of science as reflected in written assessments of PhD theses

Abstract This study looks at assessment of PhD theses from two perspectives: criteria in use in assessment reports at a science faculty and norms of science. Fifty assessment reports were analysed inductively, resulting in thirteen categories that examiners consider when assessing a thesis. These categories were compared with norms of science as described in the sociology of science. The study shows a high congruence between the two perspectives, but also new categories worthy of further discussion and research. Relevance of the thesis research and quality by proxy (that publication is an indicator of quality) stand out very clearly in this study compared with earlier assessment research. These two categories are both relatively new categories in assessment research and indicate that the classical norms of science are changing with an increasing influence of post-academic norms in academia.
Modelify: An approach to incrementally build 3D object models for map completion

The capabilities of discovering new knowledge and updating the previously acquired one are crucial for deploying autonomous robots in unknown and changing environments. Spatial and objectness concepts are at the basis of several robotic functionalities and are part of the intuitive understanding of the physical world for us humans. In this paper, we propose a method, which we call Modelify, to incrementally map the environment at the level of objects in a consistent manner. We follow an approach where no prior knowledge of the environment is required. The only assumption we make is that objects in the environment are separated by concave boundaries. The approach works on an RGB-D camera stream, where object-like segments are extracted and stored in an incremental database. Segment description and matching are performed by exploiting 2D and 3D information, allowing to build a graph of all segments. Finally, a matching score guides a Markov clustering algorithm to merge segments, thus completing object representations. Our approach allows creating single (merged) instances of repeating objects, objects that were observed from different viewpoints, and objects that were observed in previous mapping sessions. Thanks to our matching and merging strategies this also works with only partially overlapping segments. We perform evaluations on indoor and outdoor datasets recorded with different RGB-D sensors and show the benefit of using a clustering method to form merge candidates and keypoints detected in both 2D and 3D. Our new method shows better results than previous approaches while being significantly faster. A newly recorded dataset and the source code are released with this publication.
A momentum exchange-based fictitious domain-lattice Boltzmann method for solving fluid-particles interaction problems

In this study, we propose a lattice Boltzmann (LB) method coupled with a momentumexchange approach/fictitious domain (MEA/FD) method for the simulation of particle suspensions. This method combines the good features of the LB and the FD methods by using two unrelated meshes, namely, an Eulerian mesh for the flow domain and a Lagrangian mesh for the solid domain. The rigid body conditions are enforced by the momentum-exchange scheme in which the desired value of velocity is imposed directly in the particle inner domain by introducing a pseudo body force to satisfy the constraint of rigid body motion, which is the key idea of fictitious domain (FD) method. The main advantages of the present method are that the re-meshing procedure is avoided and one does not need to calculate the hydrodynamic force at each time step to update particle motion. Besides, it has been found that the present method preserves the merits of the LB method in simulating fluid flow. The LB-MEA/FD method has been validated by simulating two different cases (sedimentation of a single particle in an enclosure, the DKT process of two circular particles) and the results have been compared with those with other methods. The numerical evidences illustrated the capability and robustness of the present method for simulating particle suspensions.
Energy Use Patterns of Pearl Millet (Pennisetumglaucum (L.)) Production in Haryana, India

Pearl millet (Pennisetumglaucum (L.)) is the fifth most important cereal crop in the world after rice, wheat, maize and sorghum. A resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on 3 March 2021 decided to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Millet has been promoted due to its nutritional value and low irrigation requirement. In this study, pearl millet was selected for energy auditing, and its production amount is a direct function of energy input. The production of pearl millet needs to be augmented to fulfill an increasing demand. Pearl millet is produced using various sources of energy. This study was conducted to examine the energy use pattern of different categories of farmers, such as small, medium and large, for pearl millet production in Hisar district, Haryana, India. The energy was distributed in different operations, including preparatory tillage, sowing, interculture, fertilizer, irrigation, pesticide, harvesting, threshing and transportation. The source-wise energy (direct and indirect) and operation-wise energy consumption were calculated for all categories of farmers. The average energy input of small, medium and large farmers was 2849.09 MJ.ha−1, 3027.21 MJ.ha−1 and 4021.50 MJ.ha−1, respectively. The highest energy was consumed in fertilizer application (52%), with the lowest in seed (2%). The energy ratios of small, medium and large farmers were 3.92, 9.40 and 13.80, respectively. This study could improve the agricultural production systems of pearl millet regarding the energy values of the inputs and outputs.
Convection and Mei-Yu Front

The genesis of Mei-Yu fronts is studied by assuming the fronts are characterized by a line of low-level potential vorticity (PV) anomaly.It is proposed that the frontogenetic process is initiated by the CISK mechanism through the interactions between the PV anomaly and the convection induced by Ek-man layer pumping. The scale contraction produced by the convergence flow of the convection provides the basic frontogenetic forcing. In addition, thecross-frontal horizontal scale of the front contracts at a rate faster than what can be expected from a linear theory, due to the presence of a nonlinear feedback process. The process is due to the fact that the effect of condensation on PV is proportional to the value of absolute vorticity. These processes are illustrated using both a linear analysis and a nonlinear munerical model.
A Green’s function approach to the rapid prediction of thermoacoustic instabilities in combustors

The prediction of thermoacoustic instabilities is fundamental for combustion systems such as domestic burners and industrial gas turbine engines. High-amplitude pressure oscillations cause thermal and mechanical stress to the equipment, leading to premature wear or even critical damage. In this paper we present a new approach to produce nonlinear (i.e. amplitude-dependent) stability maps of a combustion system as a function of various parameters. Our approach is based on the tailored Green’s function of the combustion system, which we calculate analytically. To this end, we assume that the combustor is one-dimensional, and we describe its boundary conditions through reflection coefficients. The heat release is modelled by a generalised $n{\it\tau}$ law. This includes a direct-feedback term in addition to the usual time-lag term; moreover, its parameters (time lag, coupling coefficients) depend on the oscillation amplitude. The model provides new insight into the physical mechanism of the feedback between heat release rate and acoustic perturbations. It predicts the key nonlinear features of the thermoacoustic feedback, such as limit cycles, bistability and hysteresis. It also explains the frequency shift in the acoustic modes.
Evidence for the Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions for Internalized Stigma among Adults with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

In recent years, psychological interventions have been used to alleviate internalized stigma in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but outcomes have been inconsistent. The aim of this review was to examine the existing evidence regarding this matter. Four electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched from inception until 8 September 2022, using appropriate strategies. The eligibility, quality, and strength of evidence of each study were all evaluated against the predetermined standards. Further quantitative analyses were performed using the RevMan software. A total of 27 studies were included in the systematic review. Eighteen studies with extractable data for meta-analysis yielded a statistically significant overall effect (Z = 3.00; p = 0.003; 95% CI: −0.69 [−1.15, −0.24]; n = 1633), although there was considerable heterogeneity (Tau2 = 0.89; Chi2 = 303.62, df = 17; p < 0.00001; I2 = 94%). Subgroup analyses for Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy (NECT) produced a statistically significant and highly homogenous effect (Z = 3.40; p = 0.0007; 95% CI: −0.44 [−0.70, −0.19]; n = 241; Tau2 = 0.00; Chi2 = 0.14, df = 2 (p = 0.93); I2 = 0%). In conclusion, the majority of the psychological interventions are successful in lowering levels of internalized stigma, especially NECT, and interventions that integrate multiple therapies may be more beneficial.
Studying and Analyzing Humane Endpoints in the Fructose-Fed and Streptozotocin-Injected Rat Model of Diabetes

Simple Summary This study assessed a humane endpoint scoring system to detect animal suffering in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into control and induced (fructose-fed and streptozotocin (STZ) administration) groups. Induced animals drank 10% fructose for 14 days, then received STZ (40 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Weekly monitoring of body weight, water, and food consumption, 14 parameters of animal welfare, and blood glucose levels were conducted. Results showed weight loss, polyuria, polyphagia, and polydipsia, as well as lack of grooming, narrowing of the orbital area, curved posture, liquid/pasty diarrhea, and abdominal distension. The most useful parameters to evaluate humane endpoints in this type 2 diabetes rat induction model were dehydration, absence of grooming, the posture of the animals, abdominal visualization and palpation, and fecal appearance. The glycemia was significantly higher in the induced group, validating the animal model of diabetes. The humane endpoints table was suitable for monitoring animal welfare. Abstract This work aimed to define a humane endpoint scoring system able to objectively identify signs of animal suffering in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into control and induced group. The induced animals drink a 10% fructose solution for 14 days. Then, received an administration of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). Animals’ body weight, water and food consumption were recorded weekly. To evaluate animal welfare, a score sheet with 14 parameters was employed. Blood glucose levels were measured at three time points. After seven weeks of initiating the protocol, the rats were euthanized. The induced animals showed weight loss, polyuria, polyphagia, and polydipsia. According to our humane endpoints table, changes in animal welfare became noticeable after the STZ administration. None of the animals hit the critical score limit (four). Data showed that the most effective parameters to assess welfare in this type 2 diabetes rat induction model were dehydration, grooming, posture, abdominal visualization, and stool appearance. The glycemia was significantly higher in the induced group when compared to the controls (p < 0.01). Induced animals’ murinometric and nutritional parameters were significantly lower than the controls (p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that in this rat model of type 2 diabetes with STZ-induced following fructose consumption, our list of humane endpoints is suitable for monitoring the animals’ welfare.
Chinese police and its support for the use of force

Abstract This study examines patterns and determinants of police attitudes toward the use of force in China. Using police use of force scenarios to elicit officers’ opinions about force used by other officers, this study finds that the way officers view police use of force vary significantly by officers’ age, education, and police division to which an officer is assigned. Regression analysis demonstrates that officers’ adherence to traditional police subcultural themes—code of silence and aggressive approach to policing—are prominent predictors of attitudes supportive of the use of force. The positive association between educational attainment and police attitudes toward the use of force is discussed in relation to China’s socio-political environment. Policy implications for police recruitment, training, and management are discussed as well.
Categorizing the sustainability of vegetable production in Chile: a farming typology approach

ABSTRACT Sustainable practices are seen as one of the solutions to redress the negative impact of agriculture's growing intensification. Despite efforts by many governments, the adoption rate of sustainable practices amongst farmers is still low. One of the causes is policymakers’ insufficient knowledge of farming-system diversity. In order to account for such diversity, this paper proposes classifying farming systems, including new elements such as the sustainability level of agricultural practices and market channel traits, in combination with socio-economic and farm characteristics. We apply a farming typology approach, using vegetable production in Chile as our case study. We developed the typology using multivariate analysis techniques including principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering (CA). We collected data using surveys (n = 352) in the central region of Chile. The results reveal five farming-system types: (1) Large dual farming, (2) ecological farming, (3) traditional farming, (4) conventional small-scale farming, and (5) conventional medium-scale farming. The five farming system types provide insights on the different agricultural practices used and their different starting points in terms of their transition towards more sustainable agriculture practices. We also propose possible policies based on these farming-system types that can be useful for policymakers to promote sustainable practices.