Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial and spectral filtering strategies for surface phosphor thermometry measurements

Intensity-ratio based phosphor thermometry is a well-established technique to obtain surface temperature measurements, which however suffers from important pixel-to-pixel noise, mainly due to the signal-dependent photon shot noise. In order to enhance signal-to-noise ratio levels, spatial filtering is recognized as a common post-processing routine, with the implication of strongly alleviating the spatial resolution (SR) of measurements. In this study, a dataset of phosphorescence images using Mg4FGeO6:Mn4+ thermographic particles and an ICCD camera is constituted. Various spatial filtering strategies are applied to these images, such as software pixel binning, moving average and Gaussian filters, in order to estimate their relative performances in terms of SR and temperature uncertainty. In addition, a Fourier space low-pass Butterworth filter is benchmarked against these common filters. Results show that the pixel binning strategy provides a limited improvement in the temperature uncertainty when compared to the loss in SR. Conversely, the Gaussian and moving average filters are found to effectively enhance the temperature uncertainty, though the 5th-order Butterworth filter is more selective, by providing an excellent mitigation of high-frequency noise with a minor attenuation of low-frequency information. Eventually, a joint spatial-spectral filtering strategy is investigated, which however does not present significant advantages compared to a sole filtering strategy.
Gravitational lensing

Gravitational lensing has developed into one of the most powerful tools for the analysis of the dark universe. This review summarizes the theory of gravitational lensing, its main current applications and representative results achieved so far. It has two parts. In the first, starting from the equation of geodesic deviation, the equations of thin and extended gravitational lensing are derived. In the second, gravitational lensing by stars and planets, galaxies, galaxy clusters and large-scale structures is discussed and summarized.
Association of Thyroid Hormone Levels with Microvascular Complications in Euthyroid Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Purpose To examine the prevalence of different microvascular complications and investigate the association between thyroid hormones (THs) and these complications in euthyroid patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods A total of 248 T2DM patients were analyzed retrospectively for the study. All patients received a detailed and standard assessment to identify diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), diabetic nephropathy (DN), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to analyze the association between THs and diabetic microvascular complications. Results The study found the prevalence of any microangiopathy to be 72.18% (n = 179). At the same time, the prevalence of DPN was 54.84% (n=136), while that of DN was 31.85% (n=79). Likewise, the prevalence of DR was 35.48% (n=88). The odds ratios (ORs) for free triiodothyronine (FT3) developing any microangiopathy, DPN, DN and DR were 0.200, 0.361, 0.310, and 0.588 (P<0.05), respectively. Also, the ORs for free thyroxine (FT4) developing any microangiopathy, DPN, DN and DR were 0.643, 0.800, 0.702 and 0.726 (P<0.05), respectively. Lastly, the ORs for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) developing DPN was 1.57 (95% CI: 1.148–2.137, P=0.005). Conclusion The study concludes that serum FT3 and FT4 levels are negatively associated with any microangiopathy, DPN, DN and DR in euthyroid patients with T2DM, independent of traditional risk factors. However, the TSH levels are positively associated with DPN. Future larger sample-size studies are needed to confirm the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and microvascular complications in euthyroid patients with T2DM.
Using eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) with autistic individuals: A qualitative interview study with EMDR therapists

Abstract Objectives Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence‐based psychological therapy that targets distress associated with trauma and affective disturbance. Few studies have examined EMDR for autistic individuals who have co‐occurring mental health conditions, but there is preliminary evidence of effectiveness. The current study explored EMDR therapists' experiences of working with autistic individuals, and adaptations incorporated into clinical practice to make this more accessible and effective. Design A qualitative interview design was used. Data were thematically analysed. Method Twenty‐three UK‐based EMDR therapists attended one‐off semi‐structured qualitative interviews. Results Four main themes emerged: (1) the experience of being autistic; (2) factors around accessing EMDR; (3) adapting EMDR; and (4) supervision and support for EMDR therapists. Participants described offering a nuanced and tailored approach; one that retained the integral components of the eight phases of EMDR, while also being flexible and responsive to each client. Conclusions Findings reinforce the importance of offering formulation‐based psychological therapy that flexes in an evidence‐informed way, according to the preferences and needs of autistic individuals. Further research should establish factors influencing accessibility and effectiveness of EMDR for autistic individuals, and the impact of autism‐relevant training on the knowledge, skills and confidence of EMDR therapists and clinical supervisors working with this client group.
Geometry-induced wave-function collapse

When a quantum particle moves in a curved space, a geometric potential can arise. In spite of a long history of extensive theoretical studies, to experimentally observe the geometric potential remains to be a challenge. What are the physically observable consequences of such a geometric potential? Solving the Schrodinger equation on a truncated conic surface, we uncover a class of quantum scattering states that bear a strong resemblance with the quasi-resonant states associated with atomic collapse about a Coulomb impurity, a remarkable quantum phenomenon in which an infinite number of quasi-resonant states emerge. A characteristic defining feature of such collapse states is the infinite oscillations of the local density of states (LDOS) about the zero energy point separating the scattering from the bound states. The emergence of such states in the curved (Riemannian) space requires neither a relativistic quantum mechanism nor any Coulomb impurity: they have zero angular momentum and their origin is purely geometrical - henceforth the term geometry-induced wavefunction collapse. We establish the collapsing nature of these states through a detailed comparative analysis of the behavior of the LDOS for both the zero and finite angular-momentum states as well as the corresponding classical picture. Potential experimental schemes to realize the geometry-induced collapse states are articulated. Not only has our study uncovered an intrinsic connection between the geometric potential and atomic collapse, it also provides a method to experimentally observe and characterize geometric potentials arising from different subfields of physics. For example, in nanoscience and nanotechnology, curved geometry has become increasingly common. Our finding suggests that wavefunction collapse should be an important factor of consideration in designing and developing nanodevices.
Practice towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection Prevention and Its Associated Factors among Undergraduate Students at Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia, 2021: Cross-Sectional Study

Background Hepatitis B virus infection is a major global health burden accounting for 2.7% of all deaths globally. Being part of the health care system, the risk of exposure to hepatitis B viral infection among medical and health science students is found to be high. In Ethiopia, particularly in this study area, very little is known about the practice of students towards hepatitis B virus infection prevention and its associated factors. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the practice towards hepatitis B virus infection prevention and its associated factors among undergraduate students at Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, Ethiopia, 2021. Methods and Materials An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 15 to June 15, 2021, among undergraduate students who had clinical exposure. The 404 sampled participants were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data was entered into EpiData version 4.6. 0 and was exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Association between the dependent and independent variables was computed using the bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model. Odds ratio was calculated. Results were interpreted as significant if P value is <0.05 at 95% CI. Result This study revealed that 277 (69.9%) of the students were in the age group of 20-24 years and 266 (67.2%) were males. Out of 396 participants, about half 199 (50.3%) 95% CI (0.452–553) had a good practice towards hepatitis B virus infection prevention. Only 43.4% of the study participants had been completely vaccinated against hepatitis B virus. Age (20-24 years) (AOR = 2.736), 95% CI (1.130-6.625), and good knowledge (AOR = 1.990), 95% CI (1.207-3.282) were factors significantly associated with the practice towards hepatitis B virus infection prevention. Conclusion and Recommendation. The current study showed that about half of the study participants had good practice towards hepatitis B virus infection prevention but more than half were not completely vaccinated against HBV. Age and knowledge were factors significantly associated. It is recommended to give training for students on hepatitis B virus infection prevention. It is also advisable to screen and vaccinate students before they start their clinical attachments.
Simulation of [delta]-phage DNA in microchannels using dissipative particle dynamics

Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) is a simulation method at mesoscopic scales that bridges the gap between molecular dynamics and continuum hydrodynamics. It can simulate efficiently complex liquids and dense suspensions using only a few thousands of virtual particles and at speed-up factors of more than one hundred thousands compared to Molecular Dynamics. Lowe’s approach provides a powerful alternative to the usual DPD integrating schemes. Here, we demonstrate the details and potential of Lowe’s scheme. We compute viscosity, diffusivity and Schmidt number values and we present comparison of wormlike chain models under shear with experimental and Brownian Dynamics results for λ-phage DNA.
Nonstandard duality concepts in conic and quadratic optimization

This thesis is centred around the topic of duality. It presents the classical duality theories in optimization and identifies their key ingredients as convexity and constraint qualification. The thesis answers questions on what we can salvage from the theories if these conditions fail to hold. First we present a special duality theory for systems of quadratic functions without assuming convexity. The results stem from the S-lemma, a fundamental result in control theory. We show several proofs for this basic results, then investigate the theory behind each of them. New theorems about nonconvex quadratic systems are also proved. Then we look at relaxing the other key factor in duality theories: the constraint qualification or regularity condition. We present a strong duality theory for optimization over symmetric cones without assuming any constraint qualification. We show that the dual problem is defined over a homogeneous cone and we analyze its complexity. Specializing the dual to semidefinite optimization the result improves the best currently known complexity bound. Finally, we show how the classical theory changes if the computations are carried out in finite precision arithmetic. This is an important issue in practice since duality theorems provide the theoretical foundation for stopping criteria and optimality conditions in optimization software. Along with a brief overview of the existing results we present a new set of stopping criteria for convex conic optimization. We prove that the criteria do not change the complexity of the algorithm they are applied with. A long list of open problems and topics for future research conclude the thesis.
Risk Taking Behaviour Among Vehicle User at an Intersection Road

Introduction: Up till today, road accidents have shown increment of cases from year to year. This situation raises concern not only to the respected body that handles this case but also to the public. There are numerous causes that leads to road accident and one of them is the risk-taking behaviour among the road user’s itself. This behaviour might be influenced by the factor such as demographics and personal which falls under the character of the road users. Hence, this study is carried out in order to investigate the relationship between demographics and personal factors to the risk-taking behaviour of vehicle’s users particularly in the National University of Malaysia (UKM). Methods: The method used to gain the data and information is by using a subjective assessment that are distributed among respondents based on frequency of their usage of the intersecting road in UKM. The process of data analysis consists of several method including the T-test, Anova and Regression. Results: The findings of this study shows that all of the item in the section of demographics factor such as gender, age, frequently used vehicle, driving experience, accident involvement and items in personal factors which are influenced form other road user, family guidance, accident involvement, awareness of the traffic law enforcement, confident level after involve in accident, and prevention steps after involved in road accidents does influence the items in the risk-taking behaviour among the vehicle user. Conclusion: The findings from this study have the potential to help the government and certain agencies to identify this risk-taking behaviour among drivers and help reduce the amount of road accident especially inside the area of the National University of Malaysia (UKM).
Strandings of a neonate and a pregnant Sowerby's beaked whale (Mesoplodon bidens (Sowerby, 1804)) in Ireland

Abstract Sowerby's beaked whale is a deep-diving cetacean species specialized to live in the deep waters of the North Atlantic, including offshore Irish waters. Sightings of Sowerby's beaked whales in this area are infrequent and a substantial increase in our knowledge of their presence comes from recent static acoustic monitoring (SAM) and passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). However, most information on this species has been derived from stranding records, which provide opportunistic insights into this elusive species' cryptic life history. Here we report on the live stranding of a 1200 mm long neonate and an adult 5 m female Sowerby's beaked whale in July 2015 and on the stranding of a 4.9 m pregnant female in September 2020 with a 495 mm long male foetus in the south-west of Ireland. These stranding events provide an important insight into the reproductive life history of this species and provide further evidence that Sowerby's beaked whales calve in offshore Irish waters.
Exodus: The Economics of Independent Director Dissent and Exit

We examine the economics of independent directors’ resignation decisions by taking advantage of a natural setting: The revised Securities Law of the People’s Republic of China, which took effect on March 1, 2020 (hereafter New Securities Law or NSL), and the first successful class-action securities lawsuit on November 12, 2021. We argue that by increasing 18-fold the penalties to directors of firms that misreport, NSL reduces by the same factor the maximum probability of getting caught at which director positions remain economically viable. We predict and find that in the short run when director compensation is fixed, NSL leads to more frequent voluntary resignations, particularly in firms that have a higher ex-ante likelihood of financial misreporting, and in firms where director compensation is lower. We also find that independent director dissent that arises primarily as a result of directors’ inability to establish whether their firms’ financial reports are reliable is a significant antecedent to voluntary resignations post NSL. Finally, analyzing the fraction of Chinese publicly traded firms that purchase director and officer liability (D&O) insurance, we find that independent directors are less likely to resign pre NSL but more likely to resign post NSL. This finding suggests that firms with higher misreporting risk self-select pre NSL into such contracts. Given directors’ valuable monitoring role, we expect to observe in the long run both increased independent director compensation and increased D&O insurance coverage. JEL classification: G31; G32; G34; M40.
Increasing Trends in Oceanic Surface Poleward Eddy Heat Flux Observed Over the Past Three Decades

Mesoscale processes make the largest contribution to ocean variability and are significant agents in ocean heat transport. In this investigation, we provide evidence based on satellite observations for an increasing trend in surface transient eddy heat flux (EHF) over the period 1993–2020. The enhanced EHF is particularly prominent in western boundary currents and their extensions at mid‐latitudes, with increases of 20%–40% per decade. Additionally, we decompose the EHF trend into contributions from velocity variance, temperature variance and a coherence parameter using a Cauchy–Schwarz inequality. We find that each contributes to the spatial pattern of the trend in EHF, with the contribution from enhanced temperature variance dominating the global zonal mean EHF trend over the past few decades.
Entropy of piecewise monotone mappings

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Fluid Dynamical Prediction of Changed v1-flow at LHC

Substantial collective flow is observed in collisions between Lead nuclei at LHC as evidenced by the azimuthal correlations in the transverse momentum distributions of the produced particles. Our calculations indicate that the Global v1-flow, which at RHIC peaked at negative rapidities (named as 3rd flow component or anti-flow), now at LHC is going to turn toward forward rapidities (to the same side and direction as the projectile residue). Potentially this can provide a sensitive barometer to estimate the pressure and transport properties of the Quark-Gluon Plasma. Our calculations also take into account the initial state Center of Mass rapidity fluctuations, and demonstrate that these are crucial for v1 simulations. In order to better study the transverse momentum flow dependence we suggest a new "symmetrized" v1S flow component; and we also propose a new method to disentangle Global v1 flow from the contribution generated by the random fluctuations in the initial state. This will enhance the possibilities of studying the collective Global v1 flow both at the STAR Beam Energy Scan program and at LHC.
Breast Cancer and the Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting females worldwide and is also among the top causes of all cancer-related deaths. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is known to have the highest rate of mortality in women. There are several risk factors for both CVD and breast cancer that overlap, such as diet, smoking, and obesity, and also the current breast cancer treatment has a significant detrimental effect on cardiovascular health in general. Patients with exposure to potentially cardiotoxic treatments, including anthracyclines, trastuzumab, and radiation therapy, are more likely to develop CVD than non-cancer controls. Early detection and treatment may reduce the risk of the development of cardiac morbidity and mortality and would increase the number of breast cancer survivors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer, identifies shared risk factors among breast cancer and CVD, and the cardiotoxic effects of therapy. It also reviews possible prevention and treatment of CVD in breast cancer patients and reviews literature about chemoprevention of cardiac disease in the setting of breast cancer treatment.
New applications of the Fourier restriction norm method to wellposedness problems for nonlinear evolution equations

In this thesis we are mainly concerned with local wellposedness (LWP) problems for nonlinear evolution equations, two global results will then be a direct consequence of conservation laws. A standard scheme to prove LWP is the application of the contraction mapping principle to the corresponding integral equation in a suitable Banach function space. In this context the use of a two parameter scale of function spaces closely adapted to the linear equation was introduced by Bourgain. The use of these spaces not only benefits of the above mentioned space time estimates, but also exploits certain structural properties of the nonlinearity, thus improving in many cases the results previously known. The idea was picked up by many authors, further developed and simplyfied, and is meanwhile known as the "Fourier restriction norm method". This thesis is divided into two parts, the first of them being devoted to the description of this method, starting with definitions and elementary properties, continuing with a general local existence theorem, which reduces the wellposedness problem to nonlinear estimates, explaining how to insert the space time estimates into the framework of the method and finally discussing two strategies to tackle the crucial nonlinear estimates. It also contains, in a slightly modified form, some of the Strichartz type estimates for the Schroedinger equation in the periodic case due to Bourgain. We have tried to reach a high degree of selfcontainedness in this exposition. The second part contains the new research results, which we have obtained by the method. Here we are concerned with a certain class of derivative nonlinear Schroedinger equations, with solutions of nonlinear Schroedinger equations in Sobolev spaces of negative index and, finally, with the generalized Korteweg-deVries equation of order three. For a detailed summary we refer to the beginning of part II.