Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Triglyceride Glucose Index in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients With and Without Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy

Background Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a major complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hyperglycaemia and hypertriglyceridemia are known risk factors in the development of CAN with T2DM. The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is calculated using both the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting triglyceride levels (FTG). There is a paucity of literature revealing a direct relationship between the TyG index and CAN in T2DM patients of the south Indian population. Objective To assess the TyG index levels in T2DM with and without CAN. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed, involving 100 T2DM patients (58 males and 42 females) aged between 30 and 60 years, who attended medicine OPD, Sri Venkateswaraa Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre (SVMCH & RC) during the study period. Age, duration of illness, height, weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and lipid profile values were taken from patients' recent medical records. Ewing autonomic function tests were used to diagnose CAN, which included heart rate response to standing, heart rate response to deep breathing, heart rate response to Valsalva maneuver, blood pressure response to standing and blood pressure response to isometric handgrip. FBG and FTG were measured and the TyG index was calculated from these parameters. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0, Armonk, NY) was used for the statistical analysis and a ‘P’ value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results In our study, out of 100 T2DM patients, 42 patients were diagnosed with CAN. The mean levels of TyG Index, HbA1C, FBG, FTG, BMI and WC were significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2DM patients with CAN when compared to T2DM without CAN. We couldn't find any significant difference (p<0.05) in age, duration of illness, blood pressure and lipid profile parameters between the groups. Conclusion We found that abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia are the risk factors for developing CAN in T2DM patients. Our study results also showed that the TyG index can be used to predict CAN in T2DM patients.
An explicit 2nth reciprocity law.

This paper gives an explicit formula for the 2th norm residue symbol over an arbitrary 2-adic field containing the 2th roots of unity. It is derived from Sen's generalization of the Artin-Hasse-Iwasawa formulas [1], [2], [8], [11] for the pth norm residue symbol to arbitrary p-adic fields containing the pth roots of unity [13]. Complete formulas were developed by Sen in the case where p is an odd prime [14]. We note that a formula for the /? th norm residue symbol over the local cyclotomic field of pth roots of unity, valid for any prime p, was obtained by Coleman [4] who also conjectured its validity for the symbol introduced by Wiles [17] for formal groups; his conjecture was later proved by De Shalit [5]. Other reciprocity laws were also given along different lines, by Safarevic [12], Vostokov [16] and Bruckner [3]. For a description of the mutual relations between these reciprocity laws, one may consult Henniart [10].
Bayesian Inversion by ω-Complete Cone Duality

The process of inverting Markov kernels relates to the important subject of Bayesian modelling and learning. In fact, Bayesian update is exactly kernel inversion. In this paper, we investigate how and when Markov kernels (aka stochastic relations, or probabilistic mappings, or simply kernels) can be inverted. We address the question both directly on the category of measurable spaces, and indirectly by interpreting kernels as Markov operators: For the direct option, we introduce a typed version of the category of Markov kernels and use the so-called 'disintegration of measures'. Here, one has to specialise to measurable spaces borne from a simple class of topological spaces-e.g. Polish spaces (other choices are possible). Our method and result greatly simplify a recent development in Ref. [4]. For the operator option, we use a cone version of the category of Markov operators (kernels seen as predicate transformers). That is to say, our linear operators are not just continuous, but are required to satisfy the stronger condition of being ω-chain-continuous. 1 Prior work shows that one obtains an adjunction in the form of a pair of contravariant and inverse functors between the categories of L 1-and L ∞-cones [3]. Inversion, seen through the operator prism, is just adjunction. 2 No topological assumption is needed. We show that both categories (Markov kernels and ω-chain-continuous Markov operators) are related by a family of contravariant functors T p for 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞. The T p 's are Kleisli extensions of (duals of) conditional expectation functors introduced in Ref. [3]. With this bridge in place, we can prove that both notions of inversion agree when both defined: if f is a kernel, and f † its direct inverse, then T ∞ (f) † = T 1 (f †). 1998 ACM Subject Classification Semantics of programming languages
COVID-19 and the participatory place branding impasse: a study of actor agency

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on participatory place branding processes and, in particular, on multiple actors’ ability to build agency. Design/methodology/approach An in-depth qualitative inquiry of place branding processes in Cardiff (UK) was undertaken during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured (online) interviews with 28 city representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors are analysed using three-stage conceptual coding. Findings Five transitions in the meaning-making and engagement processes at the nexus of participatory place branding are identified: heightening value of the local environment; building and sharing local knowledge; embedding a sense of community into relational networks; innovating engagement channels; and blurring of roles and responsibilities. Combined, these demonstrate a cultivating place (brand) attachment and evolving logics around participation. Research limitations/implications Transitions in actor agency require monitoring over time, drawing on additional studies, wider samples and multidisciplinary frameworks. Practical implications Local knowledge and multi-actor networks are increasingly viewed as valuable assets, providing legitimacy for those in possession of these resources and for the brand. Practitioners, policy makers and community representatives should support innovative ways to involve and learn from local actors, including those not currently active across the place brand web. Originality/value Antecedents to actor agency are investigated, highlighting that during a period of disruption actors gained legitimacy for their participation by emphasising the value attached to localities, building place (brand) attachment and drawing on blurred place branding boundaries.
Siamese Neural Network for Keystroke Dynamics-Based Authentication on Partial Passwords

The paper addresses issues concerning secure authentication in computer systems. We focus on multi-factor authentication methods using two or more independent mechanisms to identify a user. User-specific behavioral biometrics is widely used to increase login security. The usage of behavioral biometrics can support verification without bothering the user with a requirement of an additional interaction. Our research aimed to check whether using information about how partial passwords are typed is possible to strengthen user authentication security. The partial password is a query of a subset of characters from a full password. The use of partial passwords makes it difficult for attackers who can observe password entry to acquire sensitive information. In this paper, we use a Siamese neural network and n-shot classification using past recent logins to verify user identity based on keystroke dynamics obtained from the static text. The experimental results on real data demonstrate that keystroke dynamics authentication can be successfully used for partial password typing patterns. Our method can support the basic authentication process and increase users’ confidence.
Couples' Relationship Satisfaction and Problematic Internet Use - A Dyadic Response Surface Analysis

Maintaining a balance between healthy technology use and happy relationships can be challenging. This explorative study aims to examine the association between problematic internet use and relationship satisfaction in couples using a dyadic approach. In a sample of 155 heterosexual couples, a DRSA was conducted to examine the association of both partners’ relationship satisfaction with their problematic internet use, as well as the association between the (dis)similarity between partners in their relationship satisfactionwith the problematic internet use of each partner. Results showed that a higher personal level of relationship satisfaction was associated with a lower level of problematic internet use, while the (dis)similarity between partners was not associated with the problematic internet use.
Muscle, Biomechanics, and Implications for Neural Control

Understanding neural and biomechanical interactions is fundamental to motor control. Nervous systems arose in the earliest motile animals, allowing them to move purposefully through the environment. For example, some tunicates have a complex nervous system in their juvenile stages that allows them to swim as tadpoles, before affixing to a rock and becoming sessile filter feeders with greatly reduced and simplified nervous systems as adults (Zaniolo et al. 2002; Meinertzhagen et al. 2004). Across species and at multiple scales, the biomechanics of muscular structure, body form, and environmental forces influence how animals move (Vogel 1988). Neural mechanisms must act through the complex biomechanics of the body and the environment to generate motor behaviors (Chiel and Beer 1997; Chiel et al. 2009). Of equal importance, neuromechanical interactions define whether and how neural signals can influence motor function, and can reveal seemingly paradoxical relationships between neural signals and body movements. Because there are no one-to-one relationships between neural signals and biomechanical variables, variations in neuromotor signals must be carefully interpreted with respect to the biomechanical properties of the organism and its environment, which can vary with movement context. As a result, biomechanical properties determine whether neural signals simply excite the natural dynamics of the system, in which case variability has little effect on motor output, or whether neural signals must be precisely controlled to achieve the correct motor function. Our ability to “read” the neural motor code is thus intimately entwined with decoding the physical dynamics of the system receiving the neural signals. In this chapter, we focus on the key principles of biomechanics and motor control that underlie motor behaviors. How do neural and biomechanical systems interact to produce functional sensorimotor behaviors? While muscles and neural circuits need to be studied in isolation to understand many of their properties, recent studies suggest strongly that it is only in a
The Importance of Metabolic and Environmental Factors in the Occurrence of Oxidative Stress during Pregnancy

Metabolic changes in pregnant women begin in the first weeks after conception under the influence of placental hormones that affect the metabolism of all nutrients. An increased concentration of total lipids accompanies pregnancy and an increased accumulation of triglycerides in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) particles. Lipids in small dense LDL particles are more susceptible to oxidative modification than normal-density LDL particles. Unlike LDL high-density lipoproteins (HDL), lipoprotein particles have an atheroprotective role in lipid metabolism. The very growth of the fetus depends on the nutrition of both parents, so obesity is not only in the mother but also in the father. Nutritional programming of the offspring occurs through changes in lipid metabolism and leads to an increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Pregnancy is accompanied by an increased need for oxygen in the mitochondria of the placenta and a tendency to develop oxidative stress. Oxidative stress represents a disturbance in the balance of oxidation–reduction processes in the body that occurs due to the excessive production of free oxygen radicals that cellular homeostatic mechanisms are unable to neutralize. When the balance with the antioxidant system is disturbed, which happens when free oxygen radicals are in high concentrations, serious damage to biological molecules occurs, resulting in a series of pathophysiological and pathological changes, including cell death. Therefore, oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of many complications that can occur during pregnancy. The oxidative status of pregnant women is also influenced by socioeconomic living conditions, lifestyle habits, diet, smoking, and exposure to environmental air pollution. During a healthy pregnancy, the altered lipid profile and oxidative stress create an increased risk for premature birth and pregnancy-related diseases, and a predisposition to adult diseases.
Diversity and Abundance of Amenity Trees in the Premises of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria

Amenity trees are an essential element of most urban communities, contributing significantly to human well-being and improving environmental quality. Good knowledge of the diversity and abundance of trees in our environment and their importance can help promote conservation, which is essential for sustainability. This study aimed at assessing the diversity and abundance of amenity trees on the premises of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan Nigeria. The institute was divided into working and residential areas. The trees in the study area were identified using a walking and windshield survey. A total population of 2626 trees from 126 species and 42 families were identified on the premises of IITA. The highest tree population of 523 trees was recorded in the Tropical Crescent residential area with 321 trees of Lagerstroemia speciosa being the most frequent species. Across working and residential areas, Elaeis guineensis was the most frequent species accounting for 19.92% of the total tree population. A Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H’) of 3.383 and species evenness of 0.43 was obtained from the study area. The high values of diversity indices obtained indicate that IITA premises are rich in diverse tree species both indigenous and exotic hence should be referenced as a good urban landscape. The current management practices can be recommended for other institutions.
Aspects of Particle Physics and Cosmology from String/M Theory

This thesis is focused on various aspects of particle physics and cosmology from String/M theory. Assuming our universe is a solution of string/M theory, physics below the unification scale is an effective 4D supergravity theory with an abundance of moduli and axions. The phenomenology of moduli and axions in an early universe is studied. We particularly study dark radiation constraints on a generic Axiverse scenario and provide various solutions to it. The simplest solution requires the lightest modulus decays only into its own axion superpartner and this severely constrains the moduli Kahler potential and mass matrix. We also study a model building aspect of string/M theory. It has been shown that a discrete symmetry on a manifold with G2 holonomy combined with symmetry breaking Wilson lines provide a solution to the doublet-triplet splitting problem. We extend the idea to a new class of model based on M theory compactified on a G2 manifold which leads to a novel solution where the colour triplets are decoupled. The models also involves an extra vector-like standard model multiplet to restore gauge unification. We will also discuss the phenomenology of the new light states and the induced R-parity violation. We will also study the prospects of searches from a future generation of colliders. We focus in particular on the search at a 100 TeV collider via the W Z channel. The motivation from string/M theory models leads to the assumption that Higgsinos form the lightest supersymmetric particle. We design simple signal regions for the trilepton channel and find that neutralinos-charginos could be discovered(excluded) up to 1.1 (1.8) TeV
Current Therapies in Kidney Transplant Rejection

Despite significant advancements in immunosuppressive therapies, kidney transplant rejection continues to pose a substantial challenge, impacting the long-term survival of grafts. This article provides an overview of the diagnosis, current therapies, and management strategies for acute T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). TCMR is diagnosed through histological examination of kidney biopsy samples, which reveal the infiltration of mononuclear cells into the allograft tissue. Corticosteroids serve as the primary treatment for TCMR, while severe or steroid-resistant cases may require T-cell-depleting agents, like Thymoglobulin. ABMR occurs due to the binding of antibodies to graft endothelial cells. The most common treatment for ABMR is plasmapheresis, although its efficacy is still a subject of debate. Other current therapies, such as intravenous immunoglobulins, anti-CD20 antibodies, complement inhibitors, and proteasome inhibitors, are also utilized to varying degrees, but their efficacy remains questionable. Management decisions for ABMR depend on the timing of the rejection episode and the presence of chronic changes. In managing both TCMR and ABMR, it is crucial to optimize immunosuppression and address adherence. However, further research is needed to explore newer therapeutics and evaluate their efficacy.
The Impact of Visual Information on the Haptic Perception of Stiffness in Virtual Environments

To study the impact of visually presented spatial cues on the human perception of mechanical stiffness in virtual environments, a three degree of freedom, force-reflecting haptic interface, the Planar Grasper, was utilized. In a series of psychophysical experiments on the discrimination of stiffness of two virtual springs, subjects pressed the springs and felt the corresponding displacements and forces through their hands, in addition to seeing the deformation of the springs displayed graphically on a computer monitor. Unknown to the subjects, the relationship between the visually presented deformation of each spring and actual deformation was systematically varied between experimental trials. This relationship ranged from fully registered (visual deformation was equal to the actual deformation of each spring) to completely interchanged (visual deformation of the softer spring was equal to the deformation of the harder spring for that force and vice versa). The results demonstrated a clear visual dominance over the kinesthetic sense of hand position. The subjects essentially ignored all kinesthetic hand position information regarding spring deformation, and based their judgment on the relationship between the visual position information and the indentation force sensed factually. This caused an increasing misperception of stiffness with increasing mismatch between the visual and haptic position information, culminating in totally erroneous judgments when the two were interchanged. These results indicate such haptic illusions can be exploited to overcome some of the limitations of haptic interfaces and to enhance the range of haptic experience.
Wide‐area Stabiliser on Sliding Mode Control for Cross‐area Power Systems with Random Delay and Packet Dropouts

In recent years, with the development of different types of new energy sources, cross‐area power systems (CAPS), whose purpose is to maintain reasonable distribution and power sharing among different areas, have gained great attention. In this paper, aimed at CAPS with random delay and packet dropouts in the process of data transmission, a novel wide‐area stabiliser on sliding mode control (SMC) is designed. Such stabilisers mainly includes two parts: the design of the wide‐area controller and compensation of the communication constraints. First, a new sliding mode switching function is proposed for designing the wide‐area controller. Then, the networked predictive control (NPC) algorithm based on the designed controller is used to compensate the network‐induced delay and packet dropouts in CAPS. Furthermore, the stability of the close‐loop error system is proved. Finally, one three‐area power system is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods. The results verify that the stabiliser designed in this paper is reasonable and effective.
Transition radiation and the anomalous events of ANITA

Transition radiation has been proposed as a possible explanation of the anomalous events detected by the ANITA experiment. These pulses come from the ice surface and do not display the characteristic polarity inversion that the pulses produced by regular cosmic ray showers acquire as they are reflected on the ice surface. A new version of the ZHS Monte Carlo program has been developed to treat coherent transition radiation of showers that go through an interface between air and ice. This program simulates electromagnetic showers that develop through air of constant density and hit an ice surface such as the Antarctic ice sheet, taking into account the magnetic effect of the Earth as included in a recent upgrade of the ZHS code. It can also calculate the induced radio emission at any point in the atmosphere. Simulations of radio pulses with this program are used to address whether the radio pulses produced by showers intercepting the ice surface, including transition radiation, can be observed at the ANITA detector without the characteristic polarity inversion.
K-space model of motion artifacts in synthetic transmit ultrasound imaging

Synthetic transmit aperture (STA) imaging gives the possibility to acquire an image with only few emissions and is appealing for 3D ultrasound imaging. Even though the number of emissions is low, the change in position of the scatterers prohibits the coherent summations of ultrasound echoes and leads to distortions in the image. In order to develop motion compensation and/or velocity estimation algorithms a thorough and intuitive understanding of the nature of motion artifacts is needed. This paper proposes a simple 2D broad band model for STA images, based on the acquisition procedure and the beamformation algorithm. In STA imaging a single element transmits a cylindrical wave. All elements are used in receive, and by applying different delays a low resolution image (LRI) is beamformed. A Fourier relation exists between the aperture function and all points in the beamformed LRI. This relation is used to develop an approximation of the point spread function (PSF) of a LRI. It is shown that the PSF of LRIs obtained by transmitting with different elements can be viewed as rotated versions of each other. Summing several LRIs gives a high resolution image. The model approximates the PSF of a high resolution image as a sum of rotated PSFs of a single LRI. The approximation is validated with a Field II simulation. The model predicts and explains the motion artifacts, and gives an intuitive feeling of what would happen for different velocities.