Glucose-Insulin Dynamical Model for Type 2 Diabetic Patients

In this paper, a literature review is made for the current models of glucose-insulin dynamics of type 2 diabetes patients. Afterwards, a model is proposed by combining and modifying some of the available models in literature to take into account the effect of multiple glucose meals, multiple metformin doses, insulin injections, physical exercise, and stress on the glucose-insulin dynamics of T2D patients. The model is proposed as a candidate to be validated with real patients data in the future

An Online Stochastic Optimization Approach for Insulin Intensification in Type 2 Diabetes with Attention to Pseudo-Hypoglycemia

In this paper, we present a model free approach to calculate long-acting insulin doses for Type 2 Diabetic (T2D) subjects in order to bring their blood glucose (BG) concentration to be within a safe range. The proposed strategy tunes the parameters of a proposed control law by using a zeroth-order online stochastic optimization approach for a defined cost function. The strategy uses gradient estimates obtained by a Recursive Least Square (RLS) scheme in an adaptive moment estimation based approach named AdaBelief. Additionally, we show how the proposed strategy with a feedback rating measurement can accommodate for a phenomena known as relative hypoglycemia or pseudo-hypoglycemia (PHG) in which subjects experience hypoglycemia symptoms depending on how quick their BG concentration is lowered. The performance of the insulin calculation strategy is demonstrated and compared with current insulin calculation strategies using simulations with three different models.Comment: Preprint for a paper accepted and presented at CD

Figurations of displacement in and beyond Jordan: empirical findings and reflections on protracted displacement and translocal connections of Syrian refugees

This working paper is based on the empirical research on translocal figurations of displacement of Syrians in Jordan. It contains methodological discussions, central findings and reflections on these findings. Drawing on the conceptual framework of the TRAFIG project, this paper explores the central research question of TRAFIG, namely "how are protractedness, dependency, and vulnerability related to the factors of local and translocal connectivity and mobility, and in turn, how can connectivity and mobility be utilized to enhance the self-reliance and strengthen the resilience of displaced people?" The paper presents findings from Jordan, where Syrian refugees have sought refuge in host communities. Syrian refugees' stay in Jordan has become increasingly protracted, with the durable solutions of return in safety and dignity, local integration and resettlement remaining out of reach for most. In this paper, we argue that Syrians are de facto integrated in Jordanian host communities due to shared language, religion and socio-cultural ties as a pragmatic strategy for dealing with uncertainty and protracted displacement. We found that family- and kin networks have proven vital in facilitating and protecting mobility out of Syria and within Jordan, even as these networks are strained due to physical and geographic distance, reliant upon aid and financial support and socio-economic stress in the local labour market. We see that Syrians experience uncertain futures in which their mobility aspirations are unrealised, economic prospects are reliant upon and highly competitive with others, and connectivity with the host community is strained and can be improved

The burden of mental disorders, substance use disorders and self-harm among young people in Europe, 1990–2019: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Mental health is a public health issue for European young people, with great heterogeneity in resource allocation. Representative population-based studies are needed. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 provides internationally comparable information on trends in the health status of populations and changes in the leading causes of disease burden over time. Methods Prevalence, incidence, Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) and Years of Life Lost (YLLs) from mental disorders (MDs), substance use disorders (SUDs) and self-harm were estimated for young people aged 10-24 years in 31 European countries. Rates per 100,000 population, percentage changes in 1990-2019, 95% Uncertainty Intervals (UIs), and correlations with Sociodemographic Index (SDI), were estimated. Findings In 2019, rates per 100,000 population were 16,983 (95% UI 12,823 – 21,630) for MDs, 3,891 (3,020 - 4,905) for SUDs, and 89·1 (63·8 - 123·1) for self-harm. In terms of disability, anxiety contributed to 647·3 (432–912·3) YLDs, while in terms of premature death, self-harm contributed to 319·6 (248·9–412·8) YLLs, per 100,000 population. Over the 30 years studied, YLDs increased in eating disorders (14·9%;9·4-20·1) and drug use disorders (16·9%;8·9-26·3), and decreased in idiopathic developmental intellectual disability (–29·1%;23·8-38·5). YLLs decreased in self-harm (–27·9%;38·3-18·7). Variations were found by sex, age-group and country. The burden of SUDs and self-harm was higher in countries with lower SDI, MDs were associated with SUDs. Interpretation Mental health conditions represent an important burden among young people living in Europe. National policies should strengthen mental health, with a specific focus on young people