Neural Signaling and Communication

To understand the complex nature of the human brain, network science approaches have played an important role. Neural signaling and communication form the basis for studying the dynamics of brain activity and functions. The neuroscientific community is interested in the network architecture of the human brain its simulation and for prediction of emergent network states. In this chapter we focus on how neurosignaling and communication is playing its part in medical psychology, furthermore, we have also reviewed how the interaction of network topology and dynamic models of a brain network

Workflow framework for cloud-based distributed simulation

This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University LondonAlthough distributed simulation (DS) using parallel computing has received considerable research and development in a number of compute-intensive fields, it has still to be significantly adopted by the wider simulation community. According to scientific literature, major reasons for low adoption of cloud-based services for DS execution are the perceived complexities of understanding and managing the underlying architecture and software for deploying DS models, as well as the remaining challenges in performance and interoperability of cloud-based DS. The focus of this study, therefore, has been to design and test the feasibility of a well-integrated, generic, workflow structured framework that is universal in character and transparent in implementation. The choice of a workflow framework for implementing cloud-based DS was influenced by the ability of scientific workflow management systems to define, execute, and actively manage computing workflows. As a result of this study, a hybrid workflow framework, combined with four cloud-based implementation services, has been used to develop an integrated potential standard for workflow implementation of cloud-based DS, which has been named the WORLDS framework (Workflow Framework for Cloud-based Distributed Simulation). The main contribution of this research study is the WORLDS framework itself, which identifies five services (including a Parametric Study Service) that can potentially be provided through the use of workflow technologies to deliver effective cloud-based distributed simulation that is transparently provisioned for the user. This takes DS a significant step closer to its provision as a viable cloud-based service (DSaaS). In addition, the study introduces a simple workflow solution to applying parametric studies to distributed simulations. Further research to confirm the generic nature of the workflow framework, to apply and test modified HLA standards, and to introduce a simulation analytics function by modifying the workflow is anticipated

Predictors of sleep paralysis and relationship of sleep paralysis with sleep quality in university students of Islamabad

Objective: To determine the frequency of sleep paralysis among university students, and to determine the association between sleep paralysis and sleep quality along with different predictive factors leading to sleep paralysis. Method: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Pakistan, from June to October, 2019, and comprised adult students of either gender who had experienced at least one episode of sleep paralysis in the past. Demographic variables were obtained using Google Form, while experiences of sleep paralysis were assessed using the Waterloo Unusual Sleep Experience Questionnaire, and sleep quality was assessed with the Sleep Condition Indicator. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Results: Initially, 440 students were assessed/ Of them, 233(53%) were males, 207(47%) were females, 208(47.3%) were aged 20-23 years, and 129(29.3%) were studying in the third year of their university programme. Of the total, 130(29.5%) subjects had experienced sleep paralysis at least once in their lifetime. The most frequent sensation experienced was feeling of floating 22(16.9%). Mean age at the time of the first experience was 9.7±3.1 years, and 66(50.8%) had experienced the episodes while lying on their back, while 32(24.6%) had positive family history of sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis had significant relationship with sleep quality (p<0.001). Conclusion: About one-third of the sample had experienced sleep paralysis once in their lifetime. The relationship between sleep paralysis and insomnia was significant. Key Words: Insomnia, Sleep paralysis. Continuous..

An efficient approach to study multi-polar fuzzy ideals of semirings

Abstract The multi polar fuzzy (m-PF) set has an extensive range of implementations in real world problems related to the multi-polar information, multi-index and multi-attributes data. This paper introduces innovative extensions to algebraic structures. We present the definitions and some important results of m-polar fuzzy subsemirings (m-PFSSs), m-polar fuzzy ideals (m-PFIs), m-polar fuzzy generalized bi-ideals (m-PFGBIs), m-polar fuzzy bi-ideals (m-PFBIs) and m-polar fuzzy quasi-ideals (m-PFQIs) in semirings. The main contributions of the paper include the derivation and proof of key theorems that shed light on the algebraic interplay and computational aspects of m-polar fuzzy ideals (m-PFIs), m-polar fuzzy generalized bi-ideals (m-PFGBIs), m-polar fuzzy bi-ideals (m-PFBIs) and m-polar fuzzy quasi-ideals (m-PFQIs) in semirings along with examples. Moreover, this paper deals with several important properties of m-PFIs and characterizes regular and intra-regular semirings by the properties of these ideals

Efficacy, durability, and safety of intravitreal faricimab up to every 16 weeks for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (TENAYA and LUCERNE): two randomised, double-masked, phase 3, non-inferiority trials

Background: Faricimab is a bispecific antibody that acts through dual inhibition of both angiopoietin-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor A. We report primary results of two phase 3 trials evaluating intravitreal faricimab with extension up to every 16 weeks for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods: TENAYA and LUCERNE were randomised, double-masked, non-inferiority trials across 271 sites worldwide. Treatment-naive patients with nAMD aged 50 years or older were randomly assigned (1:1) to intravitreal faricimab 6·0 mg up to every 16 weeks, based on protocol-defined disease activity assessments at weeks 20 and 24, or aflibercept 2·0 mg every 8 weeks. Randomisation was performed through an interactive voice or web-based response system using a stratified permuted block randomisation method. Patients, investigators, those assessing outcomes, and the funder were masked to group assignments. The primary endpoint was mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline averaged over weeks 40, 44, and 48 (prespecified non-inferiority margin of four letters), in the intention-to-treat population. Safety analyses included patients who received at least one dose of study treatment. These trials are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (TENAYA NCT03823287 and LUCERNE NCT03823300). Findings: Across the two trials, 1329 patients were randomly assigned between Feb 19 and Nov 19, 2019 (TENAYA n=334 faricimab and n=337 aflibercept), and between March 11 and Nov 1, 2019 (LUCERNE n=331 faricimab and n=327 aflibercept). BCVA change from baseline with faricimab was non-inferior to aflibercept in both TENAYA (adjusted mean change 5·8 letters [95% CI 4·6 to 7·1] and 5·1 letters [3·9 to 6·4]; treatment difference 0·7 letters [-1·1 to 2·5]) and LUCERNE (6·6 letters [5·3 to 7·8] and 6·6 letters [5·3 to 7·8]; treatment difference 0·0 letters [-1·7 to 1·8]). Rates of ocular adverse events were comparable between faricimab and aflibercept (TENAYA n=121 [36·3%] vs n=128 [38·1%], and LUCERNE n=133 [40·2%] vs n=118 [36·2%]). Interpretation: Visual benefits with faricimab given at up to 16-week intervals demonstrates its potential to meaningfully extend the time between treatments with sustained efficacy, thereby reducing treatment burden in patients with nAMD