Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Explicit Constrained Min-Max Model Predictive Control of a Discrete-Time Linear System With Uncertain Disturbances

In this technical brief, we develop an algorithm to determine the explicit solution of the constrained min-max model predictive control problem. For a discrete-time linear system with bounded additive uncertain disturbance, the control law is determined to be piecewise affine from a quadratic cost function and the state space is partitioned into corresponding polyhedral cones. By moving the on-line implementation to an off-line explicit evaluation, the computational burden is decreased and the applicability of min-max optimization is broadened. The results of this approach are shown via computer simulations.
The economic growth impact of tourism in Small Island Developing States—evidence from the Caribbean

Tourism’s contribution to economic output in the Caribbean exceeds that in other regions of the world. We use panel data over the period of three decades, focusing exclusively on Caribbean islands, to study the causal link between tourism and economic growth. The results show that tourism has a positive and statistically significant effect on real Gross Domestic Product growth. A 10% increase in tourism spending is found to increase economic growth from 0.3% to 1%, a finding that is consistent with similar studies. A simple back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests that the overall tourism multiplier is around 0.25 which is smaller than estimates from previous studies. These results have important implications for researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers.
Cultural entrepreneurship in U.S. cities

ABSTRACT The cultural economy and entrepreneurship have been recognized as driving forces for urban and regional economic development. However, the overlap between the two—that is, cultural entrepreneurship—has rarely been studied from a regional perspective. This research focuses on cultural entrepreneurship in U.S. metropolitan areas. We examine the spatial patterns of entrepreneurial activities in cultural industries and identify hot and cold spots across the United States. We also run a multivariate analysis to explore regional factors associated with cultural entrepreneurship. Regression results show both similarities and differences between cultural entrepreneurship and general or high-tech startup activities. Policy implications for culture-based urban development strategies are discussed.
Growth of a single-wall carbon nanotube film and its patterning as an n-type field effect transistor device using an integrated circuit compatible process

This study presents the synthesis of a dense single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) network on a silicon substrate using alcohol as the source gas. The nanosize catalysts required are made by the reduction of metal compounds in ethanol. The key point in spreading the nanoparticles on the substrate, so that the SWNT network can be grown over the entire wafer, is making the substrate surface hydrophilic. This SWNT network is so dense that it can be treated like a thin film. Methods of patterning this SWNT film with integrated circuit compatible processes are presented and discussed for the first time in the literature. Finally, fabrication and characteristic measurements of a field effect transistor (FET) using this SWNT film are also demonstrated. This FET is shown to have better electronic properties than any other kind of thin film transistor. This thin film with good electronic properties can be readily applied in the processing of many other SWNT electronic devices.
The presence of a membrane-bound progesterone receptor sensitizes the estradiol-induced effect on the proliferation of human breast cancer cells

Objective:Breast cancer risk is still an important topic regarding hormone therapy as well as oral contraception. Evidence that progestogens may play a crucial role is accumulating. Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) expressed in breast cancer may be important in tumorigenesis and thus may increase breast cancer risk. The aim of this project was to investigate the influence of different estradiol (E2) concentrations and the addition of two progestogens on MCF-7 breast cancer cells overexpressing PGRMC1. Methods:MCF-7 cells were stably transfected with PGRMC1 expression plasmid (MCF-7/PGRMC1-3HA [WT-12]). To test the effects of E2 and progestogens on cell proliferation, MCF-7 and WT-12 cells were stimulated with different concentrations of E2 (10−10 and 10−12 M) alone and in combination with progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate (each 10−6 M). Results:E2 elicited a concentration-dependent proliferative effect on both cell lines, which was much more pronounced in WT-12 cells (50% vs 200%). This effect could be completely abrogated by the addition of the E2 antagonist fulvestrant. Addition of progesterone had no influence on the E2-induced effect, whereas medroxy-progesterone acetate enhanced the E2-induced effect at a low E2 concentration, which was, again, more pronounced in the WT-12 cells. The figures were between 20% and 40% in MCF-7 and between 60% and 250% in WT-12 cells. Conclusions:Overexpression of PGRMC1 sensitizes the proliferative response of the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line to estradiol. The effect of progestogens on breast cancer tumorigenesis may depend on the specific progestogen used for hormone therapy or oral contraception.
Hierarchies of Need in Sustainable Development: A Resource Dependence Approach for Local Governance

Urban sustainability is a burgeoning focus for urban scholarship but rarely examined within the larger context of local government economic activities. Why should cities focusing on cutback management and competition for tax revenues be expected to devote all but the fleetest of attention to carbon footprints or metropolitan-wide environmental or social problems? To address this question, we utilize a resource dependence (RD) theoretical framework to conceptualize sustainable development as a pattern of contractual arrangements between governments and firms shaped by resource constraints. Utilizing survey data of U.S. cities and a Bayesian methodological approach, we present evidence that municipal job-recruitment efforts reduce the probability of observing an overall sustainability policy commitment. Cities which placed greater emphasis on retaining and developing existing businesses are also more committed to sustainability.
Obesity in Offspring of Diabetic Pima Indian Women Despite Normal Birth Weight

The relationships of birth weight and maternal diabetes to the development of obesity were examined at 5–19 yr of age in the offspring of Pima Indian women. At each age, offspring of diabetic women, even those who were of normal birth weight, had a higher mean weight relative to height than offspring of nondiabetic and prediabetic women. Birth weight was predictive of relative weight in 5- to 9- and 10- to 14-yr-old offspring of nondiabetic women but not in the oldest group. In contrast, for offspring of prediabetic and diabetic women, birth weight was not predictive of subsequent obesity at any age studied. Offspring of diabetic women were heavier than offspring of nondiabetic and prediabetic women regardless of birth weight. Thus, maternal diabetes was important in predicting body size in the offspring even after accounting for the effects of the birth weight and maternal body size.
Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein polymorphisms in patients with elevated factor VIII coagulant activity and venous thrombosis

Elevated factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) levels (> 150 IU/dl) represent a prevalent independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is involved in factor VIII clearance in vivo, and elevated FVIII:C was a feature of the LRP knockout mouse model. Three coding polymorphisms of LRP1 (exon 3, C766T; exon 14, A217V; and exon 39, D2080N), together with an insertion/deletion polymorphism within the first intron of lipoprotein receptor-associated protein (LRPAP1), have been identified. In addition, LRP1 2080D was recently reported to be associated with increased plasma FVIII:C levels in normal individuals. In this study, we investigated the role of these four polymorphisms in patients with objectively confirmed VTE and elevated FVIII:C levels. In our control group, genotype distributions were consistent with previous reports. Neither the allele frequencies nor genotype distributions at LRP1 A217V, LRP1 D2080N and LRPAP1 intron 1 were significantly different between the elevated FVIII:C and control groups. In contrast to previous reports, we found no effect of LRP1 D2080N genotype on plasma FVIII:C levels in normal individuals. More importantly, prevalence of the LRP1 2080D allele was not increased in the group of patients with high FVIII:C and VTE. We conclude that LRP1 and LRPAP1 polymorphisms are not responsible for high FVIII:C levels in patients with VTE.
Awareness and usage of electronic library resources in open distance learning by third-year students in the School of Arts at the University of South Africa

ii KEY TERMS . iii DEDICATION . iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v DECLARATION . vi LIST OF TABLES . xiii LIST OF FIGURES . xv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS . xvi LIST OF APPENDICES. xvii CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY . 1 1.
Institutional Ownership and Dividend Payout in Emerging Markets: Evidence from India

We examine the relationship between institutional investor ownership and dividend payouts using a large sample of NSE-listed non-financial firms during the period 2001 to 2016. Consistent with the evidence from the US market, institutional investors, on average, have larger holdings in dividend-paying firms and are seen to prefer dividend payers over non-payers among larger firms. However, among smaller firms, institutional investors seem to prefer non-paying firms. Consistent with it, logistic regression results reveal that institutional investors do improve a firms’ propensity to pay dividends, primarily across large firms. Further, among dividend-paying firms, institutional investors, on average, are observed to have relatively lesser holdings in firms with higher payouts than those with lower payouts. In line with these observations, regression analysis also provides no evidence to support a positive relationship between total institutional ownership and payout level. However, across investor categories, we do find evidence for domestic institutional investors (DII) in improving payouts. Further, we use a dynamic panel GMM estimator to correct for endogeneity and find that the relationship is robust among large firms. Our results highlight the role of DII in improving dividend payout and provide support to models that predict a positive relationship. JEL Classification: G23, G32, G34, G35
Prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in osteoporotic hip fracture patients in London

ABSTRACT Background: It is well established that vitamin D levels are sub-optimal in the elderly and that adults with fragility fracture are more likely to have serum vitamin D levels either lower than those of control patients of similar age, or below the normal range. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in an elderly population with hip fractures from London (UK) and compare levels with data previously presented from Glasgow (UK). Research design and methods: A retrospective patient audit was carried out over a 17‐month period (September 2003–January 2005). Patient records were searched for hip fracture admissions and cross matched with vitamin D analysis carried out within 3 days of the hip fracture admission. The resulting records were hand searched to exclude patients with a hip fracture resulting from high impact/trauma. Results: There were data for 103 hip fracture patients, 79.6% of the patients were women (n = 82). The mean age at the time of fracture was 73.4 years, 100% were aged 60 years or over and 41% were aged 75 years or over. Around 20% of the patients were receiving supplementation with calcium and/or vitamin D and were not excluded from the analysis. The mean vitamin D level was 32.1 nmol/L (12.9 ng/mL), SD = 19.4 (7.8), however, it is likely that the true mean is lower since in approximately 15% of cases vitamin D levels were reported as < 12.5 nmol/L, but were transcribed at 12.5 nmol/L in order to allow a numerical value to be calculated. Ninety-nine per cent of patients had a vitamin D level < 80 nmol/L, 94.2% < 70 nmol/L and 81.6% < 50 nmol/L. There were no significant differences by patient age or sex, however, there were significant seasonal differences in vitamin D. In the year from September 2003 to August 2004, 82.8% of summer admissions had vitamin D levels < 70 nmol/L compared with 98.0% in winter ( p = 0.04). Mean vitamin D levels in the 30 patients with parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels above the reference range were significantly lower than levels in the 71 patients within the range: mean 19.9 nmol/L, SD = 16.2 versus mean 37.5 nmol/L, SD = 18.5 ( p < 0.0001). Furthermore, 50% of the patients with PTH levels above the reference range had vitamin D levels < 12.5 nmol/L, reflecting extremely low levels of vitamin D. Conclusions: This study confirms almost universal vitamin D inadequacy among 103 patients admitted to hospital with hip fracture in London, although the prevalence of inadequacy is slightly lower than that seen in a similar study carried out in Glasgow.
Leucocyte complement receptor 1 (CR1/CD35) transcript and its correlation with the clinical disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients

In view of the exaggerated complement activation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and significance of complement receptor 1 (CR1/CD35) as a complement regulatory protein (CRP), we aimed to determine the leucocyte‐complement receptor 1 (L‐CR1) transcript levels and the relationship of this protein with the clinical disease activity of RA patients. Sixty‐six controls and 45 RA patients were enrolled. L‐CR1 transcript levels were correlated with the levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC), C3, C4 and C3d in controls and patients and with disease activity score 28 (DAS28) in patients only. CIC levels were determined by polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation, C3 and C4 levels by nephlometry and C3d levels by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Eleven patients were recruited for follow‐up of L‐CR1 and DAS28 levels at weeks 0, 12 and 24. Appropriate statistical methods were used for the data analysis. L‐CR1 (P < 0·01) transcript levels were decreased in patients compared to controls. L‐CR1 levels correlated negatively with DAS28, CIC and C3d. DAS28 correlated positively with levels of CIC, C3 and C3d. Levels of CIC correlated positively with C3 and C3d. Levels of C3 correlated positively with C3d in patients and with C4 in both controls and patients. Levels of L‐CR1 increased with decline in DAS28 scores in follow‐up patients. Observations were statistically significant. Lower levels of L‐CR1 transcript in patients compared to controls, their correlations with the levels of CIC, C3d and DAS28 at different time‐points in RA patients suggest CR1 as a potential disease marker for RA.
Experiences of families who help young rural men with emergent mental health problems in a rural community in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract A qualitative study was conducted in rural New South Wales, Australia, to understand the barriers to helpseeking among young rural men with emergent mental health problems. Participants who had real life experiences of these problems within their families were interviewed. Themes emerged from the data which explained some barriers to early intervention. Despite these barriers, families had developed skills in helping and in providing early mental health help to their sons. The findings of this study showed that a substantial burden on the emotional and social integrity of the family, combined with diminished psychological well-being, caused some parents to question how long they could cope before they reached ‘the end of their strings’. This downward spiralling trajectory of mental health and well-being for both the young men and their families has implications for clinical practice. Current models of mental health service delivery do not adequately capture the early help-seeking dynamics of young rural men and their families. A more flexible approach is needed to identify and help the family and the young men, without the pre-requisite for a formal medical diagnosis. Future research should involve health and well-being solution focused service delivery.
Dexamethasone-induced cellular tension requires a SGK1-stimulated Sec5–GEF-H1 interaction

ABSTRACT Dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, is often used to induce osteoblast commitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and this process requires RhoA-dependent cellular tension. The underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we show that dexamethasone stimulates expression of fibronectin and integrin α5 (ITGA5), accompanied by an increase in the interaction of GEF-H1 (also known as ARHGEF2) with Sec5 (also known as EXOC2), a microtubule (MT)-regulated RhoA activator and a component of the exocyst, respectively. Disruption of this interaction abolishes dexamethasone-induced cellular tension and GEF-H1 targeting to focal adhesion sites at the cell periphery without affecting dexamethasone-induced levels of ITGA5 and fibronectin, and the extracellular deposition of fibronectin at adhesion sites is specifically inhibited. We demonstrate that dexamethasone stimulates the expression of serum-glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 1 (SGK1), which is necessary and sufficient for the induction of the Sec5–GEF-H1 interaction. Given the function of SGK1 in suppressing MT growth, our data suggest that the induction of SGK1 through treatment with dexamethasone alters MT dynamics to increase Sec5–GEF-H1 interactions, which promote GEF-H1 targeting to adhesion sites. This mechanism is essential for the formation of fibronectin fibrils and their attachment to integrins at adhesion sites in order to generate cellular tension. Summary: The stimulation of the Sec5–GEF-H1 interaction through dexamethasone-induced SGK1 activity is crucial for organizing adhesion and, subsequently, generating cellular tension.
Specific memory deficits in ecstasy users? The results of a meta‐analysis

A meta‐analysis was carried out on the possible functional neurotoxic effects of ecstasy use in humans on verbal short‐term memory (STM), verbal long‐term memory (LTM), processing speed (RT) and % errors (attention). To that end studies were found on the effect of ecstasy that fulfilled the criteria for a meta‐analysis (number of subjects, means and standard deviations of the dependent variables). Ten studies were included on STM, ten on LTM, eight on RT and eight on % errors (attention). In addition meta‐regression analyses were carried out on the effect sizes with total lifetime ecstasy consumption (TLEC) as predictor. It was found that in all four meta‐analyses the mean effect size (ES) was significant: ecstasy users had lower verbal STM and LTM scores, reacted slower and made more errors. The meta‐regression coefficients were not significant, indicating no support for a linear relationship between the mean ES values and TLEC, leaving open the possibility for a stepwise relationship. Additional meta‐analyses on ecstasy groups that did not differ in lifetime cannabis consumption showed that only the ES for LTM became insignificant. This suggests that ecstasy use does not decrease LTM, but the number of studies on which this conclusion is based was very low. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceptions of Ethical Issues in Hospitality and Tourism Research

ABSTRACT In hospitality and tourism research, little is known about faculty members’ and graduate students’ perceptions of ethics. This study examined those perceptions to investigate how these groups have witnessed unethical behavior and their perceptions of ethics in research. Results showed that assigning authorship appears as an ethical issue for both faculty and graduate students, whereas plagiarism, as may be expected, was reported in work conducted by graduate students more than in work conducted by faculty members. Based on the findings of the study, implications and recommendations regarding ethical issues in hospitality and tourism research are provided.
Physical and Physiological Effects on Otoacoustic Emissions in Hypobaric Hypoxia

Tinnitus and dizziness are symptoms of acute mountain sickness. We investigated the mechanism by which high altitude (i.e. hypobaric hypoxia) affects inner ear function by measuring transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) under conditions of normobaric normoxia (1,013 hPa; 760 mm Hg) and hypobaric hypoxia (540 hPa; 405 mm Hg). The possibility that air pressure effects on the eustachian tube impacted our findings was excluded by the use of tympanograms. The nonphysiological effects of hypobaric hypoxia on TEOAE and DPOAE were also assessed using an ear simulator. Under conditions of hypobaric hypoxia, both TEOAE and DPOAE levels were reduced. The amount of reduction that occurred was approximately 4 dB in the total echo power and signal-to-noise ratio of the TEOAE, and in the 2f1 – f2 element level of the DPOAE. Stimulus levels that were measured using an ear simulator were also reduced by approximately 4 dB under conditions of hypobaric hypoxia. These results do not indicate that stimulus levels affected TEOAE and DPOAE levels because these levels were actually only slightly affected by changes in the stimulus level. Instead, this reduction was likely due to the nonphysiological hypobaric effects of the sound pressure emitted from the tympanic membrane. We conclude that the impact of hypobaric hypoxia on cochlear function was negligible up to pressures of 540 hPa.
An innovative outcomes-based medical education program built on adult learning principles

An innovative medical curriculum at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has been developed through a highly collaborative process aimed at building faculty ownership and ongoing sustainability. The result is a novel capability-based program that features early clinical experience and small-group teaching, which offers students considerable flexibility and achieves a high degree of alignment between graduate outcomes, learning activities and assessments. Graduate capabilities that focus student learning on generic outcomes are described (critical evaluation, reflection, communication and teamwork) along with traditional outcomes in biomedical science, social aspects, clinical performance and ethics. Each two-year phase promotes a distinctive learning process to support and develop autonomous learning across six years. The approaches emphasize important adult education themes: student autonomy; learning from experience; collaborative learning; and adult teacher–learner relationships. Teaching in each phase draws on stages of the human life cycle to provide an explicit organization for the vertical integration of knowledge and skills. A learning environment that values the social nature of learning is fostered through the program's design and assessment system, which supports interdisciplinary integration and rewards students who exhibit self-direction. Assessment incorporates criterion referencing, interdisciplinary examinations, a balance between continuous and barrier assessments, peer feedback and performance assessments of clinical competence. A portfolio examination in each phase, in which students submit evidence of reflection and achievement for each capability, ensures overall alignment.