Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Event‐triggered distributed constrained consensus

We consider a distributed consensus problem for continuous‐time multi‐agent systems with set constraints on the final states. To save communication costs, an event‐triggered communication‐based protocol is proposed. By comparing its own instantaneous state with the one previously broadcasted to neighbours, each agent determines the next communication time. Based on this event‐triggered communication, each agent is not required to continuously monitor its neighbours' state and the communication only happens at discrete time instants. We show that, under some mild conditions, the constrained consensus of the multi‐agent system with the proposed protocol can be achieved with an exponential convergence rate. A lower bound of the transmission time intervals is provided that can be adjusted by choosing different values of parameters. Numerical examples illustrate the results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cultural Globalization and Economic Growth

This article investigates the relationship between cultural globalization and economic growth for the Portuguese experience for the period 1995-2011. In this research we apply a static and dynamic panel data. The initial GDP per capita is negatively correlated with economic growth. This result is according to theoretical and empirical studies. This paper shows that international trade and cultural globalization promote the economic growth. As we expected the inflation has a negative impact on economic growth.
EXTENDING IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) RANGE: EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION AND FUNDAMENTAL PERFORMANCE LIMITS DETERMINATION

xix CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION.1 1.1 Background . 1 1.2 Problem statement.5 1.3 Research questions.7 1.4 Objectives . 7 1.4. 1 Main Objective.7 1.4. 2 Specific Objectives . 8 1.5 Justification . 8
Structure et organisation de l'enseignement

Manuscrit non date retrouve dans les papiers de Henri Wallon, pere de la pedopsychiatrie francaise. Publie ici integralement il comporte des considerations sur: I) la structure et l'organisation de l'enseignement a ses differents niveaux; II) l'enseignement propedeutique ou preuniversitaire; III) l'enseignement superieur. Il s'agit ici, de vœux pour un remaniement d'ensemble, tourne vers la recherche
Rehabilitation of a 38 year old male following an Arthroscopic Repair of a Type II Superior Labral Anterior Posterior (SLAP) Lesion

Rehabilitation of a 38 year old male following an Arthroscopic Repair of a Type II Superior Labral Anterior Posterior (SLAP) Lesion Postoperative rehabilitation following arthroscopic repair of the Type II superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) biceps lesions presents a challenge to the physical therapist due to limited evidence-based reviews available within the literature. This case report describes the postoperative rehabilitation of an arthroscopic Type II SLAP repair utilizing suture anchors. The interventions and the postoperative precautions are outlined and related to the emerging evidence. The patient described was a 38 year old male electrician who sustained a work-related SLAP lesion and was referred to physical therapy for postoperative rehabilitation. Following participation in a supervised structured plan of care, the patient developed adequate strength and range of motion required for job functions and ADLs. He achieved a score of 95% on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) functional test. Patient goals were met and he was released to full duty without restrictions at 5 months post-surgery.
Rehearsing L2 academic vocabulary with cloze exercises: a computer-assisted language learning intervention

Choosing appropriate methods and levels of scaffolding (see, e.g., Wood, Bruner, & Ross, 1976) is a crucial skill in second language instruction. The observation that too little or too much scaffolding for a task leads to an inferior learning outcome, known as the assistance dilemma (Koedinger & Aleven, 2007), has resisted quantitative analysis. However, it is now possible to take advantage of computerized tutors’ ability to precisely measure response latencies and accuracy rates to provide quantitative data to analyze the merits of different methods of scaffolding with regard to students’ performance on individual tasks. The present study describes a computer-aided language learning intervention in which 46 intermediate-level adult ESL speakers used a web-based vocabulary rehearsal program several times over the course of nine weeks. The tutor led participants in completing cloze exercises of the target words, with half of the exercises being presented with a hint in the form of a short definition of the target word and half of the exercises being presented without a hint. The results of the experiment indicate that the presence of the hint significantly increased participants’ accuracy on the task, but also significantly increased time on task. These results suggest that the form of support selected was an appropriate scaffold. However, L1 speakers of Arabic (N = 29) proved exceptional in a few ways: they expressed negative attitudes toward L2 writing tasks in general and did not show any increase in accuracy in the scaffolded condition, despite the fact that speakers of other L1s showed a very large and statistically significant improvement in accuracy in that condition. These issues may relate to Arabic speakers’ exceptional difficulties processing English orthography (Martin, 2011) and warrant future study.
A retrospective analysis of dermatological problems in a hematology ward

Correspondence: HY Koh Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608, Republic of Singapore Tel +65 6222 3322 Fax +65 6224 9221 Email kohhy13@outlook.com Background: Skin problems are common in patients with hematological disorders. Dermatologists play an important role in providing consultative service to other medical specialties. While most requests for dermatologic consultations are for common skin conditions, challenging scenarios and diagnostic dilemmas are frequently encountered, especially in acutely ill, immunocompromised patients. Aim: To characterize the profile of dermatological problems encountered in a hematology unit in a tertiary hospital, and to delineate clinical features that may help to distinguish cutaneous adverse drug reactions from toxic erythema of chemotherapy. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted reviewing all inpatient referrals for dermatology consultations from the hematology unit during a 6-month period from January 2010 to June 2010, at the largest multidisciplinary tertiary hospital in Singapore. Results: Of the 692 referrals for dermatology consultation, 58 (8.3%) came from the hematology department. A total of 60 dermatological diagnoses were made. Most patients were referred for primary dermatological disorders (43.33%, n = 26). The most common diagnoses within this category were cutaneous infections (15%, n = 9) and dermatitis (13.33%, n = 8). Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (16.67%, n = 10) and toxic erythema of chemotherapy (10%, n = 6) were also frequently encountered. We could not identify any distinctive clinical feature that may help to differentiate the two conditions. Conclusion: Our study reinforces the importance of inpatient medical dermatology in terms of both service and education to nondermatologists, who continue to face difficulties diagnosing common skin disorders. Cutaneous adverse drug reactions and toxic erythema of chemotherapy are clinically similar and difficult to differentiate. Larger prospective studies are needed to examine this problem.
Perceived oral health, oral self-care habits and dental attendance among pregnant women in Benin-City, Nigeria

Objective : To assess the perceived oral health, oral self-care habits, dental visit and self-reported oral health problems among pregnant women in Benin-City, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire, containing open and closed questions was used for data collection. Results : The majority of the respondents (81.7%) rated their oral health as excellent/good using the global oral health rating scale. Seventy one percent of the respondents did not change their oral self-care during pregnancy. Twice-daily tooth cleaning or more was reported by 56.9% of the respondents. Medium texture toothbrush was reported by 156 (39.6%) while 1-3 minutes tooth brushing duration was reported by 160 (40.6%) of the respondents respectively. A total of 78 (19.8%) of the respondents had visited the dentist. More than one-third 138 (35.0%) of the respondents have experienced oral health problem and 64 (46.4%) and 28 (13.0%) of them had tooth decay and halitosis respectively. Identified reasons for not visiting a dentist were; no dental problem 250 (63.5%), no time 38 (9.6%), no money 28 (7.1%) fear of dentist 14 (3.6%) and non-availability of dental clinic 10 (2.5%). Conclusion: Over 50% reported to brush their teeth twice or more daily. All participants reported to brush for more than one minute. One third reported to have had oral health problem and about 20% had visited a dentist. More than 80% considered themselves to have excellent or good oral health status. Professional oral care of pregnant women should be included in the free maternal services to improve oral health of pregnant women. Keywords : tooth brushing, oral health problem, barriers, pregnant women Running title : Oral health problem and oral health practices
Nutritional Deficiencies Associated to Bariatric Surgery

Abstract Obesity is an epidemic disease, increasingly addressed through surgical options for weight loss. Benefits of these surgical procedures, such as weight loss and improvement of obesity-related co-morbidities, are well established. However, postoperative complications do occur. Deficiencies in micronutrients, which include water and fat-soluble vitamins and minerals, are common after bariatric surgery. Recognition of the clinical signs and symptoms of micronutrient deficiencies is important to minimize long-term adverse effects.
Friendship and encouragement of safe-sex practices among African-American college women

ABSTRACT This study explored HIV prevention and prevalence knowledge, awareness and utilization of testing services, factors encouraging testing, perceptions of risk for HIV/AIDS, whether friends discuss and encourage safe-sex practices among African-American women (n = 176) at a historically black university. In this cross-sectional survey, participants attended a 90-minute HIV informational session before being administered a questionnaire. A majority of participants agreed their sexual behaviors increased their risk for HIV infection, and approximately one-fourth considered themselves at high risk. Participants reported that friends discuss and encourage safe-sex practices. Friendship may be a mobilizing component of HIV prevention among female African-American college students.
Crossing Borders within the ABC Automation, Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science 55. IWK

Today, a cascaded system of position loop, velocity loop and current loop is standard in industrial motion controllers. Each controller has to be designed according to its subordinated system behavior. Usually, the controller commissioning is realized in the frequency domain with the open-loop frequency response. In contrast to that, several tuning rules in the time domain are applicable, which require a model of the plant. The paper presents a method for the identification of plant parameters in the time domain. The approach is based on the auto relay feedback experiment by Åström/ Hägglund and a modified technique of gradual pole compensation. In addition to a theoretical description, the paper presents the implementation as an automatic application in the motion control system SIMOTION. Finally, the velocity controller is adjusted with various tuning rules. Furthermore, the identification results as well as the achievable controller performance on a test rig will be presented.
The influence of career orientations on subjective work experiences : original research

Orientation : In an increasingly turbulent business context in which people are less dependent on organisational career arrangements and have greater agency in career decisions, organisations have come to pay increasing attention to retaining valuable talented managerial potential. Research purpose : The study empirically assessed the causal influence of individuals' career orientations on their perceived life satisfaction, job or career satisfaction, sense of happiness and their perceptions of work as a valuable activity as aspects of their subjective work experiences. Motivation for study : From an organisational perspective, research on individuals' inner definitions of career success and satisfaction is needed to guide current selection, placement, development, reward and retention practices. Research design, approach and method : A quantitative survey was conducted on a random sample of 2997 participants at predominantly managerial and supervisory level in the service industry. The measuring instruments consisted of an adapted five-factor career orientations model of the Career Orientations Inventory and a 4-item global subjective work experiences scale. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was conducted to achieve the aim of the study. Main findings / results : Statistically significant causal relationships were observed between the career orientations and subjective work experiences variables. Practical implications : Individuals' career orientations influence their general sense of life and job or career satisfaction, happiness and perceptions of work as a valuable activity. Organisations concerned with the retention of staff need to find a way of aligning individuals' career needs and motives with the goals and aspirations of the organisation. Contribution / value-add : The research confirms the need for assessing the inner career orientations of employees as these provide valuable information regarding the motives and values driving individuals' career decision making and subjective experiences of their working lives.
Quantum optics and multiple scattering in dielectrics

Disclaimer/Complaints regulations If you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, please let the Library know, stating your reasons. In case of a legitimate complaint, the Library will make the material inaccessible and/or remove it from the website. Please Ask the Library: https://uba.uva. nl/en/contact, or a letter to: Library of the University of Amsterdam, Secretariat, Singel 425, 1012 WP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You will be contacted as soon as possible.
CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF ASSOCIATION BETWEEN GLYCEMIC CONTROL AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the association between glycemic control and quality of life (QoL) in people with type 2 diabetesmellitus (T2DM) and identify that factors that influence glycemic control and QoL.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the general hospital in Depok City from October to December 2017. Respondents wereoutpatients diagnosed with T2DM, receiving routine care at the hospital. Glycemic control was assessed using glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels,while QoL was measured using an Indonesian version of the validated 5-level EuroQol 5-Dimensional.Results: Among 108 participants, HbA1c levels were influenced by age, DM disease duration, DM treatment adherence, glycemic control, diet, andphysical activity suitable for patients with DM. The mean QoL value was 0.74±0.23 and the visual analog scale (VAS) score was 65.49±15.96. The QoLvalues of patients with DM were influenced by HbA1c levels, duration of DM, and physical activity, while the VAS score was significantly affected byHbA1c levels and duration of DM.Conclusion: The present study showed that the QoL of T2DM patients was significantly influenced by glycemic control and other factors.
Gaseous elemental mercury depletion events observed at Cape Point during 2007–2008

Abstract. Gaseous mercury in the marine boundary layer has been measured with a 15 min temporal resolution at the Global Atmosphere Watch station Cape Point since March 2007. The most prominent features of the data until July 2008 are the frequent occurrences of pollution (PEs) and depletion events (DEs). Both types of events originate mostly within a short transport distance (up to about 100 km), which are embedded in air masses ranging from marine background to continental. The Hg/CO emission ratios observed during the PEs are within the range reported for biomass burning and industrial/urban emissions. The depletion of gaseous mercury during the DEs is in many cases almost complete and suggests an atmospheric residence time of elemental mercury as short as a few dozens of hours, which is in contrast to the commonly used estimate of approximately 1 year. The DEs observed at Cape Point are not accompanied by simultaneous depletion of ozone which distinguishes them from the halogen driven atmospheric mercury depletion events (AMDEs) observed in Polar Regions. Nonetheless, DEs similar to those observed at Cape Point have also been observed at other places in the marine boundary layer. Additional measurements of mercury speciation and of possible mercury oxidants are hence called for to reveal the chemical mechanism of the newly observed DEs and to assess its importance on larger scales.
Interannual variability of ozone and carbon monoxide at the Whistler high elevation site: 2002-2006

Abstract. In spring 2002, an atmospheric measurement site was established at the peak of Whistler Mountain in British Columbia, Canada to measure trace gases, particle chemistry and physics, and meteorology. This paper uses continuous measurements from March 2002 to December 2006 to investigate the influence of trans-Pacific transport and North American forest fires on both O 3 and CO at Whistler. Annual mean mixing ratios of O 3 and CO were 41 ppbv (monthly means of 35–48 ppbv) and 145 ppbv (monthly means of 113–177 ppbv) respectively with both species exhibiting an annual cycle of late-winter to early-spring maxima and summer minima. The absence of a broad summer O 3 peak differs from previously-reported high altitude sites in the western US. The highest monthly-averaged O 3 and CO mixing ratios relative to the 5-yr monthly means were seen in fall 2002 and spring 2003 with increased O 3 and CO of 10 % and 25 % respectively. These increases correspond to anomalously-high values reported at other Northern Hemisphere sites and are attributed to fires in the Russian Federation. Air mass back trajectory analysis is used to associate the mean enhancements of O 3 and CO with trans-Pacific transported or North American air masses relative to the Pacific background. Mean values of the enhancements for March to June in trans-Pacific air masses were 6 ppbv and 16 ppbv for O 3 and CO respectively. In summers 2002–2006, higher CO and O 3 mixing ratios were almost always observed in North American air masses and this relative enhancement co-varied for each year with the western US and Canada total wildfire area. The greatest enhancements in O 3 and CO were seen in 2004, a record year for forest fires in Alaska and the Yukon Territory with average O 3 and CO mixing ratios 13 and 43 ppbv above background values.
CONTENT NETWORKING WITH PACKET-LEVEL CODING

OF THE DISSERTATION Content Networking with Packet-Level Coding By Yao Li Dissertation Director: Predrag Spasojevic This dissertation focuses on linear packet combining (coding) strategies for bulk content data distribution in packet-switching networks and their effects on transmission cost. The employment of packet level codes aims to reduce the communication overhead needed to exchange real-time network states to restore packet losses, or to plan for efficient sharing of communication links. The aim is achievable due to the additional diversity introduced by coding, which increases the possibility of extracting innovative information by receivers. Nevertheless, increased computational complexity is entailed and may lower the throughput of network node processors and hence the communication throughput. This dissertation, in particular, studies coding strategies generating linear combinations of packets that are decodable with reduced complexity. Major efforts to reduce computational complexity include limiting the number of packets combined in each coded packet and working with simple operations such as xoring. Two representative classes of codes are LT codes and coding with generations (hyperblocks). LT codes are the first class of fountain codes, especially suitable for multicast applications. Coding with generations is also of interest due to other practical reasons, such as source clustering. ii We study these codes in two settings: (1) Content delivery to heterogeneous users experiencing varied channel conditions and having diverse demand volumes; (2) One or more users collecting packets from a “cloud” of source nodes storing the content. Throughput performance is characterized analytically and optimized or improved by parameter selection and code design. In particular, with scenario (2), a probability analysis is conducted using balls-into-bins models. We show that (1) the achievable throughput and energy performance with coding and without receiver feedback can beat that achievable with receiver feedback but without coding; (2) fast encoding and decoding is essential to increasing the throughput limits; (3) employing coding such as LT codes with optimized degree distribution can increase the efficiency of a simultaneous service to heterogeneous users; (4) coding with generations compensates for the lack of coordination between sources or between collectors; and (5) the proposed random annex codes based on coding with generations effectively reduces transmission redundancy by introducing overlaps between generations.
Vessel Size Imaging of the Shionogi

Vessel size imaging is a relatively new technique in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. By measuring the change in the transverse relaxation constants i? 2 and i? 2 caused by the injection of a superparamagnetic contrast agent known as ferumoxtran, it is possible to create a map of vessel size index, which is a weighted average of the vessel radius. This technique was used on the Shionogi tumour model to monitor changes in vasculature as a result of androgen ablation by way of castration. A vessel size index map was created for androgen dependent, regressing and androgen independent tumours, and a statistically significant difference between the stages was found. Regressing tumours had the smallest vessel size index followed by androgen dependent and then androgen independent tumours. In addition, a qualitative comparison with Hoechst stained tumours was made.
Adolescents’ perceptions of the risks and prevalence of smoking

Abstract. The aims of this study were to assess adolescents’ perceptions of the personal risks and prevalence of smoking, and to examine whether these perceptions were related and how they varied by gender, age and smoking status. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 3657 11-16 year olds from a sample of 138 secondary schools in England. The results showed a large false consensus effect: smokers gave higher estimates of the prevalence of smoking among their peers than non-smokers. The gap between smokers and non-smokers decreased between 11 and 16 but was still apparent among 15 and 16 year olds. Smokers of different ages showed little difference in their estimates of prevalence. Smokers were substantially less optimistic in their risk perceptions than non-smokers. Even the youngest smokers acknowledged that their risks were higher than non-smokers’. Smokers nevertheless showed unrealistic optimism. There was little evidence for the idea that the false consensus effect may contribute to unrealistic .