Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Smart base‐isolated benchmark building part IV: Phase II sample controllers for nonlinear isolation systems

The first phase of the seismically excited base‐isolated benchmark building was received well by the structural control community, culminating in the March 2006 journal special issue. The special issue contained contributions from over dozen participants world‐wide. While the focus of the Phase I effort was on linear isolation systems, Phase II attempts to galvanize research efforts on control of base‐isolated buildings with nonlinear isolation systems. Primarily, friction and hysteretic lead–rubber‐bearing (LRB) isolation systems are included in this effort. The superstructure and the control framework remains the same as the Phase I benchmark. The main difference will be in the nonlinear isolation systems used, and consequently the controllers necessary to control such systems. The primary objective of this paper is to present the Phase II benchmark problem definition along with a sample controller for friction isolation system. A sample controller for the LRB isolation system was presented earlier as a part of the Phase I special issue. Included in this paper is a broad set of carefully chosen performance measures, which remain the same as Phase I, so that the participants may evaluate their respective control designs. The control algorithms may be passive, active or semiactive. The benchmark structure considered in the Phase II study is an eight‐story base‐isolated building that is identical to the one considered for the Phase I study. The base isolation system consists of a combination of linear, nonlinear bearings and control devices. The superstructure is considered to be a linear elastic system with lateral–torsional behavior. The nonlinearities due to the isolators and control devices are limited to the isolation level only. A nonlinear dynamic analysis program and sample controllers are made available to the participants to facilitate direct comparison of results of different control algorithms. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PENGARUH GREEN MARKETING DAN CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TERHADAP BRAND IMAGE PADA PRODUK TUPPERWARE

This study aims to determine the effect of Green Marketing and Corporate Social Responsibility Brand Image on Tupperware products. The study population is consumer users Tupperware products. This study used a non-probability sampling techniques. Data were collected by distributing questionnaires, the number of respondents in this research were 100 respondents. The hypothesis was tested using the technique of path analysis (path analysis) and Sobel test. Hypothesis testing results showed that all the way down the hypothesis is accepted. Green marketing berpengaruf positively and significantly related to corporate social responsibility, green marketing and signikan positive effect on brand image, corporate social responsibility positive and significant impact on the brand image as well as green marketing positive and significant impact on the brand image through corporate social responsibility as mediation. Keywords: green marketing, corporate social responsibility, brand image
Gain-coupled distributed feedback semiconductor lasers with an absorptive conduction-type inverted grating

A gain-coupled (GC) distributed feedback (DFB) semiconductor laser with an absorptive conduction-type-inverted grating is proposed. Devices based on GaAlAs/GaAs materials are fabricated using two-step OMVPE. By inverting the conduction type of the absorptive region, threshold current is lowered by 10 mA, which is to compensate for the threshold increase due to extra absorption. In addition, nonlinear output property associated with the saturable nature of the absorption is eliminated. An ultralow chirping capability under gain switching high speed modulation and the narrow linewidth nature of this laser are experimentally studied. <<ETX>>
Mean platelet volume on admission correlates with impaired response to thrombolysis in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Mean platelets volume (MPV) has been shown to correlate with impaired reperfusion and increased mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary precutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to study whether the same association exists in STEMI patients treated with thrombolysis. Included in the study were STEMI patients receiving thrombolysis. Thrombolysis failure was defined as a need for rescue precutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), in-hospital mortality, unplanned PCI during hospitalization or complete occlusion of the culprit coronary artery in a follow-up angiography. MPV levels were compared between patients with failed or successful thrombolysis. Of the 122 patients, 30 had failed thrombolysis while the other 92 fulfilled the criteria for successful treatment. There were no significant differences in demographic or clinical baseline characteristics of the two groups. Mean MPV was significantly higher in patients with failed thrombolysis compared to patients with successful treatment (9.2 ± 1.1fl and 8.7 ± 1.0fl respectively, p = 0.019 in multivariate analysis). The prevalence of thrombolysis failure was significantly higher in patients with MPV > 8.6 fl compared to those with MPV ≤ 8.6 fl (31.8% and 16% respectively, p = 0.048 in multivariate analysis). It appears that higher MPV correlates with thrombolysis failure in patients presenting with STEMI. MPV may be used as an adjunctive readily available factor for assessing thrombolysis outcome upon admission.
What Patients Know About Their Rights in Turkey

Abstract Patients' rights issues are currently being discussed in health care at both the private and public levels in Turkey. In this study, 317 patients were interviewed upon hospital discharge and asked what they knew about their “rights” as patients. According to the collected data, 63% of the patients were not aware that they had any rights in receiving health care services at all. Since this is the first study of its type in Turkey, further research in this area is needed. In closing, it is recommended that hospitals in Turkey adapt routine policies similar to those in the United States for informing customers about their rights for safe, effective and efficient health care provision.
Quantifying errors in trace species transport modeling

One expectation when computationally solving an Earth system model is that a correct answer exists, that with adequate physical approximations and numerical methods our solutions will converge to that single answer. With such hubris, we performed a controlled numerical test of the atmospheric transport of CO2 using 2 models known for accurate transport of trace species. Resulting differences were unexpectedly large, indicating that in some cases, scientific conclusions may err because of lack of knowledge of the numerical errors in tracer transport models. By doubling the resolution, thereby reducing numerical error, both models show some convergence to the same answer. Now, under realistic conditions, we identify a practical approach for finding the correct answer and thus quantifying the advection error.
A Treatment Trial of Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome with Triazolam

Abstract: Triazolam causes a phase‐shift of the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in golden hamsters. We attempted to treat two patients with delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) with triazolam. In one male patient we administered triazolam when the sleep phase began to delay afkr chronotherapy. Triazolam combined with chronotherapy enabled him to normalize and stabilize his sleep‐wake cycle. But in the other female patient despite normalization of her sleep‐wake cycle, she became depressive and did not Continue taking the drug. In some cases triazalam is useful for the treatment of DSPS, but in others, triazolam induces a depressive state.
Capital Structure in the Family Firm: Exploring the Relationship Between Financial Sources and Family Dynamics

iii TABLE OF CONTENTS.iv LIST OF TABLES. x LIST OF FIGURES. xi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION. 1 CHAPTER 2: FAMILY BUSINESS DYNAMICS AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE. 11 2.1 Family business definition. 12 2.2 Family companies in the world. 14 2.3 Capital structure of listed companies and family firms. 16 2.3. 1 Agency costs in family firms. 20 2.3. 2. Pecking order approach in family business financing. 24 2.4 Dynamics of family life. 25 2.4. 1 Conflict in the family firm. 27 2.4. 2 Reputation in the family firm.29 2.4. 3 Family firm ́s transparency in business. 32
Reticulo‐endothelial function in rats with obstructive jaundice

Reticulo‐endothelial function was evaluated by measuring the biokinetics of a standardized 99mTc‐sulphur colloid using scintillation camera technique in rats with biliary obstruction. There was no difference in the uptake of the colloid in the liver (K1) between sham operation and biliary obstruction at 1 week and 3 weeks. However, when corrected for changes in liver volume, the corrected colloidal uptake rate (cK1) of the liver was significantly decreased in 1 week's biliary obstruction (P<0.005 compared with sham operation) and 3 weeks' biliary obstruction (P<0.025 compared with 1 week obstruction). Colloidal uptake rate of the extrahepatic reticulo‐endothelial system (K2) was significantly increased (P<0.005) in rats with 3 weeks' biliary obstruction. Activity distribution of 99mTc‐sulphur colloid in 3 weeks' biliary obstruction was significantly decreased in both total organ basis and per gram basis (P<0.005). The results demonstrated a depression of RE activity of the liver in biliary obstruction.
Association study of single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL23R and IL17 in rheumatoid arthritis in the Algerian population.

OBJECTIVE Previous studies implicated that IL17/IL23 pathway and TH17 cells play an important role in autoimmune inflammation. Genome wide association studies have identified multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL23R and IL17 genes region associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS In this study, we investigated the association of IL23R, IL17A and IL17F genes SNPs with RA susceptibility in the Algerian population. 343 patients with RA and 323 healthy subjects were genotyped for IL23R (rs11209026, rs1343151, rs10489629), IL17F (rs763780, rs2397084) and IL17A (rs2275913) variants by TaqMan technology. RESULTS There was no evidence of a genetic association between IL23R, IL17F and IL17A SNPs and RA susceptibility in our population. However, IL23R rs1343151 variant enhanced the development of RF IgM and IgG positive (+) RA as compared with RF IgM and IgG negative (-) RA (OR 2.29, p = 0.004 and OR 0.64, p = 0.014 respectively). Also, IL23R rs10489629 was associated with all RF isotypes positive disease (IgM+: OR 2.16, p = 0,006; IgG+: OR 0.64, p = 0,004 and IgA+: OR 1.54, p = 0,013). A moderate association of IL17A rs2275913 with RF IgA- RA subgroup was shown (OR 1.95, p = 0,039). Moreover, our data showed a correlation between IL23R and IL17F variants and the parameters of disease activity such as HAQ score and disease duration. CONCLUSION The current study emphasizes the lack of association of IL23R and IL17 polymorphisms with RA susceptibility in the Algerian population. However, the data showed the relationship between IL23R and IL17A polymorphisms and the production of the different RF isotypes in RA patients.
Traditional coronary risk factors in healthy Turkish military personnel between 20 and 50 years old: focus on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

OBJECTIVE Previous studies presented the Turkish population as a typical example of nations with low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Nevertheless, some recent studies opposed this suggestion. We aimed to examine the traditional cardiovascular risk factors in young-middle age male military professionals, focusing especially on HDL-c. METHODS In this observational and cross-sectional study, the data of 820 male military personnel between 20-50 years old (mean age: 35.3±6.9) who applied to the hospital for routine health examination were included. Blood biochemistry, arterial blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were noted. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test and ANCOVA. RESULTS The mean age was 35.3±6.9, body mass index was 25.8±3.4 kg/m2 and waist circumference was 93.1±8.7 cm. HDL-c, low-density cholesterol, triglyceride and fasting blood glucose levels were 47.6±11.3, 120.4±33.2, 150.4±86.4 and 96,6±13.0 mg/dL, respectively. Only 23.2% of the participants had HDL-c level less than 40 mg/dL. The ratio of current smokers was 40.7%. Almost 66% of the participants (n=545) were making regular exercise. Mean systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressures were 124.1±13.0 and 75.7±9.3 mm Hg, respectively. CONCLUSION The "mean" levels of traditional coronary risk factors were in almost "normal" limits in healthy young-middle age male military professionals that were examined. It must be emphasized that the HDL-c level, which was defined as "genetically low in Turks" in some previous epidemiologic studies, was not really low. This finding may be due to relatively favorable life style of the study population. On the other hand, some recent population studies in Turkey had found HDL-c levels higher than it was thought. This issue needs further clarification in specific age groups without sedentary lifestyle.
Endothelium‐dependent and BRL 34915‐induced vasodilatation in rat isolated perfused mesenteric arteries: role of G‐proteins, K+ and calcium channels

1 In the isolated perfused, noradrenaline (NA)‐constricted mesenteric arteries of the rat, acetylcholine (0.003‐1 nmol), histamine (0.01–10 nmol) and the calcium ionophore A23187 (0.01‐1 nmol), caused endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation while the vasodilatation by the K+ channel activator BRL 34915 (0.1‐1 nmol) was independent of endothelium. 2 The guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue at 10 μm did not inhibit the action of any of the vasodilators but at 50 μm reduced the vasodilator effect of acetylcholine (ACh), histamine and A23187. 3 Infusion of ouabain or perfusion with K+‐free or excess K+ (50 mm) Krebs solution reduced the vasodilator effect of ACh, histamine and A23187, suggesting the action of these agents involves, at least in part, activation of Na+/K+‐ATPase. The vasodilator effect of BRL 34915 was not affected by ouabain, but abolished during perfusion with Krebs solution containing excess K+ or depleted of K+. 4 Five structurally distinct K+ channel blockers (apamin, crude scorpion venom, procaine, quinidine and tetraethylammonium) attenuated the vasodilator effect of ACh, histamine and A23187. The K+ channel blockers, except apamin and crude scorpion venom, also inhibited the vasodilatation produced by BRL 34915. 5 The vasodilator effect of ACh, histamine or A23187 was not altered in mesenteric vessels of pertussis toxin‐treated rats, suggesting that the K+ channels associated with the endothelium‐dependent vasodilator effect of these agents are either not coupled to G‐proteins or are coupled to G‐proteins that are insensitive to pertussis toxin. 6 The calcium channel blockers, diltiazem (0.1 or 1 μm), nifedipine (0.01 or 0.1 μm) or nitrendipine (1 nm) attenuated the vasodilatation produced by ACh, histamine, A23187 and also that by BRL 34915. 7 We conclude that endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation induced by ACh, histamine and A23187 is mediated via activation of membrane K+ channels and Na+/K+‐ATPase. The K+ channels involved in the vasodilator action of these agents are not coupled to pertussis toxin‐sensitive G‐proteins and appear to be regulated by Ca2+.
Implications of Predictability across Horizons for Asset Pricing Models ∗

We study the properties of unconditional Hansen and Jagannathan (1991) bounds in the presence of conditioning information as the horizon increases. We provide evidence that long-horizon predictability translates into a tight lower bound on the variance of the stochastic discount factor (SDF). We then look at different asset pricing models and we show that all of them share a common feature at very long horizons: they have variance of the SDF that is too small compared to that in the data. The investment horizon is the fundamental dimension that allows the researches to set apart models, or, as in our case, to select the common behavior among apparently different models.
Lipid‐mediated siRNA delivery down‐regulates exogenous gene expression in the mouse brain at picomolar levels

Efficient in vivo vectors are needed to exploit the enormous potential of RNA interference (RNAi). Such methods require optimisation for specific delivery routes, tissues and usages. We tested the capacity of different non‐viral vectors and formulation methods for inhibition of exogenous (luciferase) gene expression when used to introduce small interfering RNA (siRNA) into the mouse brain in vivo.
Allogeneic single‐donor cryoseal produced from fresh‐frozen quarantine apheresis plasma as alternative for multidonor or autologous fibrin sealants

BACKGROUND: Fibrin sealant is a human blood product consisting of two components: cryoprecipitate and thrombin. Commercial fibrin sealants are produced from multidonors, increasing the viral risk, and contain fibrinolytic inhibitors such as tranexamic acid or bovine aprotinin. Autologous fibrin sealants reduce the viral risk and are mostly produced during a surgical procedure or well in advance. Alternatively, the allogeneic single‐donor fibrin sealant cryoseal can be used. In this study cryoseal was characterized and the manufacturing consistency of the production process was investigated.
Diverse effect of tributyltin on apoptosis in PC12 cells.

It has not been fully elucidated how endocrine-disrupting chemicals disrupt hormone functions or how strong their effects are compared with natural hormones. There is little information concerning the effects of tributyltin (TBT), one of the endocrine disrupters on living organisms. Although TBT at high concentration induced apoptosis in PC12 cells, TBT at low concentration inhibited the DNA fragmentation in the cells cultured in serum-free medium or in medium containing 6-hydroxydopamine. The cell viability grown in both medium conditions increased after treatment with TBT. These findings suggest that TBT exerted a apoptosis-inducing and -inhibiting effect. These diverse effect of TBT on apoptosis would cause serious damages on cell differentiation.
Corporate Governance and Performance of Firms: An Empirical Evidence from the Banking Sector of Ghana

The study investigates the relationship between corporate governance and the performance of banks in Ghana in terms of their financial performance. Primary and Secondary data were collected through the administration of interview questionnaires and from the Ghana Association of Bankers respectively. In analyzing the data, panel data methodology was used. The findings show that large board size, long serving CEOs, size of audit committee, audit committee independence, foreign ownership, institutional ownership, annual general meeting and dividend policy are positively related and associated with the financial performance of banks in Ghana. The banks are encouraged to adopt good corporate governance practices to improve on their financial performance and also protect the shareholders. Most importantly, the regulatory authorities must ensure compliance with good corporate governance and apply the appropriate sanctions for non-compliance to help the growth and development of the banking sector. The main contribution of the study to knowledge lies in its effort in strengthening corporate governance beyond the rights and responsibilities of different stakeholders in the management of a firm into areas involving the relationship between finance providers and a firm, compliance with legal, ethical and environmental needs of the society among others. This contribution has in no small way helped in enhancing my understanding about the interpretations which have shaped the corporate governance in relation with performance of the firm both in theory and practice.
From Critical Resources to Corporate Strategy

Suppose a new high growth segment opens up in your industry. Should you enter that segment? Many other firms are likely to enter as well. Will the returns justify the costs? If too many firms enter, and commit high levels of funding, your return on investment will be mediocre at best. This would be a disappointing experience, but it is one many companies have had in races for market share and technological advantage. Of course, this does not mean that you should not chase such opportunities. If you fail to do so, you might do even worse. It does, however, imply the following: on an even playing field, against well managed competitors, you cannot expect superior performance. You need to look for tilted playing fields, areas where you have a competitive advantage. Where do you have an advantage? You have the advantage in markets where your resources are superior to those of the competition. In such a game you can achieve a strong market position at a lower cost than your competitors. The first step is to identify your resources. The second step involves deciding where to compete. Only then do you worry about how to compete. This shifts the focus of strategic analysis from the industry to the company itself [1]. Strategy formulation consists in the identification, deployment and development of resources. What principles govern this process in wellmanaged companies?
How Economic Policy Uncertainty Affects the Cost of Raising Equity Capital: Evidence from Seasoned Equity Offerings

Abstract Economic policy uncertainty (EPU) increases the cost of raising equity capital, especially when the economy is weak. A one standard deviation increase in the EPU index developed by Baker, Bloom, and Davis (2016) is associated with a 43 basis point increase in the price discount of seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) during the 2000-2014 period. The cross-sectional analysis shows that the EPU effect on SEO discounts is stronger for firms with greater dependence on government spending, less informative stock price, or a smaller EPU beta. Moreover, there are fewer SEO activities in periods when there is a high degree of policy uncertainty.
Control of Knowledge and the Cyber Threat

Cyber terrorism is one of the emerging threats in recent years. The research community and especially that related to cyber sciences can contribute to reduce the ability of people with malicious intent to realize their plans. Control of knowledge is one of the major measures in this direction. The aim of this commentary is to pay attention to this issue and to several ways in which control can be achieved without harming the important research in relevant fields.