Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust Adaptive Neural Network Tracking Control With Optimized Super-Twisting Sliding-Mode Technique for Induction Motor Drive System

This article proposes a robust adaptive supertwisting sliding-mode controller (STSMC) for high-precision IM drive. First, the STSMC is developed for controlling and stabilizing the IM. However, the control performance may be influenced due to exterior disorders along with parameter variations since the IM model is not accurately known during operation. Therefore, it is essential to estimate the lumped disturbance to strength the robustness of the STSMC using system model-based disturbance estimator. Second, to optimize the control performance, a robust adaptive neural-network tracking controller is developed to evade the constraints on knowing the disorders and uncertainties upper bounds. The RANTC combines an STSMC and a recurrent radial basis function network (RRBFN) estimators. The RRBFNs are employed to approximate the IM dynamics along with estimating the optimum super-twisting control algorithms online. The RRBFN training is developed via adaptive particle swarm optimization (APSO) algorithm to attain enhanced performance in less learning iterations, which is the critical issue in real-time applications. Third, to imitate the STSMC algorithms for preserving the robust control characteristics without the necessity of the IM parameters, a direct adaptive intelligent controller (DAIC) based on Takagi–Sugeno–Kang-type recurrent Petri fuzzy-neural-network is developed. Furthermore, the online adaptive laws are derived according to Lyapunov theory, so that the system stability can be assured. The validity of control schemes is verified by simulation and experimentation. The simulation and experimental results confirm the superiority of the STSMC-SMDE, RANTC, and DAIC schemes compared with STSMC irrespective of exterior disorders along with indefinite model uncertainties.
PENGARUH HUMAN RELATION, LINGKUNGAN KERJA, PELATIHAN DAN PENGEMBANGAN SDI TERHADAP ETOS KERJA PEGAWAI BANK SYARIAH

A company is able to achieve its goals if all employees can provide maximum results based on the work ethic within the employee, then the employees will work more effectively and more satisfactorily.The study inteds to measure and recognize the influence of Human Relation, the physical condition of the work environment, job training, employee development on work ethic at the bank Syariah Bukopin branch office in Surabaya. The population and sample all employee totaling 50 people. The results of the analysis showed that Human Relation had no influence on work ethic in Bukopin Syariah Bank branch office Surabaya, while physical condition of the work environment, on the job training, employee development has a positive influence on employee the work ethic in Bukopin Syariah Bank branch office Surabaya. While the results of R2 of 67.4% means the variable has a big contribute to work ethic.
Challenges Faced In Formulating Pavement Distress Prediction Models

Pavement distress prediction models (PDPM) are normally sought as one of the tools in pavement management systems (PMS). These tools attempt in line with modelling method deployed to capture the progressive nature of pavement surfacing layers’ distress as dependent parameter versus causative parameters which serve as independent parameters. The process of formulating PDPM faces a number of challenges which affects its accuracy in prediction of future state of distresses in question, and hence its effectiveness as a tool for managing road pavements. The list of challenges to overcome is long, but can be categorised in terms of behaviour and characteristics of independent and dependent variables. Based on the study carried out in Iringa region, Tanzania, the paper looks at challenges noted in an attempt to answer questions such as which variables stand out as most appropriate in reflecting the dynamic nature of pavement distresses so as to serve as dependent or independent variables. Answers provided may serve to improve the formulating process and reliability of PDPM.
Risk Factors for Norovirus Infections and Their Association with Childhood Growth: Findings from a Multi-Country Birth Cohort Study

The prevalence of norovirus infections in different geographical locations and their attribution to childhood diarrhea is well established. However, there are no reports showing possible relationships of different norovirus genogroups with subsequent childhood malnutrition. In this study, we attempted to establish a potential association between asymptomatic norovirus infections with childhood growth faltering during. Non-diarrheal stools were collected from 1715 children enrolled in locations in a multi-county birth cohort study across eight different geographical locations and were assessed for norovirus genogroup I (GI) and norovirus genogroup II (GII). Asymptomatic norovirus GI infections were negatively associated with monthly length-for-age Z score/LAZ (β = −0.53, 95% CI: −0.73, −0.50) and weight-for-age Z score/WAZ (β = −0.39, 95% CI: −0.49, −0.28), respectively. The burden of asymptomatic norovirus GI infections was negatively associated with LAZ (β = −0.46, 95% CI: −0.67, −0.41) and WAZ (β = −0.66, 95% CI: −0.86, −0.53) at 2 years of age, whilst the burden of asymptomatic norovirus GII infections was negatively associated with WAZ (β = −0.27, 95% CI: −0.45, −0.25) at 2 years of age. Our findings warrant acceleration in attempts to develop vaccines against norovirus GI and norovirus GII, with the aim of minimizing the long-term sequelae on childhood growth.
Is Rejection a More Common Experience for Asian Americans? How Differences in College Application Strategy Affect Admissions Results

ABSTRACT Using data from the High School Longitudinal Study (HSLS:09), this study examines the experience of college acceptance and rejection among white and Asian American students applying to four-year postsecondary institutions. The results suggest that Asian male students in particular face higher rejection rates relative to whites with similar academic profiles. First, Asians participate in more supplementary preparation, apply to more schools, and consider more selective colleges than whites net of other characteristics, which suggests that they may anticipate more rejection than whites. After controlling for individual and background characteristics, Asian male students are eighty percent more likely to be rejected by their desired institution compared to whites. This effect is most prominent for high performing Asian male applicants to highly selective schools and lower performing Asian male applicants to less selective schools. Separate analyses by race show that the predictors for college rejection differ substantially for Asian and white applicants. When disaggregated by ethnic group, Chinese and Southeast Asian students, and more specifically Chinese males, face the highest odds of rejection net of other explanatory factors. The author posits that the rejections faced by Asian male students may affect their feelings of resentment about the college application experience. (198 words)
Ponesimod in the Treatment of Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis: An Update on the Emerging Clinical Data

Abstract Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptors are bioactive lipid metabolites that bind five different types of receptors expressed ubiquitously in human body and mediate a broad range of biological functions. Targeting S1P receptors is nowadays a well-established pharmacological strategy to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the adverse events associated with the ancestor (fingolimod), especially in terms of heart conduction and slow reversibility of its pharmacodynamics effect on lymphocytes, have stimulated a search for a S1P modulator with greater selectivity for S1P1 (the most important immune mechanism to prevent MS-related neuroinflammation). Ponesimod is a second-generation, orally active, directly bioavailable, highly selective, and rapidly reversible modulator of the S1P1 receptor. Gradual 14-day up-titration of ponesimod mitigates its first-dose effects on heart rate and facilitates its use over fingolimod, as it does not require first-dose cardiac monitoring. Ponesimod is rapidly eliminated within 1 week of discontinuation, thereby representing a more manageable approach in case of vaccination, pregnancy, or adverse events. However, the fast reversibility of ponesimod may also raise concerns about the possibility of a rapid reactivation of disease activity following its discontinuation. Ponesimod was recently approved for the treatment of relapsing MS forms on the basis of a Phase III, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized clinical trial (OPTIMUM) that demonstrated the superiority of ponesimod over teriflunomide on disease activity markers, without unexpected safety concerns. This review summarizes the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics of ponesimod, and the main Phase II and III studies that led to its approval. Comparisons of ponesimod with other S1P receptor modulators currently available for MS (fingolimod, ozanimod, siponimod) are also provided.
Freezability of Dog Semen after Collection in Field Conditions and Cooled Transport

Simple Summary Dog semen freezing is gaining popularity, but it has to be performed in equipped facilities, which can be far from the place where the stud dog lives. To avoid animal movement, it seemed interesting to investigate whether freezing dog semen after 24 or 48 h of cooled transport to an equipped laboratory was possible when semen collection was performed in the field such as in local breeding kennels. The influence of two pre-freezing holding times (i.e., 24 or 48 h) and two holding diluents (solutions used to dilute semen before freezing) was evaluated. Post-thaw morphofunctional sperm features, such as motility, morphological integrity, and ability to bind female gametes, were assessed. No differences between times or diluents were observed, but motility tended to decrease in the samples frozen at 48 h. Since the insemination dose was based on the number of motile spermatozoa, a shorter pre-freezing time is advisable. Yet, considering that the rest of the morphofunctional parameters remained comparable between samples frozen after collection or after 24/48 h of transport, freezing after cooled transport is a good option for avoiding animal stress and for promoting a greater diffusion of semen cryopreservation. Abstract Dog semen freezing is gaining popularity, but it has to be performed in equipped facilities, which can be far from the place where the stud dog lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether freezing dog semen after 24 or 48 h of cooled transport to an equipped laboratory was possible when semen collection was performed in the field such as in local breeding kennels. Single ejaculates from different dogs (mixed breeds and ages) were collected. In Experiment I, 10 ejaculates were conventionally frozen using the Uppsala method or frozen after 24 or 48 h of storage in a Styrofoam transport box cooled by icepacks. In Experiment II, 10 ejaculates were used to assess the influence of two extenders (Uppsala chilling extender or freezing extender 1) used for semen dilution during the 24 or 48 h storage. Motility, morphology, membrane, and acrosome integrity were analyzed as well as spermatozoa zona-binding ability. No significant differences were observed among the frozen groups, regardless of freezing time (Experiment I) or extender (Experiment II). Motility at thawing, however, decreased in absolute value at 48 h. Freezing of freshly collected semen is the gold standard, but the results obtained in this study prompt the application of freezing after cooled transport for the long-term preservation of dog semen, especially if the transport can be organized in 24 h.
Liquid co‐fluidization of cylinders and spheres

Liquid fluidization of mixtures of solid particles of spherical and cylindrical shape has been numerically simulated. The simulations explicitly resolve the solid – liquid interfaces by means of an immersed boundary method implemented in a lattice-Boltzmann flow solver. A soft collision algorithm deals with particle – particle contacts and close-range hydrodynamic interaction. The systems studied have an overall solids volume fraction of 0.40, with 5% – 35% of the overall solids volume contained in the cylinders. One focus of the study is on the effect of the length over diameter aspect ratio (that has been varied between 4 – 10) of the cylinders on the co-fluidization behaviour. The average slip velocity of the cylinders only weakly depends on the fraction of the cylinder volume in the solid particle mixture. The cylinders do stir the sys-tem, with velocity fluctuation levels increasing if the number of cylinders relative to the number of spheres is increased. When co-fluidized, the taller cylinders preferentially orient vertically, as they also do in cylinder-only fluidization.
Intellectual Property and Technology Startups: What Entrepreneurs Tell Us

This chapter provides evidence on how young technology startups are employing intellectual property (IP) protection when innovating and competing in the United States. Although researchers and teachers of university technology transfer often think only in terms of patents and the Bayh-Dole Act, this chapter suggests that adopting a more nuanced view of IP rights is appropriate. After reviewing the primary non-patent types of IP protection available in the U.S. (copyright, trademark, and trade secret), we explain that while patents are often considered the strongest protection, for some entrepreneurs – particularly those operating in the U.S. software and Internet sectors – patents may be the least important means of capturing value from innovation. We present evidence from the 2008 Berkeley Patent Survey to demonstrate that IP is used by U.S. startups in very different ways, and to different effects, across technology sectors and other company-specific characteristics. Contrary to the common assumption in academic discourse, we show that different forms of IP protection often serve as complements, rather than substitutes.
Antibacterial Effect of Noni Juice In Vitro and Applied to Fresh-Cut Papaya to Control Escherichia coli O157 : H7

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) juice (NJ) in vitro and applied it to fresh-cut papaya to control Escherichia coli O157 : H7. Furthermore, the NJ effect on the physicochemical characteristics of fresh-cut papaya was evaluated. We determined the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) in a microplate reader by the microdilution method using TSB using an initial concentration of 1 × 107 cells of E. coli/mL. Cubes of fresh-cut papaya fruit were immersed in an E. coli suspension (1 × 105 cells/mL) and after that in NJ three times (0, 2.5, and 5 min) and then stored at 4 ± 1°C for 18 days. The presence of E. coli and total coliforms, as well as pH, TSS, and titratable acidity, were evaluated every three days. The results of in vitro assays showed that NJ at 20% inhibited the microbial growth of E. coli, finding a maximum growth rate (μmax) of −0.0066 h−1. Immersion in NJ for 5 min presented a reduction of E. coli of 3.72 ± 1.43 log10 CFU/ g of fresh-cut papaya fruit treated with this bacteria on day 9 of storage regarding control. Likewise, fresh-cut papaya fruit immersed in NJ for 5 min maintained the total coliforms between 1 and -1 log10 coliforms CFU/g for 18 days. However, the immersion treatment in NJ modified some physicochemical parameters of the fresh-cut papaya fruit, such as acidity and pH ( P < 0.05). The application of NJ to fresh-cut papaya fruit showed in vitro and in vivo inhibition of E. coli and total coliforms, evidencing it as a possible bacterial control agent in the precut fruit industry for up to 18 days.
Discussion of ‘Moving toward the expected credit loss model under IFRS 9: Capital Transitional Arrangement and bank systematic risk'

The change of the loan loss accounting model in International Financial Reporting Standard 9 (IFRS 9) that took place after the financial crisis came as a result of a long standard-setting process in which different views, sometimes contradictory, had to be balanced. Bank prudential regulators and supervisors had a significant role in the process, their influence in the final output was relevant, and they have a very active role in the implementation of the new model. Empirical research on the interaction between bank regulation and accounting standards, in particular when there are changes in response to a financial crisis is of great interest to help understand bank accounting practices. The study by Dong and Oberson (2021) (D&O) makes a welcome contribution to this field. As highlighted by D&O, two significant changes arise with the adoption of IFRS 9: (i) expected losses are considered, so there is anticipation of recognition of loan losses compared to IAS 39; and (ii) the consideration of forward-looking information increases managerial discretion. From the prudential regulation perspective, the implementation of IFRS 9 should have a negative impact on the regulatory capital, which is why the Basel Committee of Banking Supervision (BCBS) in 2017 introduced the Capital Transitional Arrangement (CTA), to allow banks to keep the incurred loss model for up to five years to calculate regulatory capital, while adapting their risk management. D&O has two main aims: First, to analyse the causes, and second, to analyse the consequences, of adopting the CTA option. The paper sets out the implications mainly from the bank regulation (prudential) perspective, but also from the accounting perspective. From the
Expression of Oxytocin/Neurophysin I and Oxytocinase in the Equine Conceptus from Day 8 to Day 21 Post-Ovulation

Simple Summary Oxytocinase is an enzyme that breaks down oxytocin in serum and tissues. The presence of oxytocin and oxytocinase mRNA and protein and their relationship to other genes in the horse embryo/conceptus that regulate pregnancy recognition and embryo/conceptus fixation have not been investigated. Our objective was to characterize the expression of oxytocin, oxytocinase and other related genes in horse embryos. Oxytocinase was increased at D15 compared to D10 and was identified in the horse embryo membranes. Oxytocin expression was highest at D21, and lowest on D12 and D14; no protein was identified, while its receptor (OXTR) was highest on D14 and D21. Oxytocinase was highest at D15 compared to D10 and high expression of prostaglandin E synthase was found on D14, D15 and D21. Oxytocinase may have a role in embryonic fixation. Further investigation of the role of oxytocinase during pregnancy is warranted. Abstract Leucyl and cystinyl aminopeptidase (LNPEP/oxytocinase) is an enzyme that metabolizes oxytocin in serum and tissues. The presence of oxytocin/neurophysin I (OXT), oxytocin and LNPEP and their relationship to other genes is unknown in the equine conceptus. Our objective was to characterize gene expression of LNPEP and OXT on D8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 21 conceptuses in relationship to other genes. Immunohistochemistry, western blot and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were used for identification of oxytocin and LNPEP in D15, 16 and 18 conceptuses. LNPEP was increased at D15 compared to D10, was immunolocalized in the equine trophectoderm and endoderm, and protein was confirmed by LC-MS/MS. Maximal abundance of OXT was at D21, and lowest on D12 and D14, but no protein was identified. OXTR abundance was highest on D14 and D21. LNPEP was correlated with PTGFR and PTGES on D12 and D14–D15, and high expression of PTGES, PTGS2 was found on D14, D15 and D21; PTGFR was found on D8 and D12–21. LNPEP may have a role in prostaglandin regulation and conceptus fixation by decreasing the availability of oxytocin. Further investigation on the role embryonic LNPEP during pregnancy is warranted.
Analysis of the Expansion Characteristics of Rural Settlements Based on Scale Growth Function in Himalayan Region

Road infrastructure is reshaping the rural settlement landscape in the Himalayan area of China through the construction of the rural road and strategic highway network. However, most methods based on multiple factors described in spatial analysis of rural settlement are limited by poor spatial response mechanisms of key factors. This study provides insight into the temporal and spatial process involving 15 rural settlements of Zhada County, west of the Himalayas. The growth of rural settlement follows a “short-head S-shape” function and the general expansion rule. It indicates the mode of evolution and the characteristics of construction. The results show that 70% of rural settlements continue to report the inertia of growth, while the reconstruction of the original site leads to historical spatial displacement under spatio-temporal compression. In addition, rural settlements display a spatial organization of interface area, hinterland, and fringe area and reveal two spatial paradigms of near-road expansion and peripheral extrusion. Further, the hinterland space, which is the core of rural settlement, is compact and intensive; a quarter of the hinterland space encompasses 45% of the settlement scale. These conclusions provide guidance for delineating village boundaries and improving the human settlement environment in the Himalayan-alpine plateau.
Ultrasound score combined with liver stiffness measurement by sound touch elastography for staging liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a clinical prospective study

Background A noninvasive and precise diagnosis of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is crucial for establishing the optimal time and strategy of therapy and for predicting treatment response. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of ultrasound (US) score and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) of sound touch elastography (STE) in diagnosing liver fibrosis stages and to investigate whether combining these methods would improve liver fibrosis staging. Methods US and STE examinations were performed in CHB patients included. Liver biopsy was used as a reference standard. A diagnostic marker with the optimal linear combination (LC) of US score and LSM of STE, namely LC marker, was established for noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis stages. The diagnostic performance of the LC marker was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Results A total of 291 subjects, including 242 patients with CHB and 49 healthy volunteers, were included. Correlation analysis showed that the correlation of liver fibrosis stages to the LC marker (Spearman’s r=0.846, P<0.001) was higher than that of LSM (r=0.771, P<0.001) or US score (r=0.825, P<0.001) alone. The results showed that the overall diagnostic performance of the LC marker in predicting a fibrosis stage of ≥F1, ≥F2, ≥F3, and =F4 {AUCs: 0.943 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.917–0.948], 0.906 (0.871–0.915), 0.953 (0.923–0.969), and 0.961 (0.922–0.973), respectively} were better than those of the US score [AUCs: 0.916 (0.883–0.948, P=0.014), 0.875 (0.835–0.915, P<0.001), 0.934 (0.898–0.969, P=0.001), and 0.918 (0.864–0.973, P<0.001), respectively] or LSM [AUCs: 0.858 (0.812–0.948, P<0.001), 0.867 (0.826–0.915, P=0.006), 0.930 (0.894–0.969, P<0.023), and 0.958 (0.918–0.973, P=0.778), respectively]. Conclusions The LC marker with the optimal combination of LSM and US score may be considered as a promising diagnostic model for noninvasive staging of liver fibrosis.