Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-order sliding mode-based synchronous control of a novel stair-climbing wheelchair robot

For the attitude control of a novel stair-climbing wheelchair with inertial uncertainties and external disturbance torques, a new synchronous control method is proposed via combing high-order sliding mode control techniques with cross-coupling techniques. For this purpose, a proper controller is designed, which can improve the performance of the system under conditions of uncertainties and torque perturbations and also can guarantee the synchronization of the system. Firstly, a robust high-order sliding mode control law is designed to track the desired position trajectories effectively. Secondly, considering the coordination of the multiple joints, a high-order sliding mode synchronization controller is designed to reduce the synchronization errors and tracking errors based on the controller designed previously. Stability of the closed-loop system is proved by Lyapunov theory. The simulation is performed by MATLAB to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller. By comparing the simulation results of two controllers, it is obvious that the proposed scheme has better performance and stronger robustness.
Merja Santaniemi GENETIC AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE ROLE OF ADIPONECTIN AND PTP 1 B IN THE METABOLIC SYNDROME

The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of components predisposing to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Abdominal obesity and insulin resistance seem to be central in the metabolic syndrome, although no unifying pathophysiological mechanism is available. The aim of this thesis was to determine out how the variation in PTP1B and adiponectin gene as well as variations in the plasma adiponectin concentration contribute to the risk of obesity related diseases. PTP1B is a negative regulator of insulin signalling and therefore considered a candidate gene for type 2 diabetes. In the first study, it was found that three PTP1B polymorphisms studied have not strong impact on type 2 diabetes. However, one SNP may be slightly protective against type 2 diabetes, since it was more frequent in the healthy group compared to group of patients with type 2 diabetes. Another SNP was associated with body mass index (BMI). The combination of certain alleles of PTP1B and LEPR (leptin receptor) genes was also associated to BMI. Adiponectin is an adipocytokine expressed in adipose tissue. It has insulin sensitizing effects in liver and muscle and it has also beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. In the second study, the contribution of adiponectin genotypes with obesity-related phenotypes was studied. In Caucasians, the carriers of rare allele of Tyr111His polymorphism were more insulin resistant and at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In African-Americans, other polymorphisms were associated with BMI and lipids. Thus, the effects of polymorphisms on obesity related phenotypes seemed to be different between ethnic groups. Plasma adiponectin levels were measured from different study groups. In the third study, it was found out that low plasma adiponectin levels associated with different components of the metabolic syndrome and there was a trend towards reductions in adiponectin with an increasing number of components. Fourth study indicated that baseline low adiponectin level associated with a more than 2-fold risk for developing impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes in the followup study of normoglycemic middle-aged Finnish subjects. In the fifth study, plasma adiponectin levels were measured from postmenopausal women receiving estrogen replacement therapy. We observed a reduction in adiponectin levels in women having peroral estradiol which could be part of the "early harm" profile on cardiovascular risk factors of the peroral estrogen replacement therapy detected in clinical trials. These studies further strengthen the role of plasma adiponectin in the obesity related diseases and bring new information of polymorphisms in the adiponectin and PTP1B genes in different populations.
OPTIMIZATION TO IDENTIFY MUSKINGUM MODEL PARAMETERS USING IMPERIALIST COMPETITIVE ALGORITHM

In engineering, flood routing is an important technique necessary for the solution of a floodcontrol problem and for the satisfactory operation of a flood-prediction service. A simple conceptual model like the Muskingum model is very effective for the flood routing process. One challenge in application of the Muskingum model is that its parameters cannot be measured physically. In this article we proposed imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) for optimal parameter estimation of the linear Muskingum model. This algorithm uses imperialism and imperialistic competition process as a source of inspiration. Optimization to identify Muskingum model parameters can be considered as a suitable field to investigate the efficiency of this algorithm. Received: 2 October 2011; Accepted: 29 December 2011
Deposited in DRO : 02 November 2016 Version of attached le : Accepted Version Peer-review status of attached

Despite the potential positive effects of using technology with students who have difficulties in mathematics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the great efforts made by the Saudi Government to improve the education system of the nation, which has included a continuous rise in the educational budget, there still remain some obstacles for some teachers when using technology, and while some of these teachers overcome these barriers, others do not succeed in this the challenge. This paper will investigate the barriers that teachers face when using technology in their classroom in primary schools, and why some overcame obstacles while others did not. Semi-structured interviews and observations were used in this research, which were undertaken with three mathematics teachers from school A which used technology, and the other three from school B, which did not use technology. We found that the major obstacle teachers face when using technology included the teachers’ negative attitudes and beliefs about teaching mathematics using technology, the lack of training in using technology, and the lack of technical support. The head teacher’s attitude also had a great effect on managing the challenges teachers faced, which affected teachers’ decisions to use or not use technology in school. Keywords— Obstacles; Reasons to overcome/ not overcome
XML Data Retrieval Model Based On Two-dimensional Table Datasets

Retrieval problems of XML-based representation of data have been researched in this paper. In order to solve the large time and space overhead problem in building content index, this paper establish a data retrieval model advantageous to xml representation using the system automatically build two-dimensional table datasets. Take crop diseases and insect pests data for an example, this paper first gives the architecture of retrieval system based on XML crop diseases and insect pests' data; it also discusses about how to construct the two-dimensional table dataset and achieve the retrieval process; then it describes the text segmentation technique and the XSL style sheet conversion technology. Finally, under the VS.NET platform, using MVC design pattern develop and implement a prototype. Copyright © 2013 IFSA.
Clover species in grass-clover silages affects milk fatty acid composition

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of clover species on milk fatty acid (FA) composition. Lactating dairy cows were allocated to two groups and fed grass-clover silage containing either white clover (WC) or red clover (RC), without or with concentrate supplementation. No significant interaction of clover species with concentrate supplementation could be observed. RC milk had significantly higher proportion of polyunsaturated FAs (P<0.001), particularly C18:3n-3 (P<0.001), and contained a higher n-3/n-6 FA ratio (P<0.05) than WC milk. It is concluded that RC silage, independent of concentrate supply, yielded milk with more beneficial FA composition than WC silage.
Exploring the impact of intimate partner violence on children’s behavior in urban slums of Dhaka City, Bangladesh

1 Department of Family Practice, School of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada 2 Child Development Unit, International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh 3 Department of Medical Science and Public Health, School of Medical Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Essex, UK 4 Director of Medical Education, School of Medical Sciences, The University of West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados, West Indies
Properties of a Paracoccus denitrificans mutant deleted in cytochrome c550 indicate that a copper protein can substitute for this cytochrome in electron transport to nitrite, nitric oxide and nitrous oxide

Summary: Disruption of the gene for the periplasmic cytochrome c550 in Paracoccus denitrificans did not result in substantial alteration of rates of electron flow from physiological substrates to the reductases for nitrite, nitric oxide and nitrous oxide, thus confirming and extending earlier findings. In wild-type cells the chelating agent diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) caused a partial inhibition of these electron transport processes. When the same concentrations of this inhibitor were added to a mutant of P. denitrificans in which the gene for cytochrome c550 was specifically disrupted an almost complete inhibition of these reactions was observed. It is known from previous work with the closely related organism Thiosphaera pantotropha that DDC effectively and rapidly removes copper from the periplasmic pseudoazurin that is also found in P. denitrificans. Therefore, it is concluded that in the absence of cytochrome c550, a copper protein, probably pseudoazurin, acts as the electron carrier between the cytochrome bc 1 complex and the reductases for nitrite, nitric oxide and nitrous oxide. Cells with the gene for cytochrome c550 deleted continued to give a positive Nadi test.
RENORMALIZATION AND THERMODYNAMIC FORMALISM IN

We examine thermodynamic formalism for a class of renormalizable dynamical systems which in the symbolic space is generated by the Thue-Morse substitution, and in complex dynamics by the Feigenbaum map. The basic question answered is whether fixed points V of a renormalization operator R acting on the space of potentials are such that the pressure function γ 7→ P(−γV ) exhibits phase transitions. This extends the work by Baraviera, Leplaideur and Lopes on the Manneville-Pomeau map, where such phase transitions were indeed detected. In this paper, however, the attractor of renormalization is a Cantor set (rather than a single fixed point), which admits various classes of fixed points for R, some of which do and some of which do not exhibit phase transitions.
Langevin Diffusion Coefficients Ratio in STU Model with Higher Derivative Corrections

In this letter, we study Langevin diffusion coefficients for the five dimensional $\mathcal{N}=2$ STU model in presence of higher derivative corrections. We obtained effect of black hole charge, corresponding to the chemical potential, on the Langevin diffusion coefficients ratio. We confirm universal behavior of transverse to longitudinal ratio of coefficients.
Does government spending composition matter for welfare? The case of Brazil

The aim of this work is to contribute to studies about welfare consequences of a given structure of government expenditure by analysing the effects of two alternative measures of public spending, income transfers and investment in public capital, on household welfare. To this end, we use DSGE modeling. Our results show that government spending biased towards public investment, coupled with reduced current public expenditure, is the option yielding the greatest returns to the economy as a whole. Even though households are found to be worse off throughout a time span of 10 quarters, the larger output that ensues from this policy measure will render future generations better off. Thus, if policymakers care equally about all generations, they will elect to undertake public investments, while if more weight is attached to present generations than to future ones, they will be more willing to embark on income transfers.
EXISTENCE AND APPROXIMATION OF HUNT PROCESSES ASSOCIATED WITH GENERALIZED DIRICHLET FORMS

We show that any strictly quasi-regular generalized Dirichlet form that satisfies the mild structural condition D3 is associated to a Hunt process, and that the associated Hunt process can be approximated by a sequence of multivariate Poisson processes. This also gives a new proof for the existence of a Hunt process associated to a strictly quasi-regular generalized Dirichlet form that satisfies SD3 and extends all previous results.
Magnetic Basement Depth Re-Evaluation of Naraguta and Environs North Central Nigeria, Using 3-D Euler Deconvolution

This paper presents a detailed geological interpretation of the aeromagnetic data over Naraguta and environs using 2-D spectral inversion and 3-D Euler deconvolution techniques. The objectives of the study are to re-evaluate the depth to the magnetic basement and to delineate associated structural features in the study area. Data enhancement was carried out to separate residual features relative to the strong regional gradients and the more intense anomalies due to basement features and igneous intrusives. Results of the 2-D spectral analysis revealed a two layer depth source model. The deeper magnetic source bodies (d2) varies from 1.672km to 2.3km with an average depth of 1.999km while the depth to the shallower magnetic source bodies (d1) ranges from 0.55km to 0.897km with an average depth of 0.711km. The shallower magnetic anomalies are believed to be as the result of basement rocks which intruded into the sedimentary rocks while the deeper layer may be attributed to magnetic basement surface and intra-basement discontinuities like faults, fractures and lineations. Structural analysis of these shallow anomalies using 3-D Euler deconvolution with structural index values ranging from 0-3, revealed three main structural models which include spheres, horizontal pipes/cylinders and sills/ dikes. Similarly, magnetic basement depth estimates using 3-D Euler deconvolution revealed a magnetic basement depth range of 0.5 - 2.5km. Finally, the average sedimentary thickness of 1.999km estimated from the study area is unfavorable for hydrocarbon generation and accumulation. However, the area is more viable for solid mineral exploitation based on the presence of several intrusive and linear features which may have acted as conduits for mineralization.
Advanced colloidal technologies for the enhanced bioavailability of drugs

Abstract Bioavailability of the colloidal particles is of great concern. It is because about 40% of the newly discovered colloidal agents are poorly water soluble and thus poorly bioavailable. Various colloidal technologies have been adopted to enhance the bioavailability of such drugs. In this review, advanced colloidal technologies are discussed to understand the mechanism of bioavailability enhancement of drugs, coding latest references from the literature. Additionally, advantages and disadvantages of the concerned colloidal technologies are discussed to understand the potential usage of each process. All these colloidal technologies effectively enhance the bioavailability of poorly bioavailable drugs, either by protecting them from the environment of the gastrointestinal or by prolonging their intended therapeutic effect. Furthermore, complexation of the drug molecule with potential carries, particle size reduction to nanoscale, co-crystallization and self-emulsifying drug delivery system are also discussed which not only enhance the bioavailability but also reduce the potential toxicities of the loaded drugs. It is therefore important to understand the vital colloidal technologies with their recent advancements, potential applications and future challenges, which is discussed in this review. Finally, this article concludes that the advanced colloidal technologies, including freeze-dried liposome, solid lipid nanoparticle, polymeric nanoparticle (polymeric micelles), dendrimers and solid emulsifying drug delivery systems, have the potential to achieve improved bioavailability and targeted drug delivery.
Service Development Management: A Study of its Applicability in the Minas Gerais State Military Police

The chaotic situation faced by the public safety system in Brazilian states has forced authorities to replace ineffective reactive police strategies with “community preventive actions” to fi ght criminality. However, the military police lacks necessary instruments to develop fast new prevention services that have the quality and effectiveness the community desires. This paper describes how the conceptual-theoretical basis of Service Development Management (SDM) was adapted to the planning of new prevention services in the Minas Gerais Military Police (PMMG - Policia Militar de Minas Gerais). The work consisted of two interventions: 1) formulating a management pattern for developing preventive services; 2) creating a management instrument for gathering, evaluating, and selecting service ideas, and internal launching of new services. The methodology of action-research was used as the engaging strategy. The conclusion is that transposing the SDM conceptual-theoretical basis from private companies to the PMMG is possible with minor changes which are mostly related to the nature of the corporation. Nevertheless, it must be said that the similarities between principles and characteristics of preventive policing services and those of private companies have made such transposition easier.
Single-photon emission computerized tomography ( SPEeT ) in neuropsychiatry : . a review

Cranial single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT or SPET) can now give regional cerebral blood flow images with a resolution approaching that of positron emission tomography (PET). In this paper, the use of high resolution SPECT neuroimaging in neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, multi-infarct dementia, Pick's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, Korsakoff's psychosis, Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, schizophrenia, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, HIV infection and AIDS is reviewed. Finally, further potential research and clinical uses, based on ligand studies, are outlined.
Maximising phycocyanin extraction from a newly identified Egyptian cyanobacteria strain: Anabaena oryzae SOS13.

A potentially promising Egyptian cyanobacterial isolate (Anabaena oryzae) was identified by morphological, biochemical approaches as well as sequencing a fragment of the 16S rDNA gene as new strain denoted as Anabaena oryzae SOS13. The new strain was used to produce phycocyanin through extraction using a physical (freeze-thaw) or an enzymatic (lysozyme) approach. Combined freezing-thawing treatments were associated with different levels of phycocyanin yield, where the combination -50oC x 25oC achieved complete extraction of the three pigments (100% each). The enzymatic extraction of the three pigments was significantly influenced by the temperature giving maximum yields at 40oC but was much less effective than the physical freeze-thaw method that is more economic and less liable to potential chemical changes. The resulting extract could be easily purified by the two step ammonium sulfate fractionation giving a product with two SDS-PAGE bands (>15 kD and <25 kD).
Scalable reconstruction of unitary processes and Hamiltonians

Based on recently introduced efficient quantum state tomography schemes, we propose a scalable method for the tomography of unitary processes and the reconstruction of one-dimensional local Hamiltonians. As opposed to the exponential scaling with the number of subsystems of standard quantum process tomography, the method relies only on measurements of linearly many local observables and either (a) the ability to prepare eigenstates of locally informationally complete operators or (b) access to an ancilla of the same size as the to-be-characterized system and the ability to prepare a maximally entangled state on the combined system. As such, the method requires at most linearly many states to be prepared and linearly many observables to be measured. The quality of the reconstruction can be quantified with the same experimental resources that are required to obtain the reconstruction in the first place. Our numerical simulations of several quantum circuits and local Hamiltonians suggest a polynomial scaling of the total number of measurements and post-processing resources.
Attachment to Entrepreneur Brands: How the Entrepreneur Implements the Fronting Behavior

This study examines the impact that consumer-entrepreneur brand attachment has on opinions of entrepreneurs as endorsers of their companies. To test the hypothesis, we conducted a 2 x 2 factorial design manipulated attachment strength to the entrepreneur and fronting situation. Results found entrepreneur brand attachment significantly affects consumers' opinions of entrepreneurs, with no significant effect for fronting situation. Findings suggest that when consumers feel attached to a entrepreneur and view that whether positive or negative fronting behaviors, their opinions of the entrepreneur tend to remain positive. The results imply that entrepreneur brands and their top team would benefit from understanding relational and situational factors that trigger consumers' feelings of attachment. KEYWORD: Consumer-Entrepreneur; Brand Attachment; Brand Endorsement; Fronting Behavior
Protection for Sale: An Empirical Investigation

A prominent model in the recent political-economy literature on trade policy is Grossman and Helpman's (1994) Protection for Sale' model. This model yields clear predictions for the cross-sectional structure of trade protection. The objective of our" paper is to check whether the predictions of the Grossman-Helpman model are consistent with the data and, if the model finds support, to estimate its two key structural parameters: the government's valuation of welfare relative to contributions, and the fraction of the voting population represented by a lobby. We find that the pattern of protection in the U.S. in 1983 is consistent with the basic predictions of the model. Our estimate of the government's valuation of welfare relative to contributions is surprisingly high; the weight of welfare in the government's objective function is estimated to be between 50 and 88 times the weight of contributions.
The [C ii] emission as a molecular gas mass tracer in galaxies at low and high redshifts

We present ALMA Band 9 observations of the [C II]158um emission for a sample of 10 main-sequence galaxies at redshift z ~ 2, with typical stellar masses (log M*/Msun ~ 10.0 - 10.9) and star formation rates (~ 35 - 115 Msun/yr). Given the strong and well understood evolution of the interstellar medium from the present to z = 2, we investigate the behaviour of the [C II] emission and empirically identify its primary driver. We detect [C II] from six galaxies (four secure, two tentative) and estimate ensemble averages including non detections. The [C II]-to-infrared luminosity ratio (L[C II]/LIR) of our sample is similar to that of local main-sequence galaxies (~ 2 x 10^-3), and ~ 10 times higher than that of starbursts. The [C II] emission has an average spatial extent of 4 - 7 kpc, consistent with the optical size. Complementing our sample with literature data, we find that the [C II] luminosity correlates with galaxies' molecular gas mass, with a mean absolute deviation of 0.2 dex and without evident systematics: the [C II]-to-H2 conversion factor (alpha_[C II] ~ 30 Msun/Lsun) is largely independent of galaxies' depletion time, metallicity, and redshift. [C II] seems therefore a convenient tracer to estimate galaxies' molecular gas content regardless of their starburst or main-sequence nature, and extending to metal-poor galaxies at low and high redshifts. The dearth of [C II] emission reported for z > 6 - 7 galaxies might suggest either a high star formation efficiency or a small fraction of UV light from star formation reprocessed by dust.