Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A New Observer Design for Fuzzy Bilinear Systems with Unknown Inputs

An observer design for a class of nonlinear systems with unknown inputs is considered. Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy bilinear systems represent a wide class of nonlinear systems, and these systems with unknown inputs are an ideal model for many physical systems. For such systems, a design method for obtaining an observer that estimates the state of the system is proposed. A parallel distributed observer (PDO), which is constructed with local linear observers and the appropriate grade of the membership functions, is a conventional observer for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy bilinear systems. However, it is known that its design conditions have conservativeness. In this paper, to reduce the conservatism in the design conditions, non-PDO with new design conditions is proposed. Our design conditions are derived from a multiple Lyapunov function, which depends on the membership function with time-delay in the premise variables. This method eventually reduces the conservatism and enables us to construct an observer for a wide class of nonlinear systems. When the premise variables are the state variables that are not measurable, Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy bilinear systems can represent a wider class of nonlinear systems. Hence, an observer design for fuzzy bilinear systems with unmeasurable premise variables is also proposed. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate our design methods.
THE YANGTZE DELTA , CHINA

In order to test the accuracy of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dating of pollen, 8 samples of pollen concentrates and 4 bulk organic samples were collected and analyzed from trench T1041 at the Tianluoshan site, Yuyao city, Zhejiang Province. This site was chosen because a reliable chronology had been previously established there based on radiocarbon dates of plant materials. The pollen concentrate samples were measured using AMS 14C and the 4 bulk organic samples were measured by liquid scintillation counting (LSC). The pollen concentrates and bulk organic samples yield ages that are a few hundred years to thousands of years older than those from plant materials, respectively. Contributions from reworked sediments can explain the older ages for the pollen concentrates and sediment organic dates. This study suggests that caution must be exercised when discussing millennialor centennial-scale climate events based on chronologies that are controlled by age determinations of pollen concentrates.
Molecular Phylogeny and Divergence Time Estimation of the Soft Coral Dendronephthya gigantea(Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae)

Soft coral Dendronephthya gigantea (Verrill, 1864) is a conspicuous species dominating shallow sea waters of Jejudo Island, Korea. Recently its whole mitochondrial genome sequencing was completed by us and the sequence information provided an opportunity to test the age of Octocorallia and time of evolutionary separation between some representative orders of the subclass Octocorallia. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on 13 mitochondrial protein encoding genes revealed a polyphyletic relationship among octocorallians representing two orders (Alcyonacea and Gorgonacea) and four families (Alcyoniidae, Nephtheidae, Briareidae, and Gorgoniidae). Estimates of divergence times among octocorallians indicate that the first splitting might occur around end of or after Cretaceous period (50-79 million years ago (Ma)). The age is relatively young compared to the long history of stony sea corals (¤240 Ma). Taken together our result suggests a possible relatively recent radiating evolution at least in the order Alcyonacea and Gorgonacea. Molecular dating and phylogenetic analysis based on much broader taxon sampling and many genes might give an insight into this interesting hypothesis.
Bit Error Rate Performance Bounds of SC-FDE under Arbitrary Multipath Mobile Communication Channels in Transportation

This paper focuses on the bit error rate (BER) performance of intelligent transportation communication system under multipath mobile frequency-selective channels. After presenting the theoretical BER performance formula of single carrier frequency domain equalization (SC-FDE) in the form of double integral, a closed-form approximate upper bound of BER performance was derived，as well as specific analytical expressions for approximate BER performance bounds under typical modulations. Analysis and simulation show that the derived approximate BER bound highly approaches the theoretical one. The bound also indicates that the research about the preferable equalization methods is still necessary.
The Relationship Among Physical Function, Cognition Function and Emotion of Young Elite Fencing Athletes

There is no definite conclusion about the relationship among physical function ，cognition and emotion so far. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between physical function and cognitive and emotional state of the youth fencing athletes by evaluating their body function and cognition and emotion. 40 elite fencing athletes are recruited. All athletes have to be tested their body composition information, physical function, simple reaction time, attention and emotion. The results suggest that physical function has correlation with cognition including their simple reaction time and attention. In addition, the simple reaction time has negative correlation with shoulder mobility and in-line lunge, attention has negative correlation with trunk stability. And trunk stability has correlation with trait anxiety but has no correlation with other affective trait.
Molecular Diagnosis and Prenatal Diagnosis in Abelson’s Helper Integration 1 gene (AHI1) in a Family with Joubert Syndrome

Joubert syndrome is a neurologic disorder with abnormalities of the cerebellum and brainstem, and the Molar Tooth Sign (MTS) is the typical clinical feature. This article was to identify potential mutations in a Chinese patient with Joubert syndrome and related disorders and carry out prenatal diagnostic testing for the family by Sanger sequencing. Two variants were found in AHI1 gene by sequencing of 20 Joubert-related genes for the Chinese proband at a time, and one of the variants (c.2386_c.2380delTTTC) is novel. Sanger validation shows the 2 variants in AHI1 were inherited from each parents, separately. We did prenatal diagnosis for the proband’s mother when she was pregnant for 18 weeks, and the data shows the fetus is a carrier. This data shows the importance of the Sanger in clinical diagnosis and the prenatal diagnosis.
Transportation problem of cross-docking network with three-dimensional trucks

A significant part of price of each product is related to distribution process. Therefore, by controlling this process, a good improvement will be observed in not only net profit of related company but also customer satisfaction. Cross-docking network is considered as a useful method for achieving to these goals. In this paper, transportation problem of cross-docking network is used in order to minimize the total cost for transferring the loads between origins and destinations. The three-dimensional shapes are applied for both trucks and loads. This assumption helps us to find the exact capacity of each truck in basis of each product. Thus, decision makers will find easily by which combinations and amount of products each truck will fill. This problem is formulated using a mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) and solved by a heuristic algorithm that simulated annealing (SA) is its core. Several numerical examples are solved, and the results show that this algorithm can find efficient solutions in comparison with exact algorithm. Key words: Cross-docking, transportation problem, mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP), Heuristics algorithm, simulated annealing (SA).
Primary care physicians' agreement with NCEP-ATP II Guidelines in management of hyperlipidemia

The objective of the present work is to assess the ability of primary care physicians to apply correctly the recent hyperlipidemia management guidelines. A cross – sectional study of primary care physicians working in the family medicine department affiliated with a tertiary hospital. Using 63 patient problem vignettes, which included lipid biochemistry, and a number of cardiovascular risk factors, each physician was asked, if a patient required no treatment, dietary or drug treatment. The vignette cases were matched against the NCEP ATPII guidelines. Forty-five physicians were recruited in this study. The Kappa statistics showed only two (4.4%) had excellent agreement, nine (20%) fair to good agreement while the remaining thirty-four (75.6%) of the physicians had poor agreement. The median Kappa statistics of 0.3 and a mean of 0.33 (SD = 0.18) suggested an overall poor agreement. Overall, the decisions to treat with medications were more consistent with the NCEP guidelines than diet alone or no treatment decisions. Saudi and younger physicians had statistically significant (P 35 years) and Non – Saudi physicians. About one third of the physicians were not consistent with guidelines rec-ommended by the NCEP-ATPII. The majority of the expatriate doctors are not following the NCEP which is evidence based and the most widely accepted guideline. Therefore, it is suggested that only one guideline to be adopted as a standard, and doctors must undergo adequate training and continuous evaluation of their skills.
Comparing the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Sleep Psycho-Education with Exercise on Chronic Insomnia: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a potential treatment for chronic insomnia. We evaluated the efficacy of MBCT for insomnia (MBCT-I) by comparing it with a sleep psycho-education with exercise control (PEEC) group. Methods: Adults with chronic primary insomnia (n = 216) were randomly allocated to the MBCT-I or PEEC group. The MBCT-I included mindfulness and psycho-education with cognitive and behavioural components under cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. PEEC included psycho-education of sleep hygiene and stimulus control, and exercises. Any change in insomnia severity was measured by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Secondary outcomes included sleep parameters measured by a sleep diary, health service utilisation, absence from work and mindfulness measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Results: The ISI score significantly decreased in the MBCT-I group compared with the PEEC group at 2 months (i.e., post-intervention) (p = 0.023, effect size [95% CI] -0.360 [-0.675, -0.046]) but not at 5 or 8 months. Treatment response rates and remission rates based on the ISI cut-off scores were not significantly different between groups. Wake time after sleep onset (WASO) was less in the MBCT-I group at 2 and 5 months. At 8 months, both groups showed a reduced ISI score, sleep onset latency and WASO, and increased sleep efficiency and total sleep time; however, no group differences were seen. Other outcome measures did not significantly improve in either group. Conclusions: Long-term benefits were not seen in MBCT-I when compared with PEEC, although short-term benefits were seen.
Special Needs Assistants: The Special Charcteristics and Strenght of the School System of Finland

The contribution of special needs assistants (SNA) is becoming increasingly important in inclusive and special classrooms. However, the profession itself has remained unexplored. The purpose of this article is to describe special needs assistants’ perceptions on their education, professional competence, the content and significance of their work within the school system of Finland, and the further development of their role and content of their work. 171 special needs assistants from the province of Lapland participated in the research. This research was a mixed methods research where the data was collected in 2010 through a semi-structured questionnaire that consisted both quantitative and qualitative elements and was, therefore, analyzed both by using qualitative and quantitative analyzing methods. The results highlighted the diversity, challenges and development needs of special needs assistants’ work. Special needs assistants are strength and can work as a support for teachers, students, and parents.
Factors affecting entrepreneurs' performance in Kenya: a case of Nairobi Women Groups in the Central Business District

The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting women entrepreneurs’ performance in Kenya. Women being the backbone of economies in developing countries and specifically in Kenya, play a significant role to ensure their families’ well being. The study sought to determine how women’s entrepreneurship affects economic growth and development and the impact on women’s entrepreneurship in economic development. The study would benefit stakeholders since it provides information that can be used to formulate policy. The study would be a source of reference material for future researchers on other related topics; it would also help other academicians who undertake the same topic in their studies. The financial institutions would endeavour to offer community service, do business and come up with appropriate products for women in business. The study advocates women education through seminars to help them keep proper record which shows proper business operation, and help them assess the business margins and mark-up to weigh the rate of business returns on their own. The design of this research was a descriptive survey research. A descriptive survey research seeks to obtain information that describes existing phenomena by asking individuals about their perceptions, attitude, behaviour or values. The data collected was analyzed using inferential statistics. After the data collection, the researcher pre-processed the data to eliminate unwanted and unusable data which could have been contradictory or ambiguous, the researcher, developed a coding scheme by creating codes and scales from the responses which was then summarized and analysed using Statistical Package o f Social Science (SPSS).
Comparative evaluation of three proliferation markers , Ki-67 , TOP 2 A , and RacGAP 1 , in bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms : Issues and prospects

The classification of bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms (BP-NEN) into four tumor entities (typical carcinoids (TC), atypical carcinoids (AC), small cell lung cancers (SCLC), large cell neuroendocrine lung carcinomas (LCNEC)) is difficult to perform accurately, but important for prognostic statements and therapeutic management decisions. In this regard, we compared the expression of three proliferation markers, Ki-67, Topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A), and RacGAP1, in a series of tumor samples from 104 BP-NEN patients (24 TC, 21 AC, 52 SCLC, 7 LCNEC) using different evaluation methods (immunohistochemistry (IHC): Average evaluation, Hotspot evaluation, digital image analysis; RT-qPCR). The results indicated that all three markers had increased protein and mRNA expression with poorer differentiation and correlated well with each other, as well as with grading, staging, and poor survival. Compared with Ki-67 and TOP2A, RacGAP1 allowed for a clearer prognostic statement. The cut-off limits obtained for Ki-67-Average (IHC) were TC-AC 1.5, AC-SCLC 19, and AC-LCNEC 23.5. The Hotspot evaluation generated equal to higher, the digital image analysis generally lower between-entity cut-off limits. All three markers enabled a clear-cut differentiation between the BP-NEN entities, and all methods evaluated were suitable for marker assessment. However, to define optimal cut-off limits, the Ki-67 evaluation methods should be standardized. RacGAP1 appeared to be a new marker with great potential.
Genetic diversity in two Lilium (Liliaceae) species from different regions of Greece based on a Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis.

Distribution of genetic variation between populations of Lilium albanicum and Lilium chalcedonicum was investigated using RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) profiles. Plants for the analysis were collected from four different populations, containing 33 individuals. Eleven primers yielded 88 polymorphic bands. UPGMA clustering and principle coordinate analysis indicated a clear separation between the populations of the two species and all the analyzed individuals clustered in three groups, one comprising L. chalcedonicum and the other two groups encompassing three populations of L. albanicum. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 33% of the total variance is between species. The highest amount of genetic differentiation, 51% of the total variance, is found within the individual populations.
Difficulties in co‐opting a complex sign: Our Lady of Guadalupe as a site of semiotic struggle and entanglement

The Cult of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the product of appropriations authored by both the Aztecs and the Roman Catholic Church, has served as a tool of empowerment, dominion, and accommodation. Central to this contested cult is an indigenous reinvention of the Virgin Mary that is simultaneously index, icon, and symbol. This study demonstrates the difficulties in attempting to selectively appropriate the desirable features of such a sign while excluding those deemed undesirable. In attempting to appropriate certain features of the Virgin it deemed desirable, the authors argue, the Church also annexed aspects of the Aztec religious tradition at odds with the teachings of Catholicism. While Catholicism's attempt to co‐opt this Virgin extended the influence of the institutional Catholic Church, the authors suggest, it also undermined the integrity of the faith the Church promotes by fostering a form of popular Catholicism contrary to the teachings and practices of orthodox Catholicism. This study is grounded in data obtained through interviews conducted with pilgrims in the vicinity of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe immediately prior to, during, and after the Virgin's annual feastday (December 12). The authors also draw upon anthropological, historical, and religious studies scholarship to make sense of the pilgrims’ beliefs and place them within the broader historical and religious contexts in which they operate.
Acute, Subacute, and Cell Toxicity of the Aqueous Extract of Lippia citriodora

Background: Lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) has a long history as a folk remedy for the common cold, asthma, colic, fever, diarrhea, indigestion, insomnia, and anxiety. The increasing use of Lippia citriodora and the lack of scientific data on its safety profile make necessary an evaluation of its toxicity. Objectives: The present study evaluated the acute, subacute, and cellular toxicity of the aqueous extract of L. citriodora leaves. Methods: The acute and subacute toxicity of the plant was evaluated with a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of aqueous extract at the dosage range of 0, 1, 2, and 5 g/kg of body weight (acute model) in mice and rats and 21 days’ administration at the dosage range of 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of body weight. For subacute toxicity, food intake, water intake, body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters, and histopathological changes were evaluated. In our in vitro study, the effect of different concentrations (0, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) in HepG2 cells was evaluated using MTT assay. Results: In the acute toxicity study, the calculated LD50 was 5g/kg of body weight. The subacute toxicity study did not show a significant change in any of the hematological, biochemical, or pathological findings compared to the control group, except for a reduction in triglyceride levels. The cytotoxicity assay also revealed that the viability in all groups was greater than the IC50 value. Conclusions: Results from the present study elucidated that treatment with the aqueous extract of L. citriodora leaves was well tolerated via daily IP injection at doses up to 200 mg/kg for a period of 21 days and did not produce any toxicity. The safety of L. citriodora aqueous extract was also confirmed by cell viability assay.
IT Best Practices for Implementing E-learning: The Case of Rift Valley Technical Training Institute

Implementation of technology has proved to be the way to go in most of the disciplines across the world. This is because of the massive benefits that come with it. Education and Training sector has also not been left behind in the quest of embracing technology in learning. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions play a big role in the provision of well-trained individuals needed by the industry. Most of the learning institutions, including TVET institutions, are currently advocating for e-learning as a mode of teaching and learning. Nevertheless as TVET institutions implement e-learning platforms, there are Information Technology best practices, other than human factors that need to be considered. This paper discusses the best practices for implementing E-learning in TVET institutions as far as information technology is concerned. The paper adopts a case study research design. Data was qualitatively collected from key informants from Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) which is the only TVET institution that has implemented e-learning in North Rift Region, Kenya. An e-learning model was used as the theoretical basis of the study where four themes that guided data collection were drawn. With this guidance, data was collected from key informants who included; the lecturers who had been trained on the use of e-learning and MIS manager and students who had been enrolled in the e-learning application. Data was then analyzed based on the four themes which are availability, usability connectivity and security to identify the best practices of effective implementation of e- learning in TVET. After analysis, the study gave recommendations that ensures successful implementation of e-learning in TVET institutions and also identified further areas of research in this field.
A New Multi-ring SRR Type Metamaterial Design with Multiple

In this study, we propose a new SRR unit cell design for multi-band metamaterial applications. The suggested unit cell structure consists of N number of concentric split rings to obtain magnetic resonances at N distinct frequencies. The value of each distinct resonance frequency can be adjusted by changing design parameters such as metal widths and gap distances for each ring as well as ring-to-ring separations. The suggested multi-band structure is simulated using CST Microwave Studio. Efiective medium parameters of the resulting multi-ring SRR type metamaterials are estimated by a retrieval algorithm.
Workplace bullying in Turkey and Australia: A preliminary comparative investigation

This study compares victim conceptualisation of bullying and witness reactions to the behaviour in Turkey and Australia. Data was collected from 139 university students from Business disciplines in the two countries. Findings suggest that there are many similarities in bullying scenarios across the two cultures, however, differences in themes and witness responses were identified. Further analysis suggests that these differences are attributable to cultural factors. This study contributes to the literature by increasing understanding of the complex dynamics of workplace bullying in cross-cultural and diverse contexts. Findings also offer insights to managers, human resources practitioners and policy makers in devising culture-appropriate prevention and intervention strategies.