Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust control of nonlinear uncertain systems via sliding mode with backstepping design

This paper presents a new combination of sliding mode and backstepping for output tracking of coupled two tank system. The proposed controller can greatly reduce chattering of sliding modes of the system, and it has certain robustness with respect to the external disturbances and good adaptability with respect to the parametric uncertainty. It is proved that the proposed systematic backstepping design method is able to guarantee global uniformly ultimately boundedness of all the signals in the closed-loop system. The tracking error is proven to converge to a small neighborhood of the origin. Finally, some experimental results are demonstrated to validate the proposed controllers.
Examining the Perceptions of Families, Teachers, and Administrators of Preschool Programs Meeting the Needs of Young Children with Disabilities

Statefunded preschool programs in the United States (US) increased substantially in the recent years, often times without evaluating how effective the programs are at meeting the needs of all children, including children with special needs. This study sought to investigate how families, teachers, and principals perceived how state funded preschoolprograms in an urban school district in the US met the needs of young children with special needsand their families. Participants included 301 parents of children with special needs,45 teachers, and 30 principals. Overall, all stakeholders identified the programs’ structure, personnel, and home to school connections as strengths, and believed that the preschool programs were an appropriate place for young children with special needs. Parents and teachers indicated satisfaction with the frequency of communication; however, both parents and principals still wanted to see an increase in communication between home and school. Areas needing improvement included critical elements needed in preschool programs related to human resources, increased funding, and appropriate adult-child ratios.
The use of transcranial ultrasonography to predict stroke in sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND Stroke, especially cerebral infarction, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children with sickle cell disease. Primary prevention of stroke by transfusion therapy may be feasible if there is a way to identify the patients at greatest risk. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography can measure flow velocity in the large intracranial arteries. The narrowing of these arteries, which leads to cerebral infarction, is characterized by an increased velocity of flow. METHODS Using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, we prospectively measured the velocity of cerebral blood flow in children and young adults being followed because of sickle cell disease. The results were classified as either normal or abnormal on the basis of the highest velocity of flow in the middle cerebral artery. Abnormal velocity was defined as a flow greater than or equal to 170 cm per second, a definition determined by post hoc analysis to maximize the predictive success of the test. The end point was a clinically apparent first cerebral infarction. RESULTS Two hundred eighty-three transcranial ultrasound examinations were performed in 190 patients with sickle cell disease (age at entry, 3 to 18 years). After an average follow-up of 29 months, cerebral infarction was diagnosed in seven patients. In 23 patients the results of the ultrasound examinations were abnormal, and in 167 patients they were normal. The clinical and hematologic characteristics of the two groups were similar, but six of the seven strokes occurred among the 23 patients with abnormal ultrasound results (P less than 0.00001 by Fisher's exact test). In this group, the relative risk of stroke was 44 (95 percent confidence interval, 5.5 to 346). CONCLUSIONS Transcranial ultrasonography can identify the children with sickle cell disease who are at highest risk for cerebral infarction. Periodic ultrasound examinations and the selective use of transfusion therapy could make the primary prevention of stroke an achievable goal.
Human Resource Management Practices in Bangladeshi Organizations: A Case Study on Bangladesh Centre for Communication Program

Human Resource Management is a modern version of personnel management. It is concerned with the “people�? dimension in management. Since every organization is made up of people, acquiring their services, developing their skills, motivating them to high levels of performance, and ensuring that they continue to maintain their commitment to the organizations are essential to achieving organizational objectives. This paper aim at explaining the HRM practices of Bangladesh Centre For Communication Program.
Sigmoid Adenocarcinoma with Regional Scrotal Metastasis

Colorectal cancer is a common disease, representing the third and second most common cause of cancer death in the United States in women and men, respectively. [Ahnen et al.: Mayo Clin Proc 2014;89: 216–224; Siegel et al.: CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66: 7]. It is estimated that 20% of patients have distant metastatic disease at time of diagnosis [Ahnen et al.: Mayo Clin Proc 2014;89: 216–224; Siegel et al.: CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66: 7]. The most common metastatic sites include regional lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and peritoneum via lymphatic/hematogenous dissemination as well as contiguous and transperitoneal routes [Ahnen et al.: Mayo Clin Proc 2014;89: 216–224; Siegel et al.: CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66: 7]. Upon review of the literature, we found that metastatic colon cancer to the scrotum is rare. The following case report proved to be a unique example of this type of metastasis. This rare regional metastasis is theorized to have resulted from a colo-urethro-scrotal fistula that precipitated from the patient’s prior traumatic event.
Isolation, identification, and activity in vitro of killer yeasts against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolated from tropical fruits

A total of 580 yeasts strains, isolated from Ceara State of Brasil, were evaluated for their ability to produce killer toxin. Of these strains, 29 tested positive for the killer phenotype and were further evaluated for their ability to control Colletotrichum gloeosporioides germination in vitro. All yeast strains that expressed the killer phenotype were characterized by sequencing the D1/D2 regions of the large subunit of the rRNA gene. Five yeast strains provided a significant reduction in mycelial growth and conidial germination of C. gloeosporioides in vitro, especially Meyerozyma guilliermondii, which was able to reduce the fungal mycelial growth on solid medium (potato dextrose agar (PDA)) by 60% and block 100% of conidia germination in liquid media (potato dextrose broth (PDB)). Filtering and autoclaving the liquid cultures had no effect on the growth of the pathogen. These results indicate the potential use of antagonist yeasts isolated from tropical fruits in the control of anthracnose caused by C. gloeosporioides in papaya. Further elucidation of main mechanisms involved on anthracnose control by these yeasts could be helpful for the development of biocontrol techniques related to the management of this disease in tropical fruits.
Short Food Supply Chains and Local Food Systems in the EU. A State of Play of their Socio-Economic Characteristics.

The present study aims at describing the state-of-play of short food supply chains (SFSC) in the EU understood as being the chains in which foods involved are identified by, and traceable to a farmer and for which the number of intermediaries between farmer and consumer should be minimal or ideally nil. Several types of SFSCs can be identified, for example CSAs (Community-Supported Agriculture), on-farm sales, off-farm schemes (farmers markets, delivery schemes), collective sales in particular towards public institutions, being mostly local / proximity sales and in some cases distance sales. Such type of food chain has specific social impacts, economic impacts at regional and farm level as well as environmental impacts translating themselves into a clear interest of consumers. SFSCs are present throughout the EU, although there are some differences in the different MS in terms of dominating types of SFSCs. In general, they are dominantly small or micro-enterprises, composed of small-scale producers, often coupled to organic farming practices. Social values (quality products to consumers and direct contact with the producer) are the values usually highlighted by SFSCs before environmental or economic values. In terms of policy tools, there are pros and cons in developing a specific EU labelling scheme which could bring more recognition, clarity, protection and value added to SFSCs, while potential costs might be an obstacle. Anyhow, a possible labelling scheme should take into account the current different stages and situations of development of SFSCs in the EU and be flexible enough accommodate these differences. Other policy tools, in particular training and knowledge exchange in marketing and communication are considered important and should continue to be funded by Rural Development programmes, as well as possibly other EU funds in view of the positive social and not specifically rural impacts.
Transcriptional analysis of the molecular basis of human kidney aging using cDNA microarray profiling.

BACKGROUND The molecular basis of renal aging is not completely understood. METHODS We used global gene expression monitoring by cDNA microarrays to identify age associated genes in human kidney samples. Our samples included young (8 weeks-8 years, N= 4), adult (31-46 years, N= 7), and old kidneys (71-88 years, N= 9). RESULTS Old kidneys had more glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and fibrous intimal thickening in small arteries. We identified approximately 500 genes that were differentially expressed among the three age groups. Old kidneys appeared to have increased extracellular matrix turnover and a nonspecific inflammatory response, combined with a reduction in processes dependent on energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. Quantitative supervised bioinformatics analyses of adult and old kidney expression data correlated the expression of 255 gene profiles with renal pathology scores. Microarray class prediction analysis (PAM) identified 50 unique genes that segregated old kidneys into two distinct clusters: those more similar within age class (OO, N= 5) versus old kidneys more similar to adult kidneys (OA, N= 4). The expression of six functionally significant genes was further validated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (FN1, MMP7, TNC, SERPIN3A, BPHL, CSPG2) in the experiment group and, subsequently, confirmed independently in 17 additional old and adult age-stratified test kidney samples. The p53 inducible gene, CSPG2, performed best in separating OO kidneys from adults and OA samples in this analysis. CONCLUSION The method described in this study using independent validation samples can be envisioned to test utility of the identified genes in assessing age-related changes that contribute to decline in renal function.
Choice of Cause in Cause-Related Marketing

Spurred by the consumer demand for companies to be socially responsible, cause-related marketing (CM), in which fund raising for a cause is tied to purchase of a firm's products, has become popular in recent years. The authors demonstrate the conditions in which CM campaigns that allow consumers to choose the cause that receives the donation lead to greater consumer support than those in which the company determines the cause. They show that choice in this context is helpful as long as it increases consumers’ perception of personal role in helping the cause. Specifically, allowing consumers to select the cause in a CM campaign is more likely to enhance perceived personal role and, thus, purchase intentions (1) for those consumers who are high (vs. low) in collectivism and (2) when the company and causes have low (vs. high) perceptual fit. Finally, the authors show that under certain conditions, choice may have a negative impact on perceived personal role and consumer support of CM campaigns.
Risk factors for developing multiple sclerosis after childhood optic neuritis

We reviewed the records of all children (younger than 16 years of age) who presented with a diagnosis of optic neuritis (ON) identified through the comprehensive records-linkage systems at the Mayo Clinic and identified 94 cases between 1950 and 1988 with a documented history of idiopathic ON. Detailed follow-up information was available on 79 patients, with a median length of follow-up of 19.4 years. Life-table analysis showed that 13% of the 79 patients with isolated ON had progressed to clinically or laboratory-supported definite multiple sclerosis (MS) by 10 years of follow-up, 19% by 20 years, 22% by 30 years, and 26% by 40 years. Gender, age, funduscopic findings, visual acuity, or family history of either ON or MS did not predict the development of MS. The presence of bilateral sequential or recurrent ON increased the risk of developing MS (p= 0.002; hazard ratio = 5.09), whereas the presence of infection within 2 weeks before the onset of ON decreased the risk of developing MS(p = 0.060; hazard ratio = 0.24). This study of childhood ON supports the lower risk of recurrence and progression to MS compared with adults.
Effectiveness of Explicit Stations Grouping in Crowded Wireless LANs

In this letter, we evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-stage contention scheme for wireless local area networks (WLANs) medium access control (MAC). Multi-stage contention schemes basically divide the stations into smaller groups to resolve the contention more efficiently. Previous researchers have proposed virtual grouping schemes for WLANs MAC. Here we quantitatively analyze what can be achieved with a simple grouping scheme, i.e. through multi-stage contention. Our analysis shows that the multi-stage scheme is efficient in resolving contention, making it a good alternative to the commonly used exponential backoff mechanism.
Luxury consumption factors

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to analyse the luxury market and determine the factors that determine luxury consumption. Luxury consumption has been neglected, and yet many questions arise concerning the underlying dimensions of luxury shopping.Design/methodology/approach – Two scales were used: questions concerning luxury consumption were used in order to determine the sample of luxury consumers, and a PRECON scale was used to measure individual differences in consumers’ prestige shopping preferences. After the scale validation process, factor analysis was conducted, along with regression analysis of all PRECON factors.Findings – The results show that in this market consumers perceive quality as a brand determinant. Further, strong patron status suggests a “snob effect” among respondents, who buy exclusive items in an attempt to distinguish themselves. Hence, rare products indicate respect and prestige among the respondents. Furthermore, this paper defines two sub‐categories, namely “old aristocra.
Harmonic behavior of metallic glasses up to the metastable melt.

In two amorphous alloys ZrTiCuNiBe and ZrAlNiCu coherent neutron scattering has been measured over five decades in energy, including measurements in the metastable melt of a metallic alloy more than 80 K above Tg. In the vibrational spectra a pronounced "boson" peak is found: Even in crystallized samples the density of states exceeds the Debye ω2 model, and in the amorphous state low-frequency vibrations are further enhanced. The peak position shows no dispersion in q, while intensities are strongly correlated with the static structure factor. Over the full energy range the temperature dependence is strictly harmonic. From high-energy resolution measurements we establish lower bounds for the temperatures at which structural α and fast β relaxation become observable.
OPtical pumping of non-identical quantum wells in an active region of semiconductor vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser

The numerical modelling of optically pumped structure composed of two non-identical quantum wells is presented. It is shown that the equalization of quantum well carrier population could be achieved by the two ways: provided the deeper quantum well is located in the area of small carrier generation rate or provided the additional blocking layer preventing the carrier transport is inserted between the quantum wells. More compact laser structure could be made when the second approach is utilized.
STRATEGIC ENTRY INTERACTIONS INVOLVING PROFIT-MAXIMISING AND LABOUR-MANAGED FIRMS

What determines the choice between capitalist and cooperative modes of production? Existing economic explanations focus on productive efficiency and the requirement in a cooperative that an entrepreneur share any surplus with the work force. The author shows that the entry process can also play a role. An incumbent able to engage in strategic behavior is more likely to accommodate an Illyrian labor-managed firm than a profit-maximizer into the industry. The organizational form of the incumbent is also considered. An excess capacity strategy to deter potential entry is more likely, and may take a more extreme form, when the incumbent is labor-managed. Copyright 1991 by Royal Economic Society.
Localization of the giant axonal neuropathy gene to chromosome 16q24

Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a degenerative disorder of the peripheral nerves that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, presenting in early childhood and progressing to death, usually by late adolescence. Diagnosis is made by peripheral nerve biopsy, in which a striking pathological finding is seen—fibers distorted by giant axonal swellings filled with densely packed bundles of neurofilaments (the primary intermediate filament in neurons), with segregation of other axoplasmic organelles. In addition to disorganized neurofilaments in nerve, disorganization of other members of the intermediate filament family of proteins is seen in other tissues; this implies that the underlying defect is one of generalized intermediate filament organization, with neurofilaments predominantly affected. We have pursued a genomewide search for regions of homozygosity of descent in 5 consanguineous families. A 5.3‐cM region of homozygosity, shared in all 5 families, was found on chromosome 16q24, and linkage was established to this locus with a LOD score of 4.18 at Θ = 0.00 at the most tightly linked marker, D16S3098. Determination of this locus is the first step toward characterizing the gene responsible for a fundamental property of intermediate filament organization and may shed light on other disorders (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in which neurofilament pathology is prominent.
A Customer-Based Stochastic Valuation Approach for Growth Companies

This paper develops a model for the valuation of high-growth innovative companies. We propose a customer-based approach, i.e. we link customer valuation and firm valuation. Therefore, the number of the firm's future customers is described by using models for innovation diffusion. The valuation model is formulated in a stochastic framework, i.e. we assume stochastic processes for the main value drivers. The firm value is derived by employing risk-neutral valuation techniques and Monte Carlo simulation.
Factors affecting consumer perceptions on product safety

Examines how perceived product safety may be affected by such product‐related factors as price, brand name, store name, promotion channels, source credibility, country of origin, nature of product testing authority and warranty. Shows that perceived product safety was significantly affected by all of the variables mentioned above. Implies that, by carefully manipulating these variables in formulating marketing strategies, managers can attract the large and growing market of safety‐conscious consumers and gain a competitive edge that cannot possibly be ignored.
Institutional Shareholder Activism in China: Law and Practice

The rise of institutional investor activism is changing the corporate governance landscape in China, as it has in the US, UK and a few other economies. The article examines the legal and regulatory environments in which Chinese financial institutions act as shareholders and participate in the governance of their portfolio companies. The article challenges the conventional wisdom that minority shareholders in Chinese listed companies, in the face of the expropriation by the state-controlled majority shareholders, have been invariably powerless and, in most cases, passive. The article documents the unprecedented level of institutional shareholder activism in China. It shows that institutional activism has brought some corporate governance rules into actual practice in the marketplace, and helped raise corporate governance standards in China. The article argues that Chinese legal rules designed to protect minority shareholders have the unintended effect of deterring institutional shareholders from owning stakes substantial enough to influence corporate decision-making. The policy implications of the article are significant: There is a tension between the policy goals of encouraging institutional participation in corporate governance and of protecting minority shareholders.
Characteristic Impedance of Microstrip-like Interconnections Guarded by Ground Tracks

Grounded guard tracks placed adjacent to transmission line interconnects can change their impedance significantly. We report closed-form expressions for line capacitance and impedance of transmission line interconnects with adjacent guard tracks. Results are validated by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations and measurements. The proposed results can have significant impact on the analysis of coupled interconnect lines, where the use of these grounded tracks is a common design practice.