Stability of singular jump-linear systems with a large state space : a two-time-scale approach

This paper considers singular systems that involve both continuous dynamics and discrete events with the coefficients being modulated by a continuous-time Markov chain. The underlying systems have two distinct characteristics. First, the systems are singular, that is, characterized by a singular coefficient matrix. Second, the Markov chain of the modulating force has a large state space. We focus on stability of such hybrid singular systems. To carry out the analysis, we use a two-time-scale formulation, which is based on the rationale that, in a large-scale system, not all components or subsystems change at the same speed. To highlight the different rates of variation, we introduce a small parameter ε>0. Under suitable conditions, the system has a limit. We then use a perturbed Lyapunov function argument to show that if the limit system is stable then so is the original system in a suitable sense for ε small enough. This result presents a perspective on reduction of complexity from a stability point of view

Overcoming Language and Literacy Barriers: Using Student Response System Technology to Collect Quality Program Evaluation Data from Immigrant Participants

Student response system technology was employed for parenting education program evaluation data collection with Karen adults. The technology, with translation and use of an interpreter, provided an efficient and secure method that respected oral language and collective learning preferences and accommodated literacy needs. The method was popular with parents and staff, and provided reliable data, ensuring that participants were well represented in the evaluation results

Financial Stress, Parenting Quality, and the Moderating Effect of Co-parenting Alliance within the Marital Dissolution Population

University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. August 2017. Major: Family Social Science. Advisor: Catherine Solheim. 1 computer file (PDF); vii, 107 pages.In this study, the relationship between the perception of financial stress (measured by income inadequacy), parenting quality (measured by positive parenting, consistent discipline, and good supervision), and the moderating effect that cooperative co-parenting (measured by co-parenting alliance) were investigated within a sample of parents who were separated, filing for divorce, and in post-divorce. Social Exchange Theory (SET) as well as Parenting Alliance Theory (PAT) were used as a guiding framework for the study. PROCESS were used to conduct the moderation analyses. Analyses showed a significant, positive relationship between financial stress and all three indicators of parenting quality (i.e., positive parenting, consistent discipline, and good supervision). Analyses further showed a moderating effect of co-parenting alliance on the relationship between financial stress and the discipline and supervision aspects of parenting quality. Co-parenting alliance did not moderate the effect of financial stress on the positive parenting aspect of parenting quality. These findings contradict existing literature pertaining to the relationship between financial stress and parenting quality. Implications of the results were discussed

Identification of single nucleotide polymorphism markers associated with resistance to bruchids (Callosobruchus spp.) in wild mungbean (Vigna radiata var. sublobata) and cultivated V. radiata through genotyping by sequencing and quantitative trait locus analysis

Interval mapping of bruchid resistance on physical maps of populations TC1966 x NM94 and V2802. (DOCX 14 kb

Parents’ Ideas about Good Parenting: Narratives of First- and Second-Generation Hmong Parents

Parenting ideas and practices are highly influenced by culture. However, when parents move to another country, their parenting ideologies and practices are often questioned by their children and the larger society. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to understand the concept of good parents and its origins from two generation Hmong parents. Twenty-one parents (9 first-generation and 12 second-generation) from a midwestern state in the United States (14 mothers and 7 fathers), ages ranging from 19 to 50 (mean=31.57, SD=8.29), participated in the study. Results show that good parents provide for their children’s basic needs, are involved in their children’s daily lives, communicate with their children without yelling, discipline their children with age-appropriate techniques, and teach their children to be responsible and independent. Additionally, we also found that parents learn about parenting from their family members instead of professionals. Suggestions for parent education and future studies are discussed

Financial Influences Impacting Young Adults’ Relationship Satisfaction: Personal Management Quality, Perceived Partner Behavior, and Perceived Financial Mutuality

In this study, we investigated the extent to which young adults’ (n=274) personal financial management quality and perceived partners’ financial behavior were associated – both directly and indirectly via perceived financial mutuality – with relationship satisfaction in committed relationships. The study was grounded in Social Exchange Theory (SET). A path analysis revealed that perceived partner’s financial behavior had a direct association with perceived financial mutuality, which, in turn, had a direct association with relationship satisfaction. In contrast, the participant’s financial management quality and relationship satisfaction were not directly associated nor was they indirectly associated through perceived financial mutuality. Perceived financial mutuality had the largest effect on relationship satisfaction. These findings indicate that perceived financial mutuality plays a key role both directly and as a mediator on relationship satisfaction for these young adults. The implications of the findings provide insights for designing preventive financial strategies early in romantic relationships

Expression of Human Frataxin Is Regulated by Transcription Factors SRF and TFAP2

Friedreich ataxia is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease caused by reduced expression levels of the frataxin gene (FXN) due to expansion of triplet nucleotide GAA repeats in the first intron of FXN. Augmentation of frataxin expression levels in affected Friedreich ataxia patient tissues might substantially slow disease progression.We utilized bioinformatic tools in conjunction with chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays to identify transcription factors that influence transcription of the FXN gene. We found that the transcription factors SRF and TFAP2 bind directly to FXN promoter sequences. SRF and TFAP2 binding sequences in the FXN promoter enhanced transcription from luciferase constructs, while mutagenesis of the predicted SRF or TFAP2 binding sites significantly decreased FXN promoter activity. Further analysis demonstrated that robust SRF- and TFAP2-mediated transcriptional activity was dependent on a regulatory element, located immediately downstream of the first FXN exon. Finally, over-expression of either SRF or TFAP2 significantly increased frataxin mRNA and protein levels in HEK293 cells, and frataxin mRNA levels were also elevated in SH-SY5Y cells and in Friedreich ataxia patient lymphoblasts transfected with SRF or TFAP2.We identified two transcription factors, SRF and TFAP2, as well as an intronic element encompassing EGR3-like sequence, that work together to regulate expression of the FXN gene. By providing new mechanistic insights into the molecular factors influencing frataxin expression, our results should aid in the discovery of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of Friedreich ataxia