Observer synthesis for the T-S fuzzy system with uncertainty and output disturbance

[[abstract]]The paper proposes a novel fuzzy observer synthesis for the Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy system with uncertainty and output disturbance. First, an augmented fuzzy model is built by integrating the system state and the output disturbance into a new variable. Then, based on Lyapunov theory and LMIs tools, two main theorems are derived for particular and general cases of fuzzy systems, respectively. In each main theorem, three key conditions are proposed, under which the fuzzy observer is synthesized to estimate the system state and the output disturbance simultaneously. According to the main theorems, a methodical procedure for the fuzzy observer synthesis is also provided. Finally, the effectiveness of the observer is demonstrated by a numerical example.[[notice]]補正完畢[[incitationindex]]SCI[[booktype]]紙

Development of antivirals against norovirus: linking the bench to the bedside

Even though norovirus gastroenteritis is normally self-limiting among immunocompetent individuals, it causes severe complications and fatal outcomes in immunocompromised patients. Hence novel and specific antiviral treatments are urgently needed. In this thesis, I aimed to adequately assess the burden of norovirus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, and to further explore the potency and mechanism­of-action of several chemicals in this specific setting. I found that the burden of norovirus infection in transplant recipients was more severe than was expected, thus requiring specific treatment. Mycophenolic acid exerted potent anti-norovirus activity through depletion of guanosine pool. Interferons induced strong anti­norovirus ISGs including IRF-1, RIG-I and MDAS to combat norovirus replication. Nitazoxanide inhibited human norovirus through activation of host innate immunity. These information bears important implication for developing antivirals against norovirus gastroenteritis

Circadian Clock Gene Regulation in Aging and Drug Discovery

The circadian clock is an endogenous timer in prokaryotes and mammals. Resting and adjusting the internal clock can assist in pacing the daily routine. Growing evidence indicates that the circadian clock and aging process are closely associated. The disruption of the circadian clock leads to accelerated aging and increased incidence of various diseases. In particular, elderly people are more vulnerable and have a higher risk of diseases than do young people. In this study, we reviewed studies on aging and circadian rhythms over the last decade, with a focus on circadian clock gene regulation in aging and drug discovery for targeting the circadian clock in diseases

Discretionary Loan Loss Provisions And Earnings Management For The Banking Industry

The purpose of the study is to investigate the relation between discretionary loan loss provisions and 6 indicators of bank operating performance for the period 1999-2004 under controlling the type of bank, ownership status and asset size. Besides, we investigate whether bank managers intend to use discretionary loan loss provisions as a means for earnings management. Based on the empirical results from the Taiwan Economic Journal (TEJ) database, the study finds: (1) the two earnings-related variables, namely earnings before loan loss provisions and one-year-ahead earnings, are significantly related to discretionary loan loss provision; (2) non-performing loans is significantly related to discretionary loan loss provisions, but non-performing loans ratio and bad debts coverage ratio are not found to be significantly linked to discretionary loan loss provisions; (3) capital adequacy ratio is not significantly related to discretionary loan loss provisions. Finally, our findings indicate that bank managers may use discretionary loan loss provisions to engage in earnings management when the earnings before loan loss provisions or non-performing loans are at a high level

Towards universal health coverage: achievements and challenges of 10 years of healthcare reform in China.

Universal health coverage (UHC) has been identified as a priority for the global health agenda. In 2009, the Chinese government launched a new round of healthcare reform towards UHC, aiming to provide universal coverage of basic healthcare by the end of 2020. We conducted a secondary data analysis and combined it with a literature review, analysing the overview of UHC in China with regard to financial protection, coverage of health services and the reported coverage of the WHO and the World Bank UHC indicators. The results include the following: out-of-pocket expenditures as a percentage of current health expenditures in China have dropped dramatically from 60.13% in 2000 to 35.91% in 2016; the health insurance coverage of the total population jumped from 22.1% in 2003 to 95.1% in 2013; the average life expectancy increased from 72.0 to 76.4, maternal mortality dropped from 59 to 29 per 100 000 live births, the under-5 mortality rate dropped from 36.8 to 9.3 per 1000 live births, and neonatal mortality dropped from 21.4 to 4.7 per 1000 live births between 2000 and 2017; and so on. Our findings show that while China appears to be well on the path to UHC, there are identifiable gaps in service quality and a requirement for ongoing strengthening of financial protections. Some of the key challenges remain to be faced, such as the fragmented and inequitable health delivery system, and the increasing demand for high-quality and value-based service delivery. Given that China has committed to achieving UHC and 'Healthy China 2030', the evidence from this study can be suggestive of furthering on in the UHC journey and taking the policy steps necessary to secure change

Towards universal health coverage: lessons from 10 years of healthcare reform in China.

Universal health coverage (UHC) is driving the global health agenda. Many countries have embarked on national policy reforms towards this goal, including China. In 2009, the Chinese government launched a new round of healthcare reform towards UHC, aiming to provide universal coverage of basic healthcare by the end of 2020. The year of 2019 marks the 10th anniversary of China's most recent healthcare reform. Sharing China's experience is especially timely for other countries pursuing reforms to achieve UHC. This study describes the social, economic and health context in China, and then reviews the overall progress of healthcare reform (1949 to present), with a focus on the most recent (2009) round of healthcare reform. The study comprehensively analyses key reform initiatives and major achievements according to four aspects: health insurance system, drug supply and security system, medical service system and public health service system. Lessons learnt from China may have important implications for other nations, including continued political support, increased health financing and a strong primary healthcare system as basis

Inducer line generated double haploid seeds for combined waxy and opaque 2 grain quality in subtropical maize ( Zea mays. L.)

The implementation of modern inducer lines in maize breeding can substantially decrease the time required to create elite inbred lines. In industrialized countries, this method has already largely replaced conventional backcross methods. However, the application of in vivo gynogenesis for inducing doubled haploids is still limited to European and US maize germplasms and has still to be adapted for exotic plant material. The reliability of three modern European inducer lines from the University of Hohenheim (Germany) was investigated for the production of haploid progenies from subtropical specialty maize. Three Chinese hybrids heterozygous for waxy maize and opaque 2 were used as maternal donor material, as maize double recessive for waxy and opaque 2 may improve the nutrition of ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia. However, many false positives were detected by flow cytometry among putative haploid seeds based on anthocyanin pigmentation because the color expression was inhibited in almost 50% of the induced seeds from this maternal plant material. Based on flow cytometry, the haploid induction rates were high with 10.2-12.3%, and the chromosome doubling rates were around 50%; therefore the principal potential of producing DH was confirmed for subtropical maize. However inducer lines for the precise and fast recognition of truly induced haploid seeds still need to be develope