A global time-varying sliding-mode control for the tracking problem of uncertain dynamical systems.

In this paper, a global time-varying sliding-mode control scheme with prespecified convergence time is proposed for the tracking problem of a class of uncertain nonlinear systems under parameters uncertainties and external disturbances. Firstly, a novel time-varying sliding manifold with appropriate coefficients is presented. These coefficients are tuned to eliminate the reaching phase and to drive the system states to the equilibrium in a specified time.

Adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding-mode control for the tracking problem of uncertain dynamical systems.

In this paper, robust and adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding-mode (NFTSM) control schemes for the trajectory tracking problem are proposed with known or unknown upper bound of the system uncertainty and external disturbances. The developed controllers take the advantage of the NFTSM theory to ensure fast convergence rate, singularity avoidance, and robustness against uncertainties and external disturbances. First, a robust NFTSM controller is proposed which guarantees that sliding surface and equilibrium point can be reached in a short finite-time from any initial state.

[Cutaneous melanoma: about 200 cases].

Aim: To analyze the clinical and pathological aspects of cutaneous melanoma and to determine the prognostic factors.

Methods: This is a retrospective study about 200 cases of cutaneous melanoma collected in Salah Azaiz Institute over a period of 36 years (1969-2005).

Results: The mean age was 55.

Borderline tumors of the ovary.

Background: Borderline tumors of the ovary (BOT) were described for the first time by Taylor in 1929. These lesions have a more favorable outcome than do other ovarian cancers. Their prognosis and treatment are still subject of discussion since they occurred more often in young women where the sparing fertility surgery is always considered primarily.

Results of second-look laparotomy in advanced ovarian cancer: one single center experience.

Objective. The goal of the study was to analyse the results of 85 cases of second-look laparotomy (SLL) and explore the influence of this procedure on survival. Patients and Methods.

Recurrent obstructions after resonance stent placement in the treatment of ureteral compression from malignant disease.

Background: The Resonance ureteral stent is a newly developed all-metallic double-pigtail ureteral stent allowing a palliative diversion on a patient with malignant ureteral obstruction.

Aim: To define selection criteria of good candidates for Resonance stent.

Case: A 62-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department with complaining of severe right flank pain and anuria.

Clinicopathological characteristics of synchronous bilateral breast carcinomas. Report of 30 patients.

Aim: The objective of this study is to determine the clinicopathologic characteristics; incidence and prognosis value of synchronous bilateral breast carcinoma (SBBC).

Methods: This is a retrospective study done in Salah Azaiz Institute of Tunis about 30 patients with synchronous bilateral breast carcinomas diagnosed and treated over a 21-years period going from 1977 to 1997. The definition of synchronous breast lesions is the developpement of the contralateral breast cancer within 6 months.

Breast carcinoma arising within fibroadenomas. Report of four observations.

Background: Fibroadenoma is a frequent benign breast tumor affecting young woman. The incidence of a carcinoma within adenofibromas is estimated at 0.1 to 0.

Phyllodes tumors of the breast: a case series of 106 patients.

Background: Phyllodes tumors (PTs) of the breast are rare, and their prognosis and treatment are still subject of discussion. The purpose of this study is to clarify therapeutic aspects and prognostic factors of this disease.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 106 patients who had histologically confirmed PTs collected over a period of 10 years.

[Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the breast].

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a superficial mesenchymal cutaneous tumor of essentially local malinancy, located more often in the trunk and extremities. This tumor is usually diagnosed after multiple recurrences. We report two cases of rare mammary localisations of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in 2 patients aged 39 and 43 years respectively, the two lesions sized 35 x 45 mm were treated by wide excision and reconstruction with a dorsal flap; in the second case.

Prognostic factors and clinicopathologic characteristics of invasive adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with cervical adenocarcinoma and to determine the characteristics and the prognostic factors of this entity.

Study Design: This retrospective study was done in the Department of Surgical Oncology of the Salah Azaiz Institute of Tunis with 79 cases of invasive adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix that were collected from 1990 to 1999. Survival was analyzed according to the Kaplan-Meier method.