Launcher attitude control: some additional design and optimization tools

This paper deals with the launcher attitude control during atmospheric flight. A two step approach combining an H1 control design and an optimization procedure is proposed. The first step is multi-objective stationary H1 design based on the Cross Standard Form. It provides easily a first rough solution from a few physical tuning parameters. The second step is a fine tuning using an multi-constraint satisfaction algorithm. This algorithm enables the certification criteria computed on the validation model to be met and is also used to propagate the nominal tuning to the full flight envelope

Literacy and Thinking Tools for Science Teachers

Literacy and thinking tools, such as Venn diagrams, are construction tools for the mind. Just as carpenters use tools to construct a piece of furniture, literate thinkers learning science can use tools to construct new scientific understandings. Like tools used by a carpenter, some literacy and thinking tools are purpose-built for science education; Josephine used a Venn diagram tool because she wanted to compare her pet bird to a bald eagle. Just as a screwdriver is built to slot into the head of a screw and rotate it, you can use literacy and thinking tools for subject- and text-specific purposes. In this chapter, we examine some characteristics of literacy and thinking tools (Whitehead, 2001, 2004). A list of these tools, together with the chapters associ-ated with their use, is provided in Table 2:1

Introduction to the Research Tools Mind Map

With the increasing use of information and communications technology (ICT), researchers are able to use computer software tools to find, organise, manipulate, analyse, and share relevant information. However, there are hundreds of such tools to select from, for various research-related uses. I have collected over 700 tools that can help researchers do their work efficiently. It is assembled as an interactive Web-based mind map, titled Research Tools, which is updated periodically. Created using the MindMeister software platform, Research Tools provides a convenient interface with zoom in/out, screen drag, and other user-friendly features. Being a mind map, Research Tools consists of a hierarchical set of nodes. It has four main nodes: (1) Searching the literature, (2) Writing a paper, (3) Targeting suitable journals, and (4) Enhancing visibility and impact, and six auxiliary nodes. In the mind map, each parent node has several child nodes associated with it, which can be accessed by clicking on the plus (+) sign. Several free tools can be found in the child nodes. Some paid tools are also included. The four main nodes are described below, listing some tools as examples. In the mind map, a green tick sign indicates my preference for some tools. Users can access the tools by clicking on the arrow sign that appears next to the tool title

Information-sharing and evidence base within assistive technology: some current tools

Assistive technology is recognised as a specialism across the sectors (Department of Health, 2007; Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, 2005) and to this end it requires the acquisition and retention of specialist knowledge within a changing and progressive environment. A number of tools help practitioners and researchers to maintain and share this knowledge and these tools are growing and evolving with time. These can be divided into traditional tools, first generation ICT and second generation ICT. Traditional tools include journals (such as the one you are reading), conferences (such as the UK RAATE conference, www.raate.org.uk), paper-based literature searching and face-to-face meetings. First generation ICT tools include ‘static’ web pages, email lists and database-based literature searching. Second generation ICT tools include Web 2.0 style usergenerated content, including blogs, dynamic web, Wikis (peer-editable websites) and online and collaborative literature searching and publication

Equilibrium Heterogeneous-Agent Models as Measurement Tools: some Monte Carlo Evidence

This paper discusses a series of Monte Carlo experiments designed to evaluate the empirical properties of heterogeneous-agent macroeconomic models in the presence of sampling variability. The calibration procedure leads to the welfare analysis being conducted with the wrong parameters. The ability of the calibrated model to correctly predict the long-run welfare changes induced by a set of policy experiments is assessed. The results show that, for the policy reforms with sizable welfare effects (i.e., more than 0.2%), the model always predict the right sign of the welfare effects. However, the welfare effects can be evaluated with the wrong sign, when they are small and when the sample size is fairly limited. Quantitatively, the maximum errors made in evaluating a policy change are very small for some reforms (in the order of 0.02 percentage points), but bigger for others (in the order of 0.6 p.p.). Finally, having access to better data, in terms of larger samples, does lead to substantial increases in the precision of the welfare effects estimates, though the rate of convergence can be slow.Ex-ante Policy Evaluation, Incomplete Markets, Heterogeneous Agents, Monte Carlo, Welfare

Structured Interview Tools: Insights and Issues from Assessing Wellbeing of Fishermen Adapting to Change Using Scoring and Ranking Questions

This case discusses the use of researcher-administered structured interview tools, with ranking and scoring exercises, combined with more open-ended fluid interviews. Drawing on empirical work applying methods from wellbeing research to understanding the social impacts of change in a small-scale fishing community in the East of England, I discuss the insights that were gained from using these tools and some of the methodological issues I encountered. Finally, I reflect on my experience and some of the ethical questions that arose when using these tools. In doing so, I explain my decision to abandon the use of these tools and to privilege a less structured interview approach

Tracking Progress - Some Issues and Tools

Tracking progress is easy to say and hard to do. It becomes even harder in an era when tracking progress and accountability have often been morphed into rigid patterns of bean counting. People working in the trenches are increasingly frustrated with the lack of concern on the part of funding organizations, and in particular governments, with performanceoriented tracking. It often seems narrow concentration on financial details consumes far too much human energy compared to discussion focused on what is being learned and how results can be improved