System Level Synthesis

This article surveys the System Level Synthesis framework, which presents a novel perspective on constrained robust and optimal controller synthesis for linear systems. We show how SLS shifts the controller synthesis task from the design of a controller to the design of the entire closed loop system, and highlight the benefits of this approach in terms of scalability and transparency. We emphasize two particular applications of SLS, namely large-scale distributed optimal control and robust control. In the case of distributed control, we show how SLS allows for localized controllers to be computed, extending robust and optimal control methods to large-scale systems under practical and realistic assumptions. In the case of robust control, we show how SLS allows for novel design methodologies that, for the first time, quantify the degradation in performance of a robust controller due to model uncertainty -- such transparency is key in allowing robust control methods to interact, in a principled way, with modern techniques from machine learning and statistical inference. Throughout, we emphasize practical and efficient computational solutions, and demonstrate our methods on easy to understand case studies.Comment: To appear in Annual Reviews in Contro

Adult learning and lifelong learning and their socio-economic contribution

This paper provides a synthesis learning from in adult learning literature. The paper starts by looking the rationale for adult learning which has its roots on informal learning. It offers in a nutshell some benefit of learning from adult education perspective. The paper provides a substantiation of a wide-ranging perspective of learning that accommodate social aspect of life than a narrowly understood classroom learning for certification. This paper intends to identify the immediate results of learning, offer the understanding of how learning influence on outcomes and offer practical examples from previous research. Last but not the least, the paper concludes by highlighting the wide understanding of learning from an adult education perspective

A Perspective on the Synthesis, Purification, and Characterization of Porous Organic Cages

[Image: see text] Porous organic cages present many opportunities in functional materials chemistry, but the synthetic challenges for these molecular solids are somewhat different from those faced in the areas of metal–organic frameworks, covalent–organic frameworks, or porous polymer networks. Here, we highlight the practical methods that we have developed for the design, synthesis, and characterization of imine porous organic cages using CC1 and CC3 as examples. The key points are transferable to other cages, and this perspective should serve as a practical guide to researchers who are new to this field

Adult Learning and Lifelong Learning and their Socio-Economic Contribution

This paper provides a synthesis learning from in adult learning literature. The paper starts by looking the rationale for adult learning which has its roots on informal learning. It offers in a nutshell some benefit of learning from adult education perspective. The paper provides a substantiation of a wide-ranging perspective of learning that accommodate social aspect of life than a narrowly understood classroom learning for certification. This paper intends to identify the immediate results of learning, offer the understanding of how learning influence on outcomes and offer practical examples from previous research. Last but not the least, the paper concludes by highlighting the wide understanding of learning from an adult education perspective. Keyword: adult learning, lifelong learning, social networking, socio-economi

Optimal Switching Synthesis for Jump Linear Systems with Gaussian initial state uncertainty

This paper provides a method to design an optimal switching sequence for jump linear systems with given Gaussian initial state uncertainty. In the practical perspective, the initial state contains some uncertainties that come from measurement errors or sensor inaccuracies and we assume that the type of this uncertainty has the form of Gaussian distribution. In order to cope with Gaussian initial state uncertainty and to measure the system performance, Wasserstein metric that defines the distance between probability density functions is used. Combining with the receding horizon framework, an optimal switching sequence for jump linear systems can be obtained by minimizing the objective function that is expressed in terms of Wasserstein distance. The proposed optimal switching synthesis also guarantees the mean square stability for jump linear systems. The validations of the proposed methods are verified by examples.Comment: ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Conference (DSCC), 201

System level synthesis

This article surveys the System Level Synthesis framework, which presents a novel perspective on constrained robust and optimal controller synthesis for linear systems. We show how SLS shifts the controller synthesis task from the design of a controller to the design of the entire closed loop system, and highlight the benefits of this approach in terms of scalability and transparency. We emphasize two particular applications of SLS, namely large-scale distributed optimal control and robust control. In the case of distributed control, we show how SLS allows for localized controllers to be computed, extending robust and optimal control methods to large-scale systems under practical and realistic assumptions. In the case of robust control, we show how SLS allows for novel design methodologies that, for the first time, quantify the degradation in performance of a robust controller due to model uncertainty – such transparency is key in allowing robust control methods to interact, in a principled way, with modern techniques from machine learning and statistical inference. Throughout, we emphasize practical and efficient computational solutions, and demonstrate our methods on easy to understand case studies

The quality of equality: thinking differently about gender inclusion in organizations

Purpose: This article suggests a shift in thinking about how to improve gender inclusion in organisations, as well as offering a number of practical action points. Design/methodology/approach: This article takes a perspective based on the authors’ own ongoing research as well as synthesis of existing insights into gender inclusion in organisations. Findings: In order to retain top talent and improve organisational climate, we need to re-think how we measure the success of organisational inclusion policies. Specifically, the article suggests moving from numbers and targets to looking at the quality of gender inclusion in the workplace. The article explains why this shift in thinking is important, and how to approach it. Practical implications: The article provides strategic insights into and practical thinking about ways in which progressive organisations can continue to improve gender equality. Originality/value: The article makes a provocative call for a change of perspective on gender inclusion in organisations based on cutting-edge research, and puts forward action points in an accessible format

Challenging The “Man” In Mangroves: The Missing Role Of Women In Mangrove Conservation

Mangroves provide valuable ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, pollution filtration, and protection from tsunamis, tropical storms, and coastal erosion. They also supply coastal communities with important natural resources like firewood, medicine, timber, honey, and fodder for livestock. Unfortunately, the world’s mangroves are rapidly degrading due to rising coastal population, climate change, and destruction for coastal development, agriculture, and aquaculture. Considering their value for the environment and coastal communities, mangrove conservation should become a priority and effort must be invested to find new and successful methods for conserving mangrove ecosystems. As it has proven effective in other conservation contexts, a gendered perspective on mangrove conservation should be adopted. Through review and synthesis of existing literature on gender and mangrove conservation, this paper will show the extent to which gender analysis has been used to examine mangrove conservation and coastal resource management. It will describe the following trends in literature: a) a lack of research focusing on gender’s role in mangrove conservation, b) confusion about the practical applications of a gender, environment, and development (GED) conceptual framework c) little effort to evaluate the success of programs that integrate gender and mangrove conservation. It will make suggestions for future research and encourage further use of a gendered outlook on mangrove conservation and resource management