Matrix Transfer Function Design for Flexible Structures: An Application

The application of matrix transfer function design techniques to the problem of disturbance rejection on a flexible space structure is demonstrated. The design approach is based on parameterizing a class of stabilizing compensators for the plant and formulating the design specifications as a constrained minimization problem in terms of these parameters. The solution yields a matrix transfer function representation of the compensator. A state space realization of the compensator is constructed to investigate performance and stability on the nominal and perturbed models. The application is made to the ACOSSA (Active Control of Space Structures) optical structure

Validity in market research Practice: `New' is not always `improved'

Market research suppliers want to provide a differentiated product or service offering to their clients. However, the frequent need to appear 'new' results in adaptation of research to different contexts. This has consequences for validity. In this paper we make the case for tempering the existing enthusiasm for constant 'innovation' in market research methodologies. In particular, we argue that unfettered adaptation can lead to the generation of invalid findings. We demonstrate some methods of how invalid results can develop. Finally we explain current concepts of 'validity' and provide an innovative way of showing the relationship between the dozen or more varieties of validity that are commonly used in the literature(s). This paper aims to remind practitioners and academics alike, that concepts of validity are important and that there is no point in having a perfectly reliable, but completely invalid, measurement tool

Impact of ICARDA Research on Australian Agriculture

Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

Sea anemone model has a single Toll-like receptor that can function in pathogen detection, NF-κB signal transduction, and development

In organisms from insects to vertebrates, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are primary pathogen detectors that activate downstream pathways, specifically those that direct expression of innate immune effector genes. TLRs also have roles in development in many species. The sea anemone Nematostella vectensis is a useful cnidarian model to study the origins of TLR signaling because its genome encodes a single TLR and homologs of many downstream signaling components, including the NF-κB pathway. We have characterized the single N. vectensis TLR (Nv-TLR) and demonstrated that it can activate canonical NF-κB signaling in human cells. Furthermore, we show that the intracellular Toll/IL-1 receptor (TIR) domain of Nv-TLR can interact with the human TLR adapter proteins MAL and MYD88. We demonstrate that the coral pathogen Vibrio coralliilyticus causes a rapidly lethal disease in N. vectensis and that heat-inactivated V. coralliilyticus and bacterial flagellin can activate a reconstituted Nv-TLR–to–NF-κB pathway in human cells. By immunostaining of anemones, we show that Nv-TLR is expressed in a subset of cnidocytes and that many of these Nv-TLR–expressing cells also express Nv-NF-κB. Additionally, the nematosome, which is a Nematostella-specific multicellular structure, expresses Nv-TLR and many innate immune pathway homologs and can engulf V. coralliilyticus. Morpholino knockdown indicates that Nv-TLR also has an essential role during early embryonic development. Our characterization of this primitive TLR and identification of a bacterial pathogen for N. vectensis reveal ancient TLR functions and provide a model for studying the molecular basis of cnidarian disease and immunity.IOS-1354935 - National Science Foundation (NSF); GRFP - National Science Foundation (NSF); GRFP - National Science Foundation (NSF); 1262934 - National Science Foundation (NSF); 2014-BSP - Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundatio

Affinity and ambiguity in designerly leadership

This paper discusses a new theory of Designerly Leadership in response to major disruptions in the ways that products and services are designed, made, and distributed. We outline an experientially derived framing of what it means to lead in a designerly fashion, particularly focusing on how leaders modulate their perceptions of affinity and develop extended methods for working with ambiguity. We then propose a series of ways that programs wanting to educate design managers for strategic roles could build and support this capacity in their graduates

Social marketing's consumer myopia: Applying a behavioural ecological model to address wicked problems

Purpose – Addressing calls for broadening social marketing thinking beyond “individualistic” parameters, this paper aims to describe a behavioural ecological systems (BEM) approach to enhance understanding of social markets. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework – the BEM – is presented and discussed within a context of alcohol social change. Findings – The BEM emphasises the relational nature of behaviour change, where individuals are embedded in an ecological system that involves the performances of behaviour and social change within historical, social, cultural, physical and environmental settings. Layers of influence on actors are characterised as macro (distant, large in scale), exo (external, remote from individuals), meso (between the individual and environments) and micro (the individual within their social setting). The BEM can be applied to guide social marketers towards creating solutions that focus on collaboration amongst market actors rather than among consumers. Practical implications – The BEM contributes to a broader holistic view of social ecologies and behaviour change; emphasises the need for social marketers to embrace systems thinking; and recognises that relationships between actors at multiple layers in social change markets are interactive, collaborative and embedded in dynamic social contexts. Importantly, a behavioural ecological systems approach enables social marketers to develop coherent, integrated and multi-dimensional social change programmes. Originality/value – The underlying premise of the BEM brings forward relational logic as the foundation for future social marketing theory and practice. Taking this approach to social market change focuses strategy on the intangible aspects of social offerings, inclusive of the interactions and processes of value creation (and/or destruction) within a social marketing system to facilitate collaboration and interaction across a network of actors so as to overcome barriers and identify solutions to social problems

Leading through design: developing skills for affinity and ambiguity

Abstract too lon